Editing Windows 2000

{{Short description|Fifth major release of Windows NT}}
{{Distinguish|Windows Me}}
{{Redirect|Windows NT 5.0|the code name of this operating system|3=List of Microsoft codenames}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2012}}
{{Infobox OS
| name = Windows 2000
| version of = [[Windows NT]]
| logo = Windows 2000 logo.svg
| logo_size = 200px
| screenshot = Windows 2000 Professional screenshot.png
| caption = Screenshot of Windows 2000, showing the [[Start menu]] and the Getting Started with Windows window
| developer = [[Microsoft]]
| family = [[Microsoft Windows]]
| working state = No longer supported<!-- "Current", "Discontinued" (operating systems), or "No longer supported" (releases) -->
| source model = {{ubl
| [[Proprietary software|Closed-source]]
| [[Source-available software|Source-available]] (through [[Shared Source Initiative]])<ref name="SharedSourceInitiative">{{Cite web |date=March 2003 |title=Microsoft Shared Source Initiative Overview |url=http://www.microsoft.com/resources/sharedsource/Initiative/Initiative.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030402214510/http://www.microsoft.com/resources/sharedsource/Initiative/Initiative.mspx |archive-date=April 2, 2003 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref>
}}
| discontinued = yes
| first release date = {{Start date and age|1999|12|15}}<ref name="RTM">{{Cite web |date=December 15, 1999 |title=Microsoft Releases Windows 2000 to Manufacturing |url=https://news.microsoft.com/1999/12/15/microsoft-releases-windows-2000-to-manufacturing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604153505/https://news.microsoft.com/1999/12/15/microsoft-releases-windows-2000-to-manufacturing/ |archive-date=June 4, 2019 |access-date=February 14, 2017 |website=News Center |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref>
| first release url = 
| GA date = {{Start date and age|2000|2|17}}<ref name="GA">{{Cite web |date=February 17, 2000 |title=Gates Ushers in Next Generation of PC Computing With Launch of Windows 2000 |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2000/02/17/gates-ushers-in-next-generation-of-pc-computing-with-launch-of-windows-2000/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003170256/https://news.microsoft.com/2000/02/17/gates-ushers-in-next-generation-of-pc-computing-with-launch-of-windows-2000/ |archive-date=October 3, 2019 |access-date=February 17, 2018 |website=News Center |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref>
| GA url = 
| release version = Service Pack 4 with Update Rollup (5.0.2195)
| release date = {{Start date and age|2005|9|13}}<ref name="Windows2000SP4UR1">{{Cite web |title=Update Rollup 1 for Windows 2000 SP4 and known issues |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/891861/update-rollup-1-for-windows-2000-sp4-and-known-issues |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302234843/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/891861/update-rollup-1-for-windows-2000-sp4-and-known-issues |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref>
| release url = 
| marketing target = Business and Server
| programmed in = 
| language = <!-- Supported human languages (English, French, Italian, Arabic, ...) -->
| language count = 
| language footnote = 
| update model = {{plainlist|
* [[Windows Update]]
* [[Windows Server Update Services]] (WSUS)
* [[System Center Configuration Manager]] (SCCM)
}}
| package manager = <!-- dpkg, rpm, Windows installer, etc. -->
| supported platforms = [[IA-32]] ([[DEC Alpha|Alpha]] 64-bit in alpha, beta, and release candidate versions, preview release of [[IA-64]])
| kernel type = [[Hybrid kernel|Hybrid]] ([[Windows NT kernel]])
| userland = [[Windows API]], [[NTVDM]], [[Microsoft OS/2 subsystem|OS/2 1.x]], [[Windows Services for UNIX|SFU]]
| ui = [[Windows shell]] ([[Graphical user interface|Graphical]])
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]] [[commercial software]]
| preceded by = [[Windows NT 4.0]] (1996)
| succeeded by = [[Windows XP]] Professional/Home (client)<br />[[Windows Server 2003]] (servers)
| website = {{URL|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20001203133300/http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/default.asp|2=microsoft.com/windows2000/}} at the [[Wayback Machine]] (archived December 3, 2000)
| support status = Mainstream support ended on June 30, 2005<br />Extended support ended on July 13, 2010<ref name="Lifecycle" />
}}
'''Windows 2000''' is<!--Do NOT change to "was". This violates [[MOS:TENSE]], which specifies that all articles on operating systems are written in present tense, even if discontinued.--> a major release of the [[Windows NT]] [[operating system]] developed by [[Microsoft]], targeting the server and business markets. It is the direct successor to [[Windows NT 4.0]], and was [[Software release life cycle#Release to manufacturing (RTM)|released to manufacturing]] on December 15, 1999,<ref name="RTM" /> and then to retail on February 17, 2000 for all versions, with Windows 2000 Datacenter Server being released to retail on September 26, 2000.

Windows 2000 introduces [[NTFS]] 3.0,<ref name="NTFS3">{{Cite web |title=New Capabilities and Features of the NTFS 3.0 File System |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/253845 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024100310/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/253845 |archive-date=October 24, 2007 |access-date=February 14, 2017 |website=Microsoft Support |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> [[Encrypting File System]],<ref name="Windows2000EFS">{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2009 |title=Implementing the Encrypting File System in Windows 2000 |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd277413.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826201336/https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd277413.aspx |archive-date=August 26, 2017 |access-date=February 14, 2017 |website=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> and basic and dynamic disk storage.<ref name="DiskManagement">{{Cite web |date=July 18, 2012 |title=Disk Management |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/library/Cc960726 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222081401/https://technet.microsoft.com/library/Cc960726 |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |access-date=February 14, 2017 |website=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> Support for people with disabilities is improved over [[Windows NT 4.0]] with a number of new [[Assistive technology|assistive technologies]],<ref name="Accessibility">{{Cite web |title=Windows 2000 Professional Accessibility Features |url=http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/windows2000/features.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031217031420/http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/windows2000/features.aspx |archive-date=December 17, 2003 |access-date=February 14, 2017 |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> and Microsoft increased support for different languages<ref name="Windows2000MUI">{{Cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions: Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000 MUI |url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/goglobal/bb688178.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218063904/https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/goglobal/bb688178.aspx |archive-date=February 18, 2017 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |website=[[Microsoft Developer Network|MSDN]] |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> and [[Locale (computer software)|locale]] information.<ref name="LocaleIDs">{{Cite web |title=Windows 2000 - List of Locale IDs and Language Groups |url=http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/reference/win2k/setup/lcid.mspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030203143337/http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/reference/win2k/setup/lcid.mspx |archive-date=February 3, 2003 |access-date=February 14, 2017 |website=Global Development and Computing Portal |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> The Windows 2000 Server family has additional features, most notably the introduction of [[Active Directory]],<ref name="Windows2000ServerFamily">{{Cite web |date=July 18, 2012 |title=Windows 2000 Server Family |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/library/Cc960357 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222152658/https://technet.microsoft.com/library/Cc960357 |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |website=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> which in the years following became a widely used [[directory service]] in business environments. Although not present in the final release, support for [[DEC Alpha|Alpha]] 64-bit<ref>{{Cite web |date=1999-08-26 |title=Update: Microsoft cancels 64-bit Windows 2000 on Alpha |url=https://www.itprotoday.com/windows-8/update-microsoft-cancels-64-bit-windows-2000-alpha |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=ITPro Today: IT News, How-Tos, Trends, Case Studies, Career Tips, More |language=en |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212200739/https://www.itprotoday.com/windows-8/update-microsoft-cancels-64-bit-windows-2000-alpha |url-status=live }}</ref> was present in its alpha, beta, and release candidate versions. Its successor, [[Windows XP]], only supports [[x86]], [[x64]] and [[Itanium]] processors. Windows 2000 was also the first NT release to drop the "NT" name from its product line.

Four editions of Windows 2000 have been released: ''Professional'', ''Server'', ''Advanced Server'', and ''Datacenter Server'';<ref name="Windows2000Packaging">{{Cite web |date=October 27, 1998 |title=Microsoft Renames Windows NT 5.0 Product Line to Windows 2000; Signals Evolution of Windows NT Technology Into Mainstream |url=https://news.microsoft.com/1998/10/27/microsoft-renames-windows-nt-5-0-product-line-to-windows-2000-signals-evolution-of-windows-nt-technology-into-mainstream/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112171025/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1998/Oct98/NT5.mspx |archive-date=January 12, 2009 |access-date=February 14, 2017 |website=News Center |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> the latter of which was launched months after the other editions.<ref name="FinalPackaging">{{Cite web |date=August 17, 1999 |title=Microsoft Announces Final Packaging for Windows 2000 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/1999/aug99/smppr.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508060259/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/1999/aug99/smppr.aspx |archive-date=May 8, 2014 |access-date=February 14, 2017 |website=News Center |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> While each edition of Windows 2000 is targeted at a different market, they share a core set of features, including many system utilities such as the [[Microsoft Management Console]] and standard [[system administration]] applications.

Microsoft marketed Windows 2000 as the most secure Windows version ever at the time;<ref name="CyberSafePR">{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2000 |title=Microsoft and CyberSafe Extend Windows 2000 Security Across the Enterprise |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2000/01/17/microsoft-and-cybersafe-extend-windows-2000-security-across-the-enterprise/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218133509/https://news.microsoft.com/2000/01/17/microsoft-and-cybersafe-extend-windows-2000-security-across-the-enterprise/ |archive-date=February 18, 2017 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |website=News Center |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> however, it became the target of a number of high-profile virus attacks such as [[Code Red (computer worm)|Code Red]]<ref name="CERTCodeRed">{{Cite web |date=July 19, 2001 |title='Code Red' Worm Exploiting Buffer Overflow in IIS Indexing Service DLL |url=http://www.cert.org/historical/incident_notes/IN-2001-08.cfm? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817050508/http://www.cert.org/historical/incident_notes/IN-2001-08.cfm |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |access-date=May 17, 2019 |website=[[CERT Coordination Center]] |publisher=[[Software Engineering Institute]]}}</ref> and [[Nimda]].<ref name="Nimba">{{Cite web |last=Swartz |first=Jon |date=September 25, 2001 |title=Nimba called most serious Net attack on business |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/tech/2001-09-26-nimba-virus.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217223535/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/tech/2001-09-26-nimba-virus.htm |archive-date=February 17, 2017 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |website=[[USA Today]] |publisher=[[Gannett Company]]}}</ref> Windows 2000 was succeeded by [[Windows XP]] a little over a year and a half in October 2001, while Windows 2000 Server was succeeded by [[Windows Server 2003]] more than three years after its initial release on March 2003. For ten years after its release, it continued to receive patches for security [[Vulnerability (computing)|vulnerabilities]] nearly every month until reaching the end of support on July 13, 2010, the same day that support ended for [[Windows XP#Service Pack 2|Windows XP SP2]].<ref name="Lifecycle" />

Both the [[Xbox (console)|original Xbox]] and the [[Xbox 360]] use a modified version of the Windows 2000 kernel as their [[Xbox system software|system software]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Trinder |first1=Garry |title=The Xbox Operating System |url=https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/xboxteam/2006/02/17/the-xbox-operating-system/ |website=Xbox Engineering |date=February 17, 2006 |publisher=MSDN |access-date=31 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102200600/https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/xboxteam/2006/02/17/the-xbox-operating-system/ |archive-date=November 2, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="leaked source">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/21/21265995/xbox-source-code-leak-original-console-windows-3-5 |title=Xbox and Windows NT 3.5 source code leaks online |first=Tom |last=Warren |date=May 21, 2020}}</ref> Its source code was [[Source code leak|leaked]] in 2020.<ref name="leaked source" />

== History ==
{{see also|History of Microsoft Windows}}
{{Missing information|section|features (other than the boot screen and sounds) introduced during the development|date=May 2021}}

Windows 2000, originally named Windows NT 5.0, is a continuation of the Microsoft [[Windows NT]] family of operating systems, replacing [[Windows NT 4.0]]. Chairman and CEO [[Bill Gates]] was originally "pretty confident" Windows NT 5.0 would ship in the first half of 1998,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veitch |first=Martin |date=20 March 1997 |title=NT 5.0 to ship in first half 1998 - Gates |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/nt-5-0-to-ship-first-half-of-1998-gates/ |publisher=[[ZDNet]] |access-date=January 8, 2023 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108034148/https://www.zdnet.com/article/nt-5-0-to-ship-first-half-of-1998-gates/ |url-status=live }}</ref> revealing that the first set of beta builds had been shipped in early 1997; these builds were identical to Windows NT 4.0. The first official beta was released in September 1997, followed by Beta 2 in August 1998.<ref name="ThurottWin2K">{{Cite web |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |date=December 15, 1999 |title=Road to Gold: A Look at the Development of Windows 2000 |url=http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-2000/the-road-to-gold-the-development-of-windows-2000-reviewed-127364 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821170225/http://winsupersite.com/article/windows-2000/the-road-to-gold-the-development-of-windows-2000-reviewed-127364 |archive-date=August 21, 2017 |access-date=April 17, 2019 |website=Supersite for Windows |publisher=[[Penton (company)|Penton]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 June 1997 |title=Bill Gates Speaks About 1998 Release of NT 5.0 |url=https://www.hpcwire.com/1997/06/06/bill-gates-speaks-about-1998-release-of-nt-5-0/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |publisher=HPCWire |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108034151/https://www.hpcwire.com/1997/06/06/bill-gates-speaks-about-1998-release-of-nt-5-0/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 27, 1998, Microsoft announced that the name of the final version of the operating system would be Windows 2000, a name which referred to its projected release date.<ref name="infoworldnt5">{{Cite web |last=Trott |first=Bob |date=October 27, 1998 |title=It's official: NT 5.0 becomes Windows 2000 |url=http://www.infoworld.com/cgi-bin/displayStory.pl?981027.wcwin2000.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050302194632/http://www.infoworld.com/cgi-bin/displayStory.pl?981027.wcwin2000.htm |archive-date=March 2, 2005 |access-date=April 22, 2006 |website=InfoWorld}}</ref> Windows 2000 Beta 3 was released in May 1999.<ref name="ThurottWin2K" /> Windows NT 5.0 Beta 1 was similar to Windows NT 4.0, including a very similarly themed logo. Windows NT 5.0 Beta 2 introduced a new 'mini' boot screen, and removed the 'dark space' theme in the logo. The Windows NT 5.0 betas had very long startup and shutdown sounds, though these were changed in the early Windows 2000 beta, but during Beta 3, a new [[piano]]-made startup and shutdown sounds were made, composed by Steven Ray Allen.<ref>{{Cite podcast |url=https://www.20k.org/episodes/tadaitswindows |title=Ta-da! It's Windows! |website=20k.org |publisher=Twenty Thousand Hertz |host=Fran Board |date=27 April 2022 |access-date=7 December 2022 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530002717/https://www.20k.org/episodes/tadaitswindows |url-status=live }}</ref> It was featured in the final version as well as in [[Windows Me]]. The new login prompt from the final version made its first appearance in Beta 3 build 1946 (the first build of Beta 3). The new, updated icons (for ''My Computer'', ''Recycle Bin'' etc.) first appeared in Beta 3 build 1964. The Windows 2000 boot screen in the final version first appeared in Beta 3 build 1983. Windows 2000 did not have an actual codename because, according to Dave Thompson of Windows NT team, "[[Jim Allchin]] didn't like codenames".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |date=August 8, 2013 |title=SuperSite Flashback: NT's First Decade |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows/supersite-flashback-nt-s-first-decade |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801163850/http://winsupersite.com/windows/supersite-flashback-nt-s-first-decade |archive-date=August 1, 2017 |access-date=August 10, 2013 |website=Supersite for Windows |publisher=[[Penton (company)|Penton]]}}</ref> Service Pack 1 for Windows 2000 was codenamed "Asteroid".<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 27, 2000 |title=Windows 2000 service pack nearing release |url=http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/hardware/0,39042972,13024785,00.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120529015721/http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/hardware/0,39042972,13024785,00.htm |archive-date=May 29, 2012 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Zdnetasia.com}}</ref>

During development, builds for the 64-bit [[DEC Alpha|Alpha]] architecture were compiled, but the project was abandoned in the final stages of development (between RC1 and RC2<ref>RC1 was the build 2072 from June 1999 (and last public Alpha/2000 build), the last known internal build was 2128 and the "Gold" release of Windows 2000 was build 2195.{{Cite web |title=Windows 2000?|url=http://www.alphant.com/articles/windows2000.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130205650/http://www.alphant.com/articles/windows2000.html |archive-date=November 30, 2011 |website=Alphant.com}}</ref>) after [[Compaq]] announced they had dropped support for Windows NT on Alpha. From here, Microsoft issued three release candidates between July and November 1999, and finally released the operating system to partners on December 12, 1999, followed by manufacturing three days later on December 15.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Windows 2000 history |url=http://www.activewin.com/win2000/history.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060520203928/http://www.activewin.com/win2000/history.shtml |archive-date=May 20, 2006 |access-date=April 22, 2006 |publisher=ActiveWin}}</ref> The public could buy the full version of Windows 2000 on February 17, 2000. Three days before this event, which Microsoft advertised as "a standard in reliability," a leaked memo from Microsoft reported on by [[Mary Jo Foley]] revealed that Windows 2000 had "over 63,000 potential known defects."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Foley |first=Mary Jo |author-link=Mary Jo Foley |date=14 February 2000 |title=Bugfest! Win2000 has 63,000 'defects' |url=http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/0,1000000121,2076967,00.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070113144123/http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/0,1000000121,2076967,00.htm |archive-date=January 13, 2007 |access-date=29 July 2014 |work=[[ZDNet]]}}</ref> After Foley's article was published, she claimed that Microsoft [[blacklist]]ed her for a considerable time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McLaws |first=Robert |date=20 September 2006 |title=Mary Jo Foley: The Exit Interview |url=http://www.windows-now.com/blogs/robert/archive/2006/09/20/Mary-Jo-Foley-Exit-Interview.aspx |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113004913/http://windows-now.com/blogs/robert/archive/2006/09/20/Mary-Jo-Foley-Exit-Interview.aspx |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |access-date=26 July 2014 |publisher=WindowsNow}}</ref> However, [[Abraham Silberschatz]] et al. claim in their computer science textbook that "Windows 2000 was the most reliable, stable operating system Microsoft had ever shipped to that point. Much of this reliability came from maturity in the source code, extensive stress testing of the system, and automatic detection of many serious errors in drivers."<ref>John Wiley & Sons (2010). Operating System Concepts with Java, 8th Edition, page 901.</ref> [[InformationWeek]] summarized the release "our tests show the successor to Windows NT 4.0 is everything we hoped it would be. Of course, it isn't perfect either."<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 6, 2003 |title=Special Report - Windows 2000 Review: Say Hello to Win2000 |url=http://www.informationweek.com/special-report---windows-2000-review-say-hello-to-win2000/d/d-id/1021618 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208175005/http://www.informationweek.com/special-report---windows-2000-review-say-hello-to-win2000/d/d-id/1021618 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |access-date=April 17, 2019 |website=InformationWeek}}</ref> ''[[Wired News]]'' later described the results of the February launch as "lackluster."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Heilemann |first=John |title=The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But The Truth |url=https://www.wired.com/2000/11/microsoft-7/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724133013/http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/8.11/microsoft_pr.html |archive-date=July 24, 2008 |access-date=April 17, 2019 |magazine=Wired}}</ref> [[Novell]] criticized Microsoft's [[Active Directory]], the new directory service architecture, as less scalable or reliable than its own [[Novell Directory Services]] (NDS) alternative.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 17, 1999 |title=NDS eDirectory vs. Microsoft Active Directory? |url=http://www.novell.com/coolsolutions/qna/6222.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050211000051/http://www.novell.com/coolsolutions/qna/6222.html |archive-date=February 11, 2005 |access-date=April 22, 2006 |publisher=Novell |quote=NDS eDirectory is a cross-platform directory solution that works on NT 4.0, Windows 2000 when available, Solaris and NetWare 5. Active Directory will only support the Windows 2000 environment. In addition, eDirectory users can be assured they are using the most trusted, reliable and mature directory service to manage and control their e-business relationships – not a 1.0 release.}}</ref>

Windows 2000 was initially planned to replace both [[Windows 98]] and [[Windows NT 4.0]]. However, this would be changed later, as an updated version of Windows 98 called [[Windows 98#Windows 98 Second Edition|Windows 98 Second Edition]] was released in 1999.

On or shortly before February 12, 2004, "portions of the Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows NT 4.0 [[source code]] were illegally made available on the Internet."<ref name="msstmt">{{Cite web |date=February 20, 2004 |title=Statement from Microsoft Regarding Illegal Posting of Windows 2000 Source Code |url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2004/Feb04/02-12windowssource.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805100108/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2004/Feb04/02-12windowssource.mspx |archive-date=August 5, 2011 |access-date=January 11, 2007 |publisher=Microsoft |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The source of the leak was later traced to [[Mainsoft]], a [[Windows Interface Source Environment]] partner.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-02-13 |title=Mainsoft Eyed as Windows Source Code Leak |url=http://www.internetnews.com/ent-news/article.php/3312621 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309152137/http://www.internetnews.com/ent-news/article.php/3312621 |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |access-date=2009-07-03 |publisher=internetnews.co}}</ref> Microsoft issued the following statement:
<blockquote> ''"Microsoft source code is both copyrighted and protected as a trade secret. As such, it is illegal to post it, make it available to others, download it or use it."'' </blockquote>
Despite the warnings, the archive containing the leaked code spread widely on the [[File sharing|file-sharing]] networks. On February 16, 2004, an [[Exploit (computer security)|exploit]] "allegedly discovered by an individual studying the leaked source code"<ref name="msstmt" /> for certain versions of [[Internet Explorer|Microsoft Internet Explorer]] was reported. On April 15, 2015, [[GitHub]] took down a repository containing a copy of the Windows NT 4.0 source code that originated from the leak.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Van der Saar |first=Ernesto |date=2015-04-15 |title=Microsoft Takes Pirated Windows NT 4.0 Source Code Offline |url=https://torrentfreak.com/microsoft-takes-pirated-windows-nt-4-0-source-code-offline-150415/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108091519/https://torrentfreak.com/microsoft-takes-pirated-windows-nt-4-0-source-code-offline-150415/ |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |access-date=2021-03-28 |website=TorrentFreak}}</ref>

{{Anchor|Advanced Server Limited Edition}}Microsoft planned to release in 2000<ref name="Win2k64bitItanium">{{Cite press release |title=Microsoft and Intel Announce Preview Release of 64-Bit Windows for Intel Itanium Processor |date=July 12, 2000 |publisher=Microsoft |url=http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2000/jul00/itaniumpr.mspx |access-date=October 4, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024030244/http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2000/jul00/itaniumpr.mspx |archive-date=October 24, 2007 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 7, 1999 |title=64-Bit Windows Overview |url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/guide/platform/strategic/64bit.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000301193850/http://www.microsoft.com/WINDOWS2000/guide/platform/strategic/64bit.asp |archive-date=March 1, 2000 |access-date=23 July 2014 |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> a version of Windows 2000, specially codenamed "Janus",<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |date=July 27, 1999 |title=64-bit Windows 2000 on track for mid-2000 |url=http://www.windowsitpro.com/article/news2/64-bit-windows-2000-on-track-for-mid-2000.aspx |url-status=dead |journal=Windows IT Pro |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120529015759/http://www.windowsitpro.com/article/news2/64-bit-windows-2000-on-track-for-mid-2000.aspx |archive-date=May 29, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 26, 1999 |title=Windows 2000 to Launch at Comdex, 64-Bit Janus in the Wings |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CGN/is_1999_August_26/ai_55572391 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718055750/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CGN/is_1999_August_26/ai_55572391/ |archive-date=July 18, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Findarticles.com}}</ref> which would run on [[64-bit]] Intel [[Itanium]] [[microprocessor]]s. However, the first officially released 64-bit version of Windows was ''[[Windows XP 64-Bit Edition]]'', released alongside the 32-bit editions of [[Windows XP]] on October 25, 2001,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-05-23 |title=Microsoft Unveils Plans for 64-Bit Windows Platform - Stories |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2001/05/23/microsoft-unveils-plans-for-64-bit-windows-platform/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031050331/https://news.microsoft.com/2001/05/23/microsoft-unveils-plans-for-64-bit-windows-platform/ |archive-date=October 31, 2019 |access-date=2020-02-15 |publisher=News.microsoft.com}}</ref> followed by the server versions ''Windows Datacenter Server Limited Edition'' and later ''Windows Advanced Server Limited Edition'', which were based on the pre-release [[Windows Server 2003]] (then known as ''Windows .NET Server'') codebase.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bekker |first=Scott |date=March 5, 2002 |title=Datacenter Server Limited Edition Released |url=http://redmondmag.com/articles/2002/03/05/datacenter-server-limited-edition-released.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812101153/http://redmondmag.com/articles/2002/03/05/datacenter-server-limited-edition-released.aspx |archive-date=August 12, 2014 |access-date=23 July 2014 |publisher=Redmond Magazine |quote="Although Microsoft has pushed back the schedule for Windows .NET Server, the company is going ahead with the release of a limited edition of Windows Datacenter Server based on Windows .NET Server beta code."}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> These editions were released in 2002, were shortly available through the OEM channel and then were superseded by the final versions of Server 2003.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Introducing Windows Advanced Server, Limited Edition |url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows.netserver/64bit/overview/default.mspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021022044243/http://www.microsoft.com/windows.netserver/64bit/overview/default.mspx |archive-date=October 22, 2002 |access-date=12 January 2013 |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref>

== New and updated features ==
Windows 2000 introduced many of the new features of [[Windows 98]] and 98 SE into the NT line,<ref name="Win2KIntro">{{Cite web |title=Introducing Windows 2000 Professional |url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/Windows2000Pro/reskit/part1/proch01.mspx?mfr=true |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070320142629/http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/Windows2000Pro/reskit/part1/proch01.mspx?mfr=true |archive-date=March 20, 2007 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> such as the [[Windows Desktop Update]],<ref name="Win2KIntro" /> [[Internet Explorer 5|Internet Explorer&nbsp;5]] ([[Internet Explorer 6|Internet Explorer&nbsp;6]], which followed in 2001, is also available for Windows 2000),<ref name="Win2KIntro" /> [[Outlook Express]], [[Microsoft NetMeeting|NetMeeting]], [[FAT32]] support,<ref>[http://support.microsoft.com/kb/154997 Description of the FAT32 File System] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080508005208/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/154997 |date=May 8, 2008 }},</ref> [[Streaming SIMD Extensions|SSE]] and [[3DNow!]] support, [[SSE2]] support, [[Windows Driver Model]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2002 |title=Windows Driver Model (WDM) |url=http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/wdmoverview.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222111251/http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/wdmoverview.mspx |archive-date=December 22, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[Internet Connection Sharing]],<ref name="Win2KIntro" /> [[Windows Media Player]] 6.4, [[WebDAV]] support<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 29, 2007 |title=Overview of Web Folders in Internet Explorer 5 |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/195851 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105015555/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/195851 |archive-date=January 5, 2012 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Support.microsoft.com}}</ref> etc. Certain new features are common across all editions of Windows 2000, among them NTFS 3.0,<ref name="NTFS3" /> the [[Microsoft Management Console]] (MMC),<ref name="MMC">{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2009 |title=Microsoft Management Console – Overview |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb742441.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122074936/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb742441.aspx |archive-date=November 22, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Technet.microsoft.com}}</ref> [[Universal Disk Format|UDF]] support, the [[Encrypting File System]] (EFS),<ref name="EFS">{{Cite web |title=Implementing the Encrypting File System in Windows 2000 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/windows2000/w2kccadm/dataprot/w2kadm21.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723225658/http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/Windows2000/w2kccadm/dataprot/w2kadm21.mspx |archive-date=July 23, 2008 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[Logical Disk Manager]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disk Management |url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/deploy/dgbj_sto_csmg.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112091853/http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/deploy/dgbj_sto_csmg.mspx |archive-date=January 12, 2009 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Image Color Management 2.0,<ref name="ColorsFonts">{{Cite web |date=September 6, 1999 |title=Windows 2000 To Include New On-Screen And Printed Scalable Color Solution |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0GZQ/is_34_40/ai_55660669 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060223160134/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0GZQ/is_34_40/ai_55660669 |archive-date=February 23, 2006 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Findarticles.com}}</ref> support for [[PostScript|PostScript 3]]-based printers,<ref name="ColorsFonts" /> [[OpenType]] <code>(.OTF)</code> and [[Type 1 font|Type 1 PostScript]] <code>(.PFB)</code> font support<ref name="ColorsFonts" /> (including a new font—[[Palatino Linotype]]—to showcase some OpenType features<ref>{{Cite web |title=MSDN Blogs |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/fontblog/archive/2007/06/11/a-blast-from-type-past.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809063330/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/fontblog/archive/2007/06/11/a-blast-from-type-past.aspx |archive-date=August 9, 2014 |access-date=August 8, 2014 |website=msdn.com |publisher=Microsoft |df=mdy-all}}</ref>), the [[Data protection application programming interface|Data protection API]] (DPAPI),<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2007 |title=How to troubleshoot the Data Protection API (DPAPI) |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309408 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005211601/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309408 |archive-date=October 5, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Support.microsoft.com}}</ref> an [[LDAP]]/[[Active Directory]]-enabled [[Windows Address Book|Address Book]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2007 |title=How to Configure the Address Book to Query Users Contained in Active Directory |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/238007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020215152/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/238007 |archive-date=October 20, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Support.microsoft.com}}</ref> usability enhancements and multi-language and locale support. Windows 2000 also introduced [[USB]] device class drivers for USB printers, [[USB Mass Storage Device class|Mass storage class devices]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 25, 2008 |title=USB FAQ: Introductory level |url=http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/connect/usb/usbfaq_intro.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225045439/http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/connect/usb/USBFAQ_intro.mspx |archive-date=December 25, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> and improved FireWire [[Serial Bus Protocol 2|SBP-2]] support for printers and scanners, along with a ''Safe removal'' applet for removable storage devices.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2001 |title=IEEE 1394 and the Windows platform |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg454506#E3AAC |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108214828/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg454506#E3AAC |archive-date=November 8, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Msdn.microsoft.com}}</ref> Windows 2000 SP4 added native [[USB 2.0]] support, [[Wireless Zero Configuration]] support and [[SSE3]] support. Windows 2000 is also the first Windows version to support [[Hibernate (computing)|hibernation]] at the operating system level (OS-controlled [[Advanced Configuration and Power Interface|ACPI]] S4 sleep state) unlike Windows 98 which required special drivers from the hardware manufacturer or driver developer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2002 |title=Windows and Power Management |url=http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/winpowmgmt.mspx#EUE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040713182635/http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/winpowmgmt.mspx#EUE |archive-date=July 13, 2004 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

A new capability designed to protect critical system files called [[Windows File Protection]] was introduced. This protects critical Windows system files by preventing programs other than Microsoft's operating system update mechanisms such as the ''Package Installer'', [[Windows Installer]] and other update components from modifying them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft KB article 222193: Description of the Windows File Protection Feature |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/222193 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060821212217/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/222193/ |archive-date=August 21, 2006 |access-date=September 17, 2006}}</ref> The [[System File Checker]] utility provides users the ability to perform a manual scan of the integrity of all protected system files, and optionally repair them, either by restoring from a cache stored in a separate "DLLCACHE" directory, or from the original install media.

Microsoft recognized that a serious error (a [[Blue Screen of Death]] or stop error) could cause problems for servers that needed to be constantly running and so provided a system setting that would allow the server to automatically reboot when a stop error occurred.<ref name="RecoveryOptions">{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2006 |title=How to configure system failure and recovery options in Windows |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307973 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116061949/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307973 |archive-date=November 16, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Support.microsoft.com}}</ref> Also included is an option to [[Core dump|dump]] any of the first 64 [[kilobyte|KB]] of memory to disk (the smallest amount of memory that is useful for [[debugging]] purposes, also known as a minidump), a dump of only the kernel's memory, or a dump of the entire contents of memory to disk, as well as write that this event happened to the Windows 2000 [[Event Viewer|event log]].<ref name="RecoveryOptions" /> In order to improve performance on servers running Windows 2000, Microsoft gave administrators the choice of optimizing the operating system's memory and processor usage patterns for background services or for applications.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Analyzing processor activity: Windows 2000 Professional Resource Kit |url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/Windows2000Pro/reskit/part6/proch29.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417192005/http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000pro/reskit/part6/proch29.mspx |archive-date=April 17, 2008 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Windows 2000 also introduced core system administration and management features, such as the [[Windows Installer]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2011 |title=Using Windows Installer in Windows 2000 beta 3 |url=http://entmag.com/archives/article.asp?editorialsid=5169 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114045547/http://entmag.com/archives/article.asp?editorialsid=5169 |archive-date=January 14, 2009 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Entmag.com}}</ref> [[Windows Management Instrumentation]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2000 |title=Programming with Windows Management Instrumentation |url=http://www.informit.com/articles/printerfriendly.aspx?p=19489 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103072206/http://www.informit.com/articles/printerfriendly.aspx?p=19489 |archive-date=January 3, 2013 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Informit.com}}</ref> and Event Tracing for Windows (ETW)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Event Tracing for Windows (ETW): MSDN |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb968803(VS.85).aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202174934/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb968803%28VS.85%29.aspx |archive-date=December 2, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Msdn.microsoft.com}}</ref> into the operating system.

=== Plug and Play and hardware support improvements ===
The most notable improvement from [[Windows NT 4.0]] is the addition of Plug and Play with full [[Advanced Configuration and Power Interface|ACPI]] and [[Windows Driver Model]] support. Similar to [[Windows 9x]], Windows 2000 supports automatic recognition of installed hardware, hardware resource allocation, loading of appropriate drivers, PnP APIs and device notification events. The addition of the kernel PnP Manager along with the Power Manager are two significant subsystems added in Windows 2000.

Windows 2000 introduced version 3 print drivers (user mode printer drivers)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Choosing User Mode or Kernel Mode |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff545949(v=vs.85).aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006023452/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff545949(v=vs.85).aspx |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Msdn.microsoft.com}}</ref> based on [[Unidrv]], which made it easier for printer manufacturers to write device drivers for printers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Universal Printer Driver - Windows drivers |url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/print/microsoft-universal-printer-driver |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111192252/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/print/microsoft-universal-printer-driver |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-13 |website=docs.microsoft.com |language=en-us}}</ref> Generic support for 5-button mice is also included as standard<ref>{{Cite web |title=Keyboard and mouse HID client drivers |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/gg454511.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314033300/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/gg454511.aspx |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |access-date=July 4, 2013 |website=microsoft.com |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> and installing [[IntelliPoint]] allows reassigning the programmable buttons. Windows 98 lacked generic support.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fourth and Fifth Mouse Buttons Not Recognized by Windows |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/254660 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126125329/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/254660 |archive-date=November 26, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2013 |website=microsoft.com |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> [[Driver Verifier]] was introduced to stress test and catch device driver bugs.<ref name="Verifier">[http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff545448%28v=vs.85%29.aspx Driver Verifier at MSDN] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424053012/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff545448(v=vs.85).aspx |date=April 24, 2012 }}. Microsoft.</ref>

===Shell===
Windows 2000 introduces layered windows that allow for transparency, translucency and various transition effects like shadows, gradient fills and alpha-blended GUI elements to top-level windows.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2010 |title=Layered Windows: MSDN |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms997507.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126235959/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms997507.aspx |archive-date=November 26, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Msdn.microsoft.com}}</ref> Menus support a new ''Fade'' transition effect.
[[Image:Windows 2000 Explorer.png|thumb|Improvements in [[Windows Explorer]]: "Web-style" folders, media preview and customizable toolbars]]

The [[Start menu]] in Windows 2000 introduces ''personalized menus'', expandable [[special folder]]s and the ability to launch multiple programs without closing the menu by holding down the <code>SHIFT</code> key. A ''Re-sort'' button forces the entire Start Menu to be sorted by name. The [[Taskbar]] introduces support for balloon notifications which can also be used by application developers. Windows 2000 Explorer introduces customizable Windows Explorer toolbars, auto-complete in Windows Explorer address bar and Run box, advanced file type association features, displaying comments in shortcuts as tooltips, extensible columns in Details view (IColumnProvider interface), icon overlays, integrated search pane in Windows Explorer, sort by name function for menus, and ''Places bar'' in common dialogs for ''Open'' and ''Save''.

[[Windows Explorer]] has been enhanced in several ways in Windows 2000. It is the first [[Windows NT]] release to include [[Active Desktop]], first introduced as a part of [[Internet Explorer 4.0]] (specifically [[Windows Desktop Update]]), and only pre-installed in [[Windows 98]] by that time.<ref name="ActiveDesktop">{{Cite web |last=Esposito |first=Dino |date=June 2000 |title=More Windows 2000 UI Goodies: Extending Explorer Views by Customizing Hypertext Template Files |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/0600/w2kui2/ |url-status=dead |publisher=MSDN Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824221802/http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/0600/w2kui2/ |archive-date=August 24, 2007 |access-date=August 26, 2007 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> It allowed users to customize the way folders look and behave by using [[HTML]] templates, having the [[file extension]] <code>HTT</code>. This feature was abused by [[computer virus]]es that employed malicious scripts, [[Java (programming language)|Java]] applets, or [[ActiveX]] controls in folder template files as their infection vector. Two such viruses are VBS/Roor-C<ref name="VBS/Roor-C">''[[Sophos]]'', [http://www.sophos.com/security/analyses/vbsroorc.html VBS/Roor-C threat analysis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071130063527/http://www.sophos.com/security/analyses/vbsroorc.html |date=November 30, 2007 }}. Retrieved August 26, 2007.</ref> and VBS.Redlof.a.<ref name="VBS.Redlof.a">{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2004 |title=Virus.VBS.Redlof.a |url=http://www.viruslist.com/viruses/encyclopedia?virusid=25409 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028171026/http://www.viruslist.com/viruses/encyclopedia?virusid=25409 |archive-date=October 28, 2007 |access-date=August 26, 2007 |website=Viruslist.com}}</ref>

The "Web-style" folders view, with the left Explorer pane displaying details for the object currently selected, is turned on by default in Windows 2000. For certain file types, such as pictures and media files, the preview is also displayed in the left pane.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Managing Files, Folders, and Search Methods: Microsoft TechNet |url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/prork/prde_ffs_sleq.mspx?mfr=true |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112123850/http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/prork/prde_ffs_sleq.mspx?mfr=true |archive-date=January 12, 2009 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Until the dedicated interactive preview pane appeared in [[Windows Vista]], Windows 2000 had been the only Windows release to feature an interactive media player as the previewer for sound and video files, enabled by default. However, such a previewer can be enabled in previous versions of Windows with the [[Windows Desktop Update]] installed through the use of folder customization templates.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2000 |title=How to Enable Preview for Multimedia Files |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/191242 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117013423/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/191242 |archive-date=November 17, 2012 |access-date=March 29, 2012 |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> The default file tooltip displays file title, author, subject and comments;<ref name="ToolTipHandlers">{{Cite journal |date=November 2000 |title=Windows 2000 Registry: Latest Features and APIs Provide the Power to Customize and Extend Your Apps |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/1100/Registry/ |url-status=dead |journal=MSDN Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030415200916/http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/1100/Registry/ |archive-date=April 15, 2003 |access-date=August 26, 2007 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> this metadata may be read from a special [[NTFS]] stream, if the file is on an NTFS volume, or from an OLE [[COM Structured Storage|structured storage]] stream, if the file is a structured storage document. All [[Microsoft Office]] documents since Office 4.0<ref name="OLEStructuredStorage">{{Cite web |last=Kindel |first=Charlie |date=August 27, 1993 |title=OLE Property Sets Exposed |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/archive/en-us/dnarolegen/html/msdn_propset.asp?frame=true |access-date=August 26, 2007 |website=MSDN Magazine}} {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> make use of [[COM Structured Storage|structured storage]], so their metadata is displayable in the Windows 2000 Explorer default [[tooltip]]. [[Computer shortcut|File shortcuts]] can also store comments which are displayed as a tooltip when the mouse hovers over the shortcut. The shell introduces extensibility support through metadata handlers, icon overlay handlers and column handlers in Explorer ''Details view''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Windows 2000 UI Innovations: MSDN Magazine |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/dvdarchive/cc748674.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605191715/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/dvdarchive/cc748674.aspx |archive-date=June 5, 2009 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Msdn.microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The right pane of Windows 2000 Explorer, which usually just lists files and folders, can also be customized. For example, the contents of the system folders aren't displayed by default, instead showing in the right pane a warning to the user that modifying the contents of the system folders could harm their computer. It's possible to define additional Explorer panes by using [[Div (HTML tag)|DIV]] elements in folder template files.<ref name="ActiveDesktop" /> This degree of customizability is new to Windows 2000; neither Windows 98 nor the Desktop Update could provide it.<ref name="WindowsShellExtensions">{{Cite web |date=June 2000 |title=Figure 1 Windows Shell Extensions |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/0300/w2kui/w2kuifigs.asp |publisher=MSDN Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040831153932/http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/0300/w2kui/w2kuifigs.asp |archive-date=August 31, 2004 |access-date=August 26, 2007}}</ref> The new DHTML-based search pane is integrated into Windows 2000 Explorer, unlike the separate search dialog found in all previous Explorer versions. The [[Windows Indexing Service|Indexing Service]] has also been integrated into the operating system and the search pane built into Explorer allows searching files indexed by its database.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 6, 2009 |title=What is Indexing Service?: MSDN |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms689718.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101192618/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms689718.aspx |archive-date=January 1, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Msdn.microsoft.com}}</ref>

=== NTFS 3.0 ===
{{main|NTFS}}

Microsoft released the version 3.0 of NTFS<ref name="NTFS3" /> (sometimes incorrectly called "NTFS 5" in relation to the kernel version number) as part of Windows 2000; this introduced [[disk quota]]s (provided by QuotaAdvisor), [[Encrypting File System|file-system-level encryption]], [[sparse file]]s and [[NTFS reparse point|reparse points]]. Sparse files allow for the efficient storage of data sets that are very large yet contain many areas that only have zeros.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 26, 2007 |title=Sparse Files Use Quota Equal to Total Allocated Length |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/231388 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116222750/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/231388 |archive-date=November 16, 2012 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Support.microsoft.com}}</ref> [[NTFS reparse point|Reparse points]] allow the [[Object Manager (Windows)|object manager]] to reset a file namespace lookup and let file system drivers implement changed functionality in a transparent manner.<ref name="NTFS">{{Cite web |title=Improved NTFS File System |url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000pro/evaluate/featfunc/bestperf.mspx#EME |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416234151/http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000pro/evaluate/featfunc/bestperf.mspx#EME |archive-date=April 16, 2008 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Reparse points are used to implement [[Volume Mount Point|volume mount points]], [[NTFS junction point|junctions]], [[Hierarchical Storage Management]], Native [[Structured storage|Structured Storage]] and [[Single Instance Storage]].<ref name="NTFS" /> Volume mount points and directory junctions allow for a file to be transparently referred from one file or directory location to another.

Windows 2000 also introduces a ''Distributed Link Tracking'' service to ensure file shortcuts remain working even if the target is moved or renamed. The target object's unique identifier is stored in the shortcut file on NTFS 3.0 and Windows can use the Distributed Link Tracking service for tracking the targets of shortcuts, so that the shortcut file may be silently updated if the target moves, even to another hard drive.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 October 2012 |title=Distributed Link Tracking and Object Identifiers (Windows) |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa363997%28v=vs.85%29.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023004948/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa363997(v=vs.85).aspx |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=27 November 2012 |website=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref>

=== Encrypting File System ===
{{main|Encrypting File System}}

The Encrypting File System (EFS) introduced strong [[file system]]-level [[encryption]] to Windows. It allows any folder or drive on an NTFS volume to be encrypted transparently by the user.<ref name="EFS" /> EFS works together with the EFS service, Microsoft's [[Cryptographic Application Programming Interface|CryptoAPI]] and the EFS File System [[Run time system|Runtime]] Library (FSRTL).<ref name="EFSWorking">{{Cite web |date=July 19, 2011 |title=How Encrypting File System Works |url=http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/en/library/997fdd99-73ec-4041-9cf4-1370739a59201033.mspx?mfr=true |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070522034806/http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/en/library/997fdd99-73ec-4041-9cf4-1370739a59201033.mspx?mfr=true |archive-date=May 22, 2007 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Technet2.microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> To date, its encryption has not been compromised.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}}

EFS works by encrypting a file with a bulk [[symmetric key]] (also known as the File Encryption Key, or FEK), which is used because it takes less time to encrypt and decrypt large amounts of data than if an [[asymmetric key]] [[cipher]] were used.<ref name="EFSWorking" /> The symmetric key used to encrypt the file is then encrypted with a [[public key]] associated with the user who encrypted the file, and this encrypted data is stored in the header of the encrypted file. To decrypt the file, the file system uses the private key of the user to decrypt the symmetric key stored in the file header. It then uses the symmetric key to decrypt the file. Because this is done at the file system level, it is transparent to the user.<ref>"[http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/distrib/dsck_efs_xhkd.mspx?mfr=true Encrypting File System] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112173941/http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/distrib/dsck_efs_xhkd.mspx?mfr=true |date=January 12, 2009 }}." ''Microsoft''.</ref>

For a user losing access to their key, support for recovery agents that can decrypt files is built into EFS. A Recovery Agent is a user who is authorized by a public key recovery certificate to decrypt files belonging to other users using a special ''private key''. By default, local administrators are ''recovery agents'' however they can be customized using [[Group Policy]].

=== Basic and dynamic disk storage ===
{{main|Logical Disk Manager}}

Windows 2000 introduced the [[Logical Disk Manager]] and the [[diskpart]] command line tool for [[Logical Disk Manager|dynamic storage]].<ref name="DiskManagement" /> All versions of Windows 2000 support three types of [[Logical Disk Manager|dynamic]] disk volumes (along with basic disks): ''simple volumes'', ''spanned volumes'' and ''striped volumes'':
* Simple volume, a volume with disk space from one disk.
* Spanned volumes, where up to 32 disks show up as one, increasing it in size but not enhancing performance. When one disk fails, the array is destroyed. Some data may be recoverable. This corresponds to [[JBOD#Concatenation (SPAN, BIG)|SPAN]] and not to [[Standard RAID levels#RAID 1|RAID-1]].
* Striped volumes, also known as [[Redundant array of independent disks#RAID 0|RAID-0]], store all their data across several disks in ''stripes''. This allows better performance because disk reads and writes are balanced across multiple disks. Like spanned volumes, when one disk in the array fails, the entire array is destroyed (some data may be recoverable).

In addition to these disk volumes, Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, and Windows 2000 Datacenter Server support ''mirrored volumes'' and ''striped volumes with parity'':
* Mirrored volumes, also known as [[Redundant array of independent disks#RAID 1|RAID-1]], store identical copies of their data on 2 or more identical disks (''mirrored''). This allows for fault tolerance; in the event one disk fails, the other disk(s) can keep the server operational until the server can be shut down for replacement of the failed disk.
* Striped volumes with parity, also known as [[Redundant array of independent disks#RAID 5|RAID-5]], functions similar to striped volumes/RAID-0, except "parity data" is written out across each of the disks in addition to the data. This allows the data to be "rebuilt" in the event a disk in the array needs replacement.

=== Accessibility ===
With Windows 2000, Microsoft introduced the Windows 9x accessibility features for people with visual and auditory impairments and other [[disability|disabilities]] into the NT-line of operating systems.<ref name="Accessibility" /> These included:
* StickyKeys: makes modifier keys (<code>ALT</code>, <code>CTRL</code> and <code>SHIFT</code>) become "sticky": a user can press the [[modifier key]], and then release it before pressing the combination key. (Activated by pressing Shift five times quickly.)
* [[FilterKeys]]: a group of [[computer keyboard|keyboard]]-related features for people with typing issues, including:
** Slow Keys: Ignore any keystroke not held down for a certain period.
** Bounce Keys: Ignore repeated keystrokes pressed in quick succession.
** Repeat Keys: lets users slow down the rate at which keys are repeated via the keyboard's key-repeat feature.
* Toggle Keys: when turned on, Windows will play a sound when the <code>CAPS LOCK</code>, <code>NUM LOCK</code> or <code>SCROLL LOCK</code> key is pressed.
* SoundSentry: designed to help users with auditory impairments, Windows 2000 shows a visual effect when a sound is played through the sound system.
* [[Mouse keys|MouseKeys]]: lets users move the cursor around the screen via the [[Keypad|numeric keypad]].
* SerialKeys: lets Windows 2000 support speech augmentation devices.
* High contrast theme: to assist users with visual impairments.
* [[Microsoft Magnifier]]: a [[screen magnifier]] that enlarges a part of the screen the cursor is over.<ref name="AccessTools">{{Cite web |title=A review of Microsoft Magnifier and Narrator |url=http://www.student.oulu.fi/~vtatila/ms_access_aids.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023191313/http://www.student.oulu.fi/~vtatila/ms_access_aids.html |archive-date=October 23, 2007}}</ref>

Additionally, Windows 2000 introduced the following new accessibility features:
* [[On-screen keyboard]]: displays a [[virtual keyboard]] on the screen and allows users to press its keys using a [[Mouse (computing)|mouse]] or a [[joystick]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accessibility Technology & Tools &#124; Microsoft Accessibility |url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906125755/http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windows2000/onscreenkeyboard.aspx |archive-date=September 6, 2009 |website=Accessibility}}</ref>
* [[Microsoft Narrator]]: introduced in Windows 2000, this is a [[screen reader]] that utilizes the [[Speech Application Programming Interface|Speech API]] 4, which would later be updated to Speech API 5 in [[Windows XP]]
* Utility Manager: an application designed to start, stop, and manage when accessibility features start. This was eventually replaced by the [[Ease of Access]] Center in [[Windows Vista]].
* Accessibility Wizard: a control panel applet that helps users set up their computer for people with disabilities.

=== Languages and locales ===
{{Main|Multilingual User Interface}}

Windows 2000 introduced the [[Multilingual User Interface]] (MUI).<ref name="Windows2000MUI" /> Besides [[English language|English]], Windows 2000 incorporates support for [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[Armenian language|Armenian]], [[Baltic languages|Baltic]], Central European, [[Cyrillic]], [[Georgian language|Georgian]], [[Greek language|Greek]], [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Indic scripts|Indic]], [[Japanese language|Japanese]], [[Korean language|Korean]], [[simplified Chinese characters|simplified Chinese]], [[Thai language|Thai]], [[traditional Chinese characters|traditional Chinese]], [[Turkic languages|Turkic]], [[Vietnamese language|Vietnamese]] and Western European languages.<ref name="SupportedLanguages">{{Cite web |title=List of languages supported in Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/292246/list-of-languages-supported-in-windows-2000,-windows-xp,-and-windows-server-2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302093044/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/292246/list-of-languages-supported-in-windows-2000,-windows-xp,-and-windows-server-2003 |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |website=Support |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> It also has support for many different locales.<ref name="LocaleIDs" />

Since Windows 2000, English versions of Windows (NT) can support display and input right-to-left languages (such as Arabic) and [[CJKV]] languages, but related files needed to be installed in [[Control Panel (Windows)|Control Panel]].<ref> {{Cite web |title=Multilanguage Support in Windows 2000 Professional |url=https://www.itprotoday.com/it-infrastructure/multilanguage-support-in-windows-2000-professional |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=www.itprotoday.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== Games ===
Windows 2000 included version 7.0 of the [[DirectX]] [[Applications Programming Interface|API]], commonly used by [[video game developer|game developers]] on [[Windows 98]].<ref>[http://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/community/columns/askdev/ask1208.mspx?mfr=true Ask the Windows 2000 Dev Team] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311151930/http://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/community/columns/askdev/ask1208.mspx?mfr=true |date=March 11, 2007 }}</ref> The last version of DirectX that was released for Windows 2000 was DirectX 9.0c (Shader Model 3.0), which shipped with Windows XP Service Pack 2. Microsoft published quarterly updates to DirectX 9.0c through the February 2010 release after which support was dropped in the June 2010 SDK. These updates contain bug fixes to the core runtime and some additional libraries such as [[D3DX]], [[XAudio 2]], [[DirectInput#Xinput|XInput]] and [[Managed DirectX]] components. The majority of games written for versions of DirectX 9.0c (up to the February 2010 release) can therefore run on Windows 2000.

Windows 2000 included the same games as [[Windows NT 4.0]] did: [[FreeCell (Windows)|FreeCell]], [[Minesweeper (Windows)|Minesweeper]], [[3D Pinball for Windows|Pinball]], and [[Solitaire (Windows)|Solitaire]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ford |first=Jerry Lee Jr. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fYwGEZPXvFkC |title=Upgrading to Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional: A Migration Guide for Windows 98 and Windows NT Users |publisher=iUniverse |year=2000 |isbn=0595148042 |location=Lincoln, NE |page=90 |access-date=January 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402173516/https://books.google.com/books?id=fYwGEZPXvFkC |archive-date=April 2, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== System utilities ===
[[File:Win2kDefrag.png|thumb|right|Windows 2000's Computer Management console can perform many system tasks. This image shows a [[disk defragmentation]] in progress.]]

Windows 2000 introduced the [[Microsoft Management Console]] (MMC), which is used to create, save, and open administrative tools.<ref name="MMC" /> Each of these is called a ''console'', and most allow an administrator to administer other Windows 2000 computers from one centralised computer. Each console can contain one or many specific administrative tools, called ''snap-ins''.<ref name="MMC" /> These can be either standalone (with one function), or an extension (adding functions to an existing snap-in). In order to provide the ability to control what snap-ins can be seen in a console, the MMC allows consoles to be created in ''author mode'' or ''user mode''.<ref name="MMC" /> Author mode allows snap-ins to be added, new windows to be created, all portions of the console tree to be displayed and consoles to be saved. User mode allows consoles to be distributed with restrictions applied. User mode consoles can grant full access to the user for any change, or they can grant limited access, preventing users from adding snapins to the console though they can view multiple windows in a console. Alternatively users can be granted limited access, preventing them from adding to the console and stopping them from viewing multiple windows in a single console.<ref>''Microsoft Press'' (2000). ''MCSE 70–210, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional'', pages 58–63.</ref>

The main tools that come with Windows 2000 can be found in the ''Computer Management'' console (in Administrative Tools in the Control Panel).<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2009 |title=Managing Microsoft Windows 2000 Workstations and Servers |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb726960.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127103358/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb726960.aspx |archive-date=November 27, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Technet.microsoft.com}}</ref> This contains the [[Event Viewer]]—a means of viewing system or application-related events and the Windows equivalent of a [[Computer data logging|log file]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2009 |title=Event Logging and Viewing |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb726966.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127030114/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb726966.aspx |archive-date=November 27, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Technet.microsoft.com}}</ref> a system information utility, [[NTBackup|a backup utility]], [[Task Scheduler]] and management consoles to view open shared folders and shared folder sessions, configure and manage [[COM+]] applications, configure [[Group Policy]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2009 |title=Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding the Group Policy Feature Set |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb742376.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120150551/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb742376.aspx |archive-date=November 20, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Technet.microsoft.com}}</ref> manage all the local users and user groups, and a [[Device Manager|device manager]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 7, 2007 |title=Description of Device Manager in Windows 2000 and Windows XP |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314747 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023002413/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314747 |archive-date=October 23, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Support.microsoft.com}}</ref> It contains ''[[Logical Disk Manager|Disk Management]]'' and ''Removable Storage'' snap-ins,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Windows 2000: Removable Storage and Backup |url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000pro/reskit/part3/proch18.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417192005/http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000pro/reskit/part3/proch18.mspx |archive-date=April 17, 2008 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> a [[Disk Defragmenter (Windows)|disk defragmenter]] as well as a performance diagnostic console, which displays graphs of system performance and configures data logs and alerts. It also contains a [[Windows service|service]] configuration console, which allows users to view all installed services and to stop and start them, as well as configure what those services should do when the computer starts. [[CHKDSK]] has significant performance improvements.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Windows 2000 Chkdsk Management |url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows/shared/community/docs/Windows%202000%20CHKDSK%20Management.doc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104104745/http://www.microsoft.com/windows/shared/community/docs/Windows%202000%20CHKDSK%20Management.doc |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref>

Windows 2000 comes with two utilities to edit the [[Windows registry]], ''REGEDIT.EXE'' and ''REGEDT32.EXE''.<ref name="Regedit">{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2007 |title=Differences between Regedit.exe and Regedt32.exe |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/141377 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120054653/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/141377 |archive-date=November 20, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Support.microsoft.com}}</ref> REGEDIT has been directly ported from [[Windows 98]], and therefore does not support editing registry permissions.<ref name="Regedit" /> REGEDT32 has the older multiple document interface (MDI) and can edit registry permissions in the same manner that Windows NT's REGEDT32 program could. REGEDIT has a left-side [[tree view]] of the [[Windows registry]], lists all loaded [[Registry hive|hives]] and represents the three components of a value (its name, type, and data) as separate columns of a table. REGEDT32 has a left-side tree view, but each hive has its own window, so the tree displays only keys and it represents values as a list of strings. REGEDIT supports right-clicking of entries in a tree view to adjust properties and other settings. REGEDT32 requires all actions to be performed from the top [[menu bar]]. [[Windows XP]] is the first system to integrate these two programs into a single utility, adopting the REGEDIT behavior with the additional NT features.<ref name="Regedit" />

The [[System File Checker]] (SFC) also comes with Windows 2000. It is a [[command line]] utility that scans system files and verifies whether they were signed by Microsoft and works in conjunction with the [[Windows File Protection]] mechanism. It can also repopulate and repair all the files in the ''Dllcache'' folder.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft KB article 222471: Description of the Windows 2000 System File Checker (Sfc.exe) |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/222471 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901085614/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/222471 |archive-date=September 1, 2006 |access-date=September 17, 2006}}</ref>

=== Recovery Console ===
[[Image:Windows 2000 Recovery Console.png|thumb|The Recovery Console is usually used to recover unbootable systems.]]

{{main|Recovery Console}}

The [[Recovery Console]] is run from outside the installed copy of Windows to perform maintenance tasks that can neither be run from within it nor feasibly be run from another computer or copy of Windows 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 26, 2007 |title=Description of the Windows 2000 Recovery Console |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/229716 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104192800/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/229716 |archive-date=November 4, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Support.microsoft.com}}</ref> It is usually used to recover the system from problems that cause booting to fail, which would render other tools useless, like Safe Mode or Last Known Good Configuration, or <code>[[chkdsk]]</code>. It includes commands like <code>[[fixmbr]]</code>, which are not present in MS-DOS.

It has a simple [[command-line interface]], used to check and repair the hard drive(s), repair boot information (including [[NTLDR]]), replace corrupted system files with fresh copies from the CD, or enable/disable services and drivers for the next boot.

The console can be accessed in either of the two ways:
# Booting from the Windows 2000 CD, and choosing to start the Recovery Console from the CD itself instead of continuing with setup. The Recovery Console is accessible as long as the installation CD is available.
# Preinstalling the Recovery Console on the hard disk as a startup option in <code>[[Bootsect.dos|Boot.ini]]</code>, via WinNT32.exe, with the /cmdcons switch.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 26, 2007 |title=How to install the Windows Recovery Console |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/216417 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116082007/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/216417 |archive-date=November 16, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Support.microsoft.com}}</ref> In this case, it can only be started as long as [[NTLDR]] can boot from the [[System partition and boot partition|system partition]].

=== Windows Scripting Host 2.0 ===
{{main|Windows Script Host}}
Windows 2000 introduced Windows Script Host 2.0 which included an expanded object model and support for logon and logoff scripts.

=== Networking ===
* Starting with Windows 2000, the [[Server Message Block]] (SMB) protocol directly interfaces with [[TCP/IP]]. In Windows NT 4.0, SMB requires the [[NetBIOS over TCP/IP]] (NBT) protocol to work on a TCP/IP network.
* Windows 2000 introduces a client-side DNS caching service. When the Windows DNS resolver receives a query response, the DNS resource record is added to a cache. When it queries the same resource record name again and it is found in the cache, then the resolver does not query the DNS server. This speeds up DNS query time and reduces network traffic.

=== Server family features ===
The Windows 2000 Server family consists of Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, Windows 2000 Small Business Server, and Windows 2000 Datacenter Server.

All editions of Windows 2000 Server have the following services and features built in:
* [[Routing and Remote Access Service]] (RRAS) support, facilitating [[Dial-up access|dial-up]] and [[Virtual Private Network|VPN]] connections using [[IPsec]], [[L2TP]] or [[L2TP#L2TP/IPsec|L2TP/IPsec]], support for [[RADIUS]] authentication in [[Internet Authentication Service]], network connection sharing, [[Network Address Translation]], [[unicast]] and [[multicast]] [[routing]] schemes.
* Remote access security features: Remote Access Policies for setup, verify Caller ID (IP address for VPNs), callback and Remote access account lockout<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2008 |title=Elements of Secure Remote Access |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc958001.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111218042732/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc958001.aspx |archive-date=December 18, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Technet.microsoft.com}}</ref>
* Autodial by location feature using the ''Remote Access Auto Connection Manager'' [[Windows service|service]]
* [[Extensible Authentication Protocol]] support in [[Internet Authentication Service|IAS]] (EAP-MD5 and EAP-TLS) later upgraded to PEAPv0/EAP-MSCHAPv2 and PEAP-EAP-TLS in Windows 2000 SP4
* [[Microsoft DNS|DNS]] server, including support for [[Dynamic DNS]]. [[Active Directory]] relies heavily on DNS.
* [[IPsec]] support and TCP/IP filtering
* [[Smart card]] support
* Microsoft Connection Manager Administration Kit (CMAK) and Connection Point Services
* Support for [[Distributed File System (Microsoft)|distributed file systems]] (DFS)
* [[Hierarchical Storage Management]] support including remote storage,<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2006 |title=How to use Remote Storage in Windows 2000 Server |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/317369 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110100918/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/317369 |archive-date=January 10, 2012 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Support.microsoft.com}}</ref> a service that runs with [[NTFS]] and automatically transfers files that are not used for some time to less expensive storage media
* [[Fault-tolerant design|Fault tolerant]] volumes, namely [[Redundant array of independent disks#RAID 1|Mirrored]] and [[Redundant array of independent disks#RAID 5|RAID-5]]
* [[Group Policy]] (part of [[Active Directory]])
* ''IntelliMirror'', a collection of technologies for fine-grained [[Systems management|management]] of Windows 2000 Professional clients that duplicates users' data, applications, files, and settings in a centralized location on the network. IntelliMirror employs technologies such as [[Group Policy]], [[Windows Installer]], [[Roaming profile]]s, [[Folder redirection|Folder Redirection]], ''[[Offline Files]]'' (also known as ''Client Side Caching'' or CSC), [[File Replication Service]] (FRS), Remote Installation Services (RIS) to address desktop management scenarios such as user data management, user settings management, software installation and maintenance.
* [[COM+]], [[Microsoft Transaction Server]] and [[Distributed Transaction Coordinator]]
* [[Microsoft Message Queuing|MSMQ 2.0]]
* [[Telephony Application Programming Interface|TAPI]] 3.0
* [[Integrated Windows Authentication]] (including [[Kerberos (protocol)|Kerberos]], Secure channel and [[SPNEGO]] (Negotiate) SSP packages for [[Security Support Provider Interface]] (SSPI)).
* [[MS-CHAP]] v2 protocol
* [[Public Key Infrastructure]] (PKI) and [[Certificate authority|Enterprise Certificate Authority]] support
* [[Terminal Services]] and support for the [[Remote Desktop Protocol]] (RDP)
* [[Internet Information Services]] (IIS) 5.0 and [[Windows Media Services]] 4.1
* Network [[quality of service]] features<ref>{{Cite web |title=An Overview of Windows 2000 Quality of Service |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb742478.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203122556/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb742478.aspx |archive-date=December 3, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Technet.microsoft.com}}</ref>
* A new ''Windows Time service'' which is an implementation of [[Simple Network Time Protocol]] (SNTP) as detailed in IETF {{IETF RFC|1769}}. The Windows Time service synchronizes the date and time of computers in a domain<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 26, 2007 |title=Basic Operation of the Windows Time Service |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/224799 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102142801/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/224799 |archive-date=November 2, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Support.microsoft.com}}</ref> running on Windows 2000 Server or later. Windows 2000 Professional includes an SNTP client.

The Server editions include more features and components, including the Microsoft Distributed File System (DFS), Active Directory support and fault-tolerant storage.

==== Distributed File System ====
{{main|Distributed File System (Microsoft)}}

The Distributed File System (DFS) allows [[Server Message Block|shares]] in multiple different locations to be logically grouped under one folder, or ''DFS root''. When users try to access a [[Shared resource|network share]] off the DFS root, the user is really looking at a ''DFS link'' and the DFS server transparently redirects them to the correct [[file server]] and share. A DFS root can only exist on a Windows 2000 version that is part of the server family, and only one DFS root can exist on that server.

There can be two ways of implementing a DFS namespace on Windows 2000: either through a standalone DFS root or a domain-based DFS root. Standalone DFS allows for only DFS roots on the local computer, and thus does not use Active Directory. Domain-based DFS roots exist within Active Directory and can have their information distributed to other [[domain controller]]s within the domain – this provides [[Fault-tolerant system|fault tolerance]] to DFS. DFS roots that exist on a domain must be hosted on a domain controller or on a domain member server. The file and root information is replicated via the Microsoft [[File Replication Service]] (FRS).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft KB article 812487: Overview of DFS in Windows 2000 |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/812487 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214115202/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/812487 |archive-date=February 14, 2007 |access-date=September 17, 2006}}</ref>

==== Active Directory ====
{{main|Active Directory}}

A new way of organizing [[Windows Server domain|Windows network domains]], or groups of resources, called Active Directory, is introduced with Windows 2000 to replace Windows NT's earlier domain model. Active Directory's hierarchical nature allowed administrators a built-in way to manage user and computer policies and user accounts, and to automatically deploy programs and updates with a greater degree of scalability and centralization than provided in previous Windows versions. User information stored in Active Directory also provided a convenient phone book-like function to end users. Active Directory domains can vary from small installations with a few hundred objects, to large installations with millions. Active Directory can organise and link groups of domains into a contiguous [[domain name]] space to form ''trees''. Groups of trees outside of the same namespace can be linked together to form ''forests.''

Active Directory services could always be installed on a Windows 2000 Server Standard, Advanced, or Datacenter computer, and cannot be installed on a Windows 2000 Professional computer. However, Windows 2000 Professional is the first client operating system able to exploit Active Directory's new features. As part of an organization's migration, Windows NT clients continued to function until all clients were upgraded to Windows 2000 Professional, at which point the Active Directory domain could be switched to [[native mode]] and maximum functionality achieved.

Active Directory requires a DNS server that supports [[SRV resource record]]s, or that an organization's existing DNS infrastructure be upgraded to support this. There should be one or more [[domain controller]]s to hold the Active Directory database and provide Active Directory [[directory services]].

==== Volume fault tolerance ====
Along with support for simple, spanned and striped volumes, the Windows 2000 Server family also supports fault-tolerant volume types. The types supported are ''mirrored volumes'' and ''RAID-5 volumes'':
* Mirrored volumes''':''' the volume contains several disks, and when data is written to one it is also written to the other disks. This means that if one disk fails, the data can be totally recovered from the other disk. Mirrored volumes are also known as [[Redundant array of independent disks#RAID 1|RAID-1]].
* RAID-5 volumes''':''' a [[RAID 5|RAID-5]] volume consists of multiple disks, and it uses [[Block (data storage)|block]]-level striping with parity data distributed across all member disks. Should a disk fail in the array, the parity blocks from the surviving disks are combined mathematically with the data blocks from the surviving disks to reconstruct the data on the failed drive "on-the-fly."

== Deployment ==
{{System requirements
|caption = Windows 2000 system requirements
|useminandrec = yes
|collapse =
|align = right
|font-size = 100%
<!-- Mandatory section -->
|platform1 = [[IA-32]] PCs
|cpu1 = Pentium 133 MHz
|cpu1rec = Pentium II 300 MHz
|memory1 = 32 MB (128 MB for Windows 2000 Server)
|memory1rec = 128 MB (256 MB for Windows 2000 Server)
|gpu1 = 800×600 VGA or better monitor
|gpu1rec = 1024×768 VGA or better monitor
|hdspace1 = 1 GB (2 GB for Windows 2000 Server)
|hdspace1rec = 5 GB
|input1 = Keyboard and/or mouse
}}

Windows 2000 can be [[software deployment|deployed]] to a site via various methods. It can be installed onto servers via traditional media (such as CD) or via distribution folders that reside on a shared folder. Installations can be attended or [[Unattended installation|unattended]]. During a manual installation, the administrator must specify configuration options. Unattended installations are scripted via an [[answer file]], or a predefined script in the form of an [[initialization file|INI file]] that has all the options filled in. An answer file can be created manually or using the graphical ''Setup manager''. The Winnt.exe or Winnt32.exe program then uses that answer file to automate the installation. Unattended installations can be performed via a bootable CD, using Microsoft [[Systems Management Server]] (SMS), via the [[Sysprep|System Preparation Tool (Sysprep)]], via the Winnt32.exe program using the /syspart switch or via [[Remote Installation Services]] (RIS). The ability to [[Slipstream (computing)|slipstream]] a [[service pack]] into the original operating system setup files is also introduced in Windows 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Make deployment easier in Windows 2000 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000pro/deploy/depopt/easydep.mspx#EKFAC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615114603/http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000pro/deploy/depopt/easydep.mspx#EKFAC |archive-date=June 15, 2007 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The Sysprep method is started on a standardized reference computer – though the hardware need not be similar – and it copies the required installation files from the reference computer to the target computers. The hard drive does not need to be in the target computer and may be swapped out to it at any time, with the hardware configured later. The Winnt.exe program must also be passed a /unattend switch that points to a valid answer file and a /s file that points to one or more valid installation sources.

Sysprep allows the duplication of a [[disk image]] on an existing Windows 2000 Server installation to multiple servers. This means that all applications and system configuration settings will be copied across to the new installations, and thus, the reference and target computers must have the same [[Hardware Abstraction Layer|HALs]], [[Advanced Configuration and Power Interface|ACPI]] support, and mass storage devices – though Windows 2000 automatically detects "[[plug and play]]" devices. The primary reason for using Sysprep is to quickly deploy Windows 2000 to a site that has multiple computers with standard hardware. (If a system had different HALs, mass storage devices or ACPI support, then multiple images would need to be maintained.)

Systems Management Server can be used to upgrade multiple computers to Windows 2000. These must be running Windows NT 3.51, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 98 or Windows 95 OSR2.x along with the SMS client agent that can receive software installation operations. Using SMS allows installations over a wide area and provides centralised control over upgrades to systems.

[[Remote Installation Services]] (RIS) are a means to automatically install Windows 2000 Professional (and not Windows 2000 Server) to a local computer over a network from a central server. Images do not have to support specific hardware configurations and the security settings can be configured after the computer reboots as the service generates a new unique security ID (SID) for the machine. This is required so that local accounts are given the right identifier and do not clash with other Windows 2000 Professional computers on a network.<ref>Mark Minasi. ''Installing Windows 2000 on Workstations with Remote Installation Services''.</ref>
RIS requires that client computers are able to boot over the network via either a [[network interface card]] that has a [[Pre-Boot Execution Environment]] (PXE) boot [[Read-only memory|ROM]] installed or that the client computer has a network card installed that is supported by the remote [[boot disk]] generator. The [[remote computer]] must also meet the [[Net PC]] specification. The server that RIS runs on must be Windows 2000 Server and it must be able to access a network [[Domain Name System|DNS]] Service, a [[Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol|DHCP]] service and the Active Directory services.<ref>''Microsoft Press'' (2000). ''MCSE 70–210, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional'', pages 543–551.</ref>

== Editions ==
Microsoft released various editions of Windows 2000 for different markets and business needs: Professional, Server, Advanced Server and Datacenter Server. Each was packaged separately.

{{Anchor|Windows 2000 Professional|Windows 2Kpro|2Kp}}
'''Windows 2000 Professional''' was designed as the desktop operating system for businesses and [[power user]]s. It is the client version of Windows 2000. It offers greater security and stability than many of the previous Windows desktop operating systems. It supports up to two [[central processing unit|processors]], and can address up to 4{{nbsp}}[[Gigabyte|GB]] of [[Random-access memory|RAM]]. The system requirements are a Pentium processor (or equivalent) of 133{{nbsp}}MHz or greater, at least 32{{nbsp}}MB of RAM, 650{{nbsp}}MB of hard drive space, and a [[CD-ROM]] drive (recommended: [[Pentium II]], 128{{nbsp}}MB of RAM, 2{{nbsp}}GB of hard drive space, and CD-ROM drive).<ref name="SysReq">{{Cite web |title=System requirements for Microsoft Windows 2000 operating systems |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304297 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416050811/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304297 |archive-date=April 16, 2008 |access-date=May 23, 2008}}</ref> However, despite the official minimum processor requirements, it is still possible to install Windows 2000 on 4th-generation x86 CPUs such as the [[80486]].

{{Anchor|Windows 2000 Embedded|Windows 2Kemb|2Ke|Windows 2000 Professional For Embedded Systems|Windows 2Kprofes|2Kpfes|Windows 2Kfes|2Kfes}}
'''Windows 2000 Embedded''' and '''Windows 2000 Professional Embedded'''/'''Windows 2000 Professional For Embedded Systems''' are versions of Windows 2000 Professional that was designed for [[Embedded system|embedded]] use, and targeted at [[ATM]]s, [[vending machine]]s and other large embedded devices. The FES versions function exactly the same as its retail counterpart, but is licensed for embedded use.<ref>https://download.microsoft.com/download/5/A/E/5AE5C363-E91C-401C-86A7-D817956DF629/WindowsEmbedded_Enterprise_Overview.pdf</ref>

{{Anchor|Windows 2000 Server|Windows 2K Server|2KS}}
[[File:Windows 2000 Server.png|right|thumb|Screenshot of Windows 2000 Server with ''Configure Your Server'' component]]
'''Windows 2000 Server''' shares the same [[user interface]] with Windows 2000 Professional, but contains additional components for the computer to perform [[Server (computing)|server]] roles and run infrastructure and [[application software]]. A significant new component introduced in the server versions is [[Active Directory]], which is an enterprise-wide directory service based on [[Lightweight Directory Access Protocol|LDAP]] (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol). Additionally, Microsoft integrated [[Kerberos (protocol)|Kerberos]] network authentication, replacing the often-criticised [[NTLM]] (NT LAN Manager) authentication system used in previous versions. This also provided a purely [[Active Directory#Trust|transitive-trust]] relationship between Windows 2000 Server [[Windows Server domain|domains]] in a ''[[Active Directory#Forests, trees, and domains|forest]]'' (a collection of one or more Windows 2000 domains that share a common [[Active Directory#Objects|schema]], configuration, and [[Active Directory#Forests, trees, and domains|global catalog]], being linked with two-way [[Active Directory#Trust|transitive trusts]]). Furthermore, Windows 2000 introduced a [[Microsoft DNS|Domain Name Server]] which allows dynamic registration of [[Internet Protocol|IP]] addresses. Windows 2000 Server supports up to 4 processors and 4{{nbsp}}GB of RAM, with a minimum requirement of 128{{nbsp}}MB of RAM and 1{{nbsp}}GB hard disk space, however requirements may be higher depending on installed components.<ref name="SysReq" />

{{Anchor|Windows 2000 Server Embedded|Windows 2Ksrvemb|2KSrve|Windows 2000 Server For Embedded Systems|Windows 2Ksrvfes|2Ksrvfes}}
'''Windows 2000 Server Embedded''' and '''Windows 2000 Server For Embedded Systems''' are binary identical versions of Windows 2000 Server that was targeted at the embedded market. Both versions function exactly the same as its retail counterpart, but is licensed for embedded use.

{{Anchor|Windows 2000 Advanced Server|Windows 2K Advanced Server|2KAS}}
'''Windows 2000 Advanced Server''' is a variant of Windows 2000 Server operating system designed for medium-to-large businesses. It offers the ability to create [[Computer clustering|cluster]]s of servers, support for up to 8 CPUs, a main memory amount of up to 8{{nbsp}}GB on [[Physical Address Extension]] (PAE) systems and the ability to do 8-way [[Symmetric multiprocessing|SMP]]. It supports [[TCP/IP]] [[Network Load Balancing Services|load balancing]] and builds on [[Microsoft Cluster Server]] (MSCS) in Windows NT Enterprise Server 4.0, adding enhanced functionality for two-node clusters.<ref>''Microsoft''. Windows 2000 Resource Kit, Chap. 1, "Introducing Windows 2000 Deployment Planning."</ref> System requirements are similar to those of Windows 2000 Server,<ref name="SysReq" /> however they may need to be higher to scale to larger infrastructure.
[[File:Windows 2000 Datacenter Server.png|right|thumb|Screenshot of Windows 2000 Datacenter Server, asking the user to complete setup by configuring Cluster and Remote Installation service in the ''Configure Your Server'' component]]
{{Anchor|Windows 2000 Datacenter Server|Windows 2K Datacenter Server|2KDCS}}
'''Windows 2000 Datacenter Server''' is a variant of Windows 2000 Server designed for large businesses that move large quantities of confidential or sensitive data frequently via a central [[Server (computing)|server]].<ref name="Datacenter">{{Cite web |date=February 28, 2007 |title=The Datacenter Program and Windows 2000 Datacenter Server Product |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/265173 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103061548/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/265173 |archive-date=November 3, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=Support.microsoft.com}}</ref> Like Advanced Server, it supports [[Cluster (computing)|clustering]], [[High-availability cluster|failover]] and [[Load balancing (computing)|load balancing]]. Its minimum [[system requirements]] are similar to those of Advanced Server,<ref name="SysReq" /> but it was designed to be capable of handing advanced, fault-tolerant and [[Scalability|scalable]] hardware—for instance computers with up to 32 CPUs and 32{{nbsp}}[[Gigabyte|GBs]] RAM, with rigorous system testing and qualification, hardware partitioning, coordinated maintenance and [[change control]]. Windows 2000 Datacenter Server was released to manufacturing on August 11, 2000<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-08-11 |title=Microsoft Ships Windows 2000 Datacenter Server to Program Partners |url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2000/aug00/dcshipspr.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324151449/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2000/aug00/dcshipspr.aspx |archive-date=March 24, 2014 |access-date=2013-01-09 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> and launched on September 26, 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Windows Datacenter Program - All Systems Go |url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2000/sept00/dclaunchpr.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324153010/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2000/sept00/dclaunchpr.aspx |archive-date=March 24, 2014 |access-date=2013-01-09 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> This edition was based on Windows 2000 with Service Pack 1<ref name="Datacenter" /> and was not available at retail.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-02-15 |title=Microsoft Announces Datacenter Program for Windows 2000 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2000/feb00/datacenterpr.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324153008/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2000/feb00/datacenterpr.aspx |archive-date=March 24, 2014 |access-date=2013-01-09 |website=Microsoft.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

== Service packs ==
{| class="wikitable floatright" style="font-size:85%;"
|-
! [[Service pack]] !! Release date
|-
| Service Pack 1 (SP1) || August 15, 2000
|-
| Service Pack 2 (SP2) || May 16, 2001
|-
| Service Pack 3 (SP3) || August 29, 2002
|-
| Service Pack 4 (SP4) || June 26, 2003
|-
| SP4 Update Rollup || September 13, 2005
|}

[[File:Windows 2000 SP4 install disc (French).jpg|thumb|SP4 installation disc]]
Windows 2000 has received four full [[service pack]]s and one rollup update package following SP4, which is the last service pack. Microsoft phased out all development of its [[Java virtual machine|Java Virtual Machine]] (JVM) from Windows 2000 in SP3. Internet Explorer 5.01 has also been upgraded to the corresponding service pack level.

Service Pack 4 with Update Rollup was released on September 13, 2005, nearly four years following the release of Windows XP and sixteen months prior to the release of Windows Vista.

Microsoft had originally intended to release a fifth service pack for Windows 2000, but cancelled this project early in its development, and instead released Update Rollup 1 for SP4, a collection of all the security-related [[hotfix]]es and some other significant issues.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Naraine |first=Ryan |date=November 26, 2004 |title=Microsoft Scraps Plans for Windows 2000 SP5 |url=http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Windows/Microsoft-Scraps-Plans-for-Windows-2000-SP5/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122223337/http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Windows/Microsoft-Scraps-Plans-for-Windows-2000-SP5/ |archive-date=January 22, 2013 |access-date=May 30, 2009}}</ref> The Update Rollup does not include all non-security related hotfixes and is not subjected to the same extensive regression testing as a full service pack. Microsoft states that this update will meet customers' needs better than a whole new service pack, and will still help Windows 2000 customers secure their PCs, reduce support costs, and support existing computer hardware.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Windows 2000 Update Rollup 1 for Service Pack 4 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/server/evaluation/news/bulletins/rollup.mspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060113110336/http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/server/evaluation/news/bulletins/rollup.mspx |archive-date=January 13, 2006 |access-date=September 27, 2006 |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref>

== Upgradeability ==
Several Windows 2000 components are upgradable to latest versions, which include new versions introduced in later versions of Windows, and other major Microsoft applications are available. These latest versions for Windows 2000 include:
* [[ActiveSync]] 4.5
* [[DirectX|DirectX 9.0c]] (5 February 2010 Redistributable)
* [[Internet Explorer 6]] SP1 and [[Outlook Express]] 6 SP1
* [[Microsoft Agent]] 2.0
* [[Microsoft Data Access Components]] 2.81
* [[Microsoft NetMeeting]] 3.01
* [[Microsoft Virtual PC]] 2004 SP1
* [[Microsoft Office 2003|Office 2003]] SP3
* [[MSN Messenger]] 7.0 ([[Windows Messenger]])
* [[MSXML]] 6.0 SP2
* [[.NET Framework 2.0]] SP2
* [[Tweak UI]] 1.33
* [[Visual C++ 2008]]
* [[Visual Studio|Visual Studio 2005]]
* [[Windows Search|Windows Desktop Search]] 2.66
* [[Windows Script Host]] 5.7
* [[Windows Installer]] 3.1
* Windows Media Format Runtime and [[Windows Media Player 9 series|Windows Media Player 9 Series]] (including [[Windows Media Encoder]] 7.1 and the Windows Media 8 Encoding Utility)

== Security ==
During the Windows 2000 period, the nature of attacks on Windows servers changed: more attacks came from remote sources via the Internet. This has led to an overwhelming number of malicious programs exploiting the IIS services – specifically a notorious buffer overflow tendency.<ref name="ecommerce-guide.com">{{Cite news |date=August 19, 2003 |title=Worms Wreak Havoc |url=http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/news/trends/article.php/3065801 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050301072847/http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/news/trends/article.php/3065801 |archive-date=March 1, 2005 |access-date=May 17, 2019 |publisher=ECommerce-Guide}}</ref> This tendency is not operating-system-version specific, but rather configuration-specific: it depends on the services that are enabled.<ref name="ecommerce-guide.com" /> Following this, a common complaint is that "by default, Windows 2000 installations contain numerous potential security problems. Many unneeded services are installed and enabled, and there is no active local security policy."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Articles - Network Security Resources - GovernmentSecurity.org |url=http://www.governmentsecurity.org/articles/Windows2000Security.php%7ctitle=governmentsecurity.org |website=Network Security Resources}} {{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In addition to insecure defaults, according to the [[SANS Institute]], the most common flaws discovered are remotely exploitable [[buffer overflow]] vulnerabilities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SANS Institute |url=http://www.sans.org/top20/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060919033409/http://www.sans.org/top20/ |archive-date=September 19, 2006 |access-date=September 17, 2006}}</ref> Other criticized flaws include the use of vulnerable encryption techniques.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McCullagh |first=Declan |date=May 16, 2000 |title=Critics Blast MS Security |url=https://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,36336,00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724131754/http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,36336,00.html |archive-date=July 24, 2008 |access-date=February 25, 2010 |magazine=Wired News}}</ref>

Code Red and [[Code Red II (computer worm)|Code Red II]] were famous (and much discussed) [[Computer worm|worms]] that exploited vulnerabilities of the [[Windows Indexing Service]] of Windows 2000's [[Internet Information Services]] (IIS).<ref name="CERTCodeRed" /> In August 2003, security researchers estimated that two major worms called [[Sobig (computer worm)|Sobig]] and [[Blaster (computer worm)|Blaster]] infected more than half a million Microsoft Windows computers.<ref name="SoBig">{{Cite web |date=August 21, 2003 |title=SoBig worm not slowing down yet |url=https://money.cnn.com/2003/08/21/technology/sobig/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517030254/https://money.cnn.com/2003/08/21/technology/sobig/ |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2019 |website=[[CNN Money]] |publisher=[[Time Warner]]}}</ref> The 2005 [[Zotob (computer worm)|Zotob]] worm was blamed for security compromises on Windows 2000 machines at [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], [[CNN]], the [[New York Times Company]], and the [[United States Department of Homeland Security]].<ref name="Wired">{{Cite magazine |last=Poulsen |first=Kevin |date=April 12, 2006 |title=Border Security System Left Open |url=https://www.wired.com/2006/04/border-security-system-left-open/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217143454/https://www.wired.com/2006/04/border-security-system-left-open/ |archive-date=February 17, 2017 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]]}}</ref>

On September 8, 2009, Microsoft skipped patching two of the five security flaws that were addressed in the monthly security update, saying that patching one of the critical security flaws was "infeasible."<ref>[http://news.techworld.com/operating-systems/3201403/microsoft-windows-2000-too-old-to-update/ Techworld] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426211409/http://news.techworld.com/operating-systems/3201403/microsoft-windows-2000-too-old-to-update/ |date=April 26, 2014 }}, September 9, 2009, "Microsoft: Windows 2000 too old to update"</ref> According to Microsoft Security Bulletin MS09-048: "The architecture to properly support [[TCP/IP]] protection does not exist on Microsoft Windows 2000 systems, making it infeasible to build the fix for Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 to eliminate the vulnerability. To do so would require re-architecting a very significant amount of the Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 operating system, there would be no assurance that applications designed to run on Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 would continue to operate on the updated system." No patches for this flaw were released for the newer [[Windows XP]] (32-bit) and [[Windows XP Professional x64 Edition]] either, despite both also being affected;<ref>{{Cite web |title=microsoft.com |url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS09-048.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804072524/http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS09-048.mspx |archive-date=August 4, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=[[Microsoft]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Microsoft suggested turning on [[Windows Firewall]] in those versions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keizer |first=Gregg |date=September 14, 2009 |title=Microsoft: No TCP/IP patches for you, XP |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2527501/microsoft--no-tcp-ip-patches-for-you--xp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517030606/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2527501/microsoft--no-tcp-ip-patches-for-you--xp.html |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2019 |website=[[Computerworld]]}}</ref>

== Support lifecycle ==
{{More citations needed|section|date=May 2024}}
Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Server were superseded by newer Microsoft operating systems: Windows 2000 Server products by [[Windows Server 2003]], and Windows 2000 Professional by [[Windows XP|Windows XP Professional]].

The Windows 2000 family of operating systems moved from mainstream support to the extended support phase on June 30, 2005. Microsoft says that this marks the progression of Windows 2000 through the Windows lifecycle policy. Under mainstream support, Microsoft freely provides design changes if any, service packs and non-security related updates in addition to security updates, whereas in extended support, service packs are not provided and non-security updates require contacting the support personnel by e-mail or phone. Under the extended support phase, Microsoft continued to provide critical security updates every month for all components of Windows 2000 (including Internet Explorer 5.0 SP4) and paid per-incident support for technical issues. Because of Windows 2000's age, updated versions of components such as [[Windows Media Player 11]] and [[Internet Explorer 7]] have not been released for it. In the case of Internet Explorer, Microsoft said in 2005 that, "some of the security work in IE 7 relies on operating system functionality in XP SP2 that is non-trivial to port back to Windows 2000."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marson |first=Ingrid |date=June 3, 2005 |title=Windows 2000 users to miss out on IE 7 |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/windows-2000-users-to-miss-out-on-ie-7/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517030937/https://www.cnet.com/news/windows-2000-users-to-miss-out-on-ie-7/ |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2019 |website=[[CNET]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref>

While users of Windows 2000 Professional and Server were eligible to purchase the upgrade license for Windows Vista Business or Windows Server 2008, neither of these operating systems can directly perform an upgrade installation from Windows 2000; a clean installation must be performed instead or a two-step upgrade through XP/2003. Microsoft has dropped the upgrade path from Windows 2000 (and earlier) to [[Windows 7]]. Users of Windows 2000 must buy a full Windows 7 license.

Although Windows 2000 is the last NT-based version of Microsoft Windows which does not include [[Microsoft Product Activation|product activation]], Microsoft has introduced [[Windows Genuine Advantage]] for certain downloads and non-critical updates from the Download Center for Windows 2000.

Windows 2000 reached the end of its lifecycle (EoL) on July 13, 2010 (alongside Service Pack 2 of Windows XP). It will not receive new security updates and new security-related hotfixes after this date.<ref name="Lifecycle">{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Product Lifecycle for Windows 2000 family |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/?sort=PN&alpha=Windows+2000&Filter=FilterNO |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407031934/http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/?sort=PN&alpha=Windows+2000&Filter=FilterNO |archive-date=April 7, 2013 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |website=Support |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref><ref name="ExtendedSupport">{{Cite web |date=June 28, 2005 |title=Windows 2000 Transitions to Extended Support June 30, 2005 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/server/evaluation/news/bulletins/extendedsupport.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050630234136/http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/server/evaluation/news/bulletins/extendedsupport.asp |archive-date=June 30, 2005 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> In Japan, over 130,000 servers and 500,000 PCs in local governments were affected; many local governments said that they will not update as they do not have funds to cover a replacement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 20, 2010 |title=Windows 2000 still in use locally |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/08/20/national/windows-2000-still-in-use-locally |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910175417/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/08/20/national/windows-2000-still-in-use-locally |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |website=[[The Japan Times]] |publisher=The Japan Times, Ltd.}}</ref>

As of 2011, [[Windows Update]] still supports the Windows 2000 updates available on [[Patch Tuesday]] in July 2010, e.g., if older optional Windows 2000 features are enabled later. Microsoft Office products under Windows 2000 have their own product lifecycles. While [[Internet Explorer 6]] for [[Windows XP]] did receive security patches up until it lost support, this is not the case for IE6 under Windows 2000.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} The [[Malicious Software Removal Tool|Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool]] installed monthly by Windows Update for XP and later versions can be still downloaded manually for Windows 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |year=2011 |title=Malicious Software Removal Tool |url=http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/malware-removal.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621103611/http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/malware-removal.aspx |archive-date=June 21, 2012 |access-date=July 24, 2011 |website=n (KB890830) |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref>

In 2020, Microsoft announced that it would disable the Windows Update service for SHA-1 endpoints for older Windows versions. Since Windows 2000 did not get an update for SHA-2, Windows Update Services are no longer available on the OS as of late July 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Windows Update SHA-1 based endpoints discontinued for older Windows devices |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/windows-update-sha-1-based-endpoints-discontinued-for-older-windows-devices-10b58bd9-5ba2-b23d-498b-139ce5c709af |access-date=2021-04-06 |website=support.microsoft.com |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417045726/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/windows-update-sha-1-based-endpoints-discontinued-for-older-windows-devices-10b58bd9-5ba2-b23d-498b-139ce5c709af |url-status=live }}</ref> As of March 2024, many of the old updates for Windows 2000 are still available on the [[Microsoft Update Catalog]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Microsoft Update Catalog|url=https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=windows%202000|access-date=March 6, 2025|website=www.catalog.update.microsoft.com|archive-date=February 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228135110/https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=windows%202000|url-status=live}}</ref> A third-party tool named Legacy Update allows previously-released updates for Windows 2000 to be installed from the Update Catalog.<ref name=":1" /> An independent project named Windows Update Restored is also available since 2022 and aims to restore the Windows Update websites for older versions of Windows, including Windows 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyson |first=Mark |date=2023-07-09 |title='Windows Update Restored' Site Provides Updates for Classic Windows Versions |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/windows-update-restored-site-provides-updates-for-classic-windows-versions |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Tom's Hardware]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Andrew |date=2023-07-10 |title=Windows 95, 98, and other decrepit versions can grab online updates again |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/07/windows-95-98-and-other-decrepit-versions-can-grab-online-updates-again/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |language=en-us}}</ref>

{{Timeline Windows 2000}}

== Total cost of ownership ==
In October 2002, Microsoft commissioned [[International Data Corporation|IDC]] to determine the [[total cost of ownership]] (TCO) for [[enterprise application]]s on Windows 2000 versus the TCO of the same applications on [[Linux]]. IDC's report is based on telephone interviews of IT executives and managers of 104 North American companies in which they determined what they were using for a specific workload for file, print, security and networking services.
IDC determined that the four areas where Windows 2000 had a better TCO than Linux – over a period of five years for an average organization of 100 employees – were file, print, network infrastructure and security infrastructure. They determined, however, that Linux had a better TCO than Windows 2000 for web serving. The report also found that the greatest cost was not in the procurement of software and hardware, but in staffing costs and downtime. While the report applied a 40% productivity factor during IT infrastructure downtime, recognizing that employees are not entirely unproductive, it did not consider the impact of downtime on the profitability of the business. The report stated that Linux servers had less unplanned downtime than Windows 2000 servers. It found that most Linux servers ran less workload per server than Windows 2000 servers and also that none of the businesses interviewed used 4-way [[Symmetric multiprocessing|SMP]] Linux computers. The report also did not take into account specific [[application server]]s – servers that need low maintenance and are provided by a specific vendor. The report did emphasize that TCO was only one factor in considering whether to use a particular IT platform, and also noted that as management and server software improved and became better packaged the overall picture shown could change.<ref>"[http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/docs/TCO.pdf Windows 2000 Versus Linux in Enterprise Computing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410033809/http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/docs/TCO.pdf |date=April 10, 2008 }}," ''IDC''.</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Architecture of Windows NT]]
* [[BlueKeep|BlueKeep (security vulnerability)]]
* [[Comparison of operating systems]]
* [[DEC Multia]], one of the DEC Alpha computers capable of running Windows 2000 beta
* [[Microsoft Servers]], Microsoft's network server software brand
* [[Windows Neptune]], a cancelled consumer edition based on Windows 2000

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== Further reading ==
* Bolosky, William J.; Corbin, Scott; Goebel, David; & Douceur, John R. "[http://research.microsoft.com/sn/Farsite/WSS2000.pdf Single Instance Storage in Windows 2000]." ''Microsoft Research'' & ''Balder Technology Group, Inc.'' (white paper).
* Bozman, Jean; Gillen, Al; Kolodgy, Charles; Kusnetzky, Dan; Perry, Randy; & Shiang, David (October 2002). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20080410033809/http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/docs/TCO.pdf Windows 2000 Versus Linux in Enterprise Computing: An assessment of business value for selected workloads]." ''IDC'', sponsored by ''Microsoft Corporation''. White paper.
* Finnel, Lynn (2000). ''MCSE Exam 70–215, Microsoft Windows 2000 Server''. [[Microsoft Press]]. {{ISBN|1-57231-903-8}}.
* ''Microsoft''. [http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/Windows/2000/server/reskit/en-us/Default.asp?url=/resources/documentation/Windows/2000/server/reskit/en-us/prork/pric_run_almc.asp Running Nonnative Applications in Windows 2000 Professional] {{Dead link|date=January 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Windows 2000 Resource Kit. Retrieved May 4, 2005.
* ''Microsoft''. "[http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/Windows/2000/server/reskit/en-us/Default.asp?url=/resources/documentation/Windows/2000/server/reskit/en-us/distrib/dsbg_dat_brlr.asp Active Directory Data Storage]." Retrieved May 9, 2005.
* {{Cite book |last=Minasi |first=Mark |url=https://archive.org/details/masteringwindow000chri |title=Mastering Windows 2000 Server |publisher=Sybex |year=2000 |isbn=0-7821-2774-6 |edition=Second |chapter=Chapter 3 – Installing Windows 2000 On Workstations with Remote Installation Services |chapter-url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000pro/deploy/depopt/ris.mspx |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050311204644/http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000pro/deploy/depopt/ris.mspx |archive-date=March 11, 2005}}
* Russinovich, Mark (October 1997). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20130517234235/http://windowsitpro.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=299 Inside NT's Object Manager]." ''Windows IT Pro''.
* Russinovich, Mark (2002). "[http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnw2kmag00/html/NTFSPart1.asp Inside Win2K NTFS, Part 1]." ''Windows IT Pro'' (formerly ''Windows 2000 Magazine'').
* Saville, John (January 9, 2000). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212324/http://www.windowsitpro.com/Article/ArticleID/13785/13785.html What is Native Structure Storage?]." ''Windows IT Pro'' (formerly ''Windows 2000 Magazine'').
* {{Cite book |last=Siyan |first=Kanajit S. |url=https://archive.org/details/windows2000serve0000siya/ |title=Windows 2000 Professional Reference |publisher=New Riders |year=2000 |isbn=0-7357-0952-1 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last=Solomon |first=David |url=https://archive.org/details/insidemicrosoftw0000solo/ |title=Inside Microsoft Windows 2000 |last2=Russinovich |first2=Mark E |publisher=Microsoft Press |year=2000 |isbn=0-7356-1021-5 |edition=Third |chapter=System Architecture |chapter-url=http://mipagina.cantv.net/jjaguilerap/w2k_arq.html |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050323090649/http://mipagina.cantv.net/jjaguilerap/w2k_arq.html |archive-date=March 23, 2005}}
* {{Cite book |last=Tanenbaum |first=Andrew S. |url=https://archive.org/details/modernoperatings00tane |title=Modern Operating Systems |publisher=Prentice-Hall |year=2001 |isbn=0-13-031358-0 |edition=2nd |url-access=registration}}
* Trott, Bob (October 27, 1998). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20040621122038/http://www.infoworld.com/cgi-bin/displayStory.pl?981027.wcwin2000.htm It's official: NT 5.0 becomes Windows 2000]." ''InfoWorld''.
* {{Cite book |last=Wallace |first=Rick |url=https://archive.org/details/mcsamcseselfpace00wall/ |title=MCSE Exam 70–210, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional |date=2000 |publisher=Microsoft Press |isbn=1-57231-901-1 |url-access=registration}}

==External links==
{{wikibooks|Basic Computing Using Windows/Appendices/Dual Booting}}
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180731123549/https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/education/2009/11/10/windows-2000-end-of-life/ Windows 2000 End-of-Life]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160129053851/http://download.microsoft.com/download/E/6/A/E6A04295-D2A8-40D0-A0C5-241BFECD095E/W2KSP4_EN.EXE Windows 2000 Service Pack 4]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060320020710/http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/7/b/27b1d1a3-0299-4336-b88a-22b9f09817e2/Windows2000-KB891861-v2-x86-ENU.EXE Windows 2000 Update Rollup 1 Version 2]

{{History of Windows}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Windows 2000| ]]
[[Category:1999 software]]
[[Category:2000 software]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2010]]
[[Category:Turn of the third millennium]]
[[Category:IA-32 operating systems]]
[[Category:Windows NT|2000]]
[[Category:Microsoft Windows]]