Windows Server 2000 Hardware Compatibility Guide
Critical Hardware Notice
⚠️ Windows Server 2000 hardware is obsolete and increasingly difficult to maintain. Hardware failures are imminent. This guide helps manage failing hardware while planning immediate migration.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Hardware Requirements
- Compatible Hardware List
- Storage Solutions
- Network Adapters
- RAID Controllers
- Memory Compatibility
- Hardware Troubleshooting
- Virtualization Options
- Replacement Strategies
Introduction
Windows Server 2000 requires hardware from the early 2000s era, most of which is now end-of-life. This guide documents compatible hardware still available through secondary markets and provides strategies for managing hardware failures.
Critical Challenges
- No new hardware manufactured for Windows 2000
- Limited driver availability
- Refurbished parts increasingly scarce
- No vendor support
- High failure rates due to age
Hardware Requirements
Minimum System Requirements
Processor: Pentium 133 MHz (Pentium II 300 MHz recommended)
RAM: 128 MB minimum (256 MB recommended, 4 GB maximum)
Storage: 2 GB minimum free space
Display: VGA or higher resolution
Network: Compatible network adapter for network installation
Recommended Specifications for 2024
Processor: Pentium 4 or Xeon (Socket 478/604)
RAM: 2-4 GB DDR SDRAM
Storage: SCSI or early SATA drives
RAID: Hardware RAID controller recommended
Network: Intel PRO/1000 series
Compatible Hardware List
Processors (Still Available Used)
| Processor | Socket | Max Speed | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentium III | Socket 370 | 1.4 GHz | Limited | Good compatibility |
| Pentium 4 | Socket 478 | 3.4 GHz | Available | Heat issues common |
| Xeon DP | Socket 604 | 3.2 GHz | Available | Server-grade option |
| AMD Athlon XP | Socket A | 2.2 GHz | Rare | Driver limitations |
Motherboards
Intel-based Options:
- Intel D865PERL (Socket 478)
- Intel SE7501WV2 (Dual Xeon)
- ASUS P4P800 Series
- MSI 865PE Neo2
Key Features to Look For: - AGP slot for graphics - PCI slots for expansion - IDE/PATA connectors - PS/2 ports - Serial/Parallel ports
Verified Working Configurations
Configuration 1 - File Server:
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 3.0GHz
Motherboard: Intel D865PERL
RAM: 4GB DDR-400
Storage: Adaptec 29160 SCSI + 4x 73GB 10K SCSI
Network: Intel PRO/1000 GT
Configuration 2 - Domain Controller:
CPU: Dual Xeon 2.8GHz
Motherboard: Intel SE7501WV2
RAM: 4GB PC2100 ECC
Storage: LSI MegaRAID 320-1 + 6x 36GB 15K SCSI
Network: Dual Intel PRO/1000 MT
Storage Solutions
IDE/PATA Drives
Maximum capacity: 137GB (without 48-bit LBA)
Interface: ATA-100/133
Recommended brands: Western Digital, Seagate, Maxtor
SCSI Solutions
Controllers:
- Adaptec 29160/29320 series
- LSI Logic 320-1/320-2
- Compaq/HP Smart Array 5i/6i
Drives:
- 10K RPM: 36GB, 73GB, 146GB
- 15K RPM: 18GB, 36GB, 73GB
SATA Compatibility
Early SATA controllers with Win2000 drivers:
- Promise SATA150 TX2plus
- Silicon Image SiI3112
- VIA VT6420
Note: Limited to SATA 1.5Gb/s
Storage Best Practices
# Check disk health
chkdsk C: /f /r
# Monitor SMART status (if supported)
# Use manufacturer utilities:
# - Seagate SeaTools
# - Western Digital Data Lifeguard
# - IBM/Hitachi Drive Fitness Test
Network Adapters
Recommended Network Cards
| Model | Speed | Driver Status | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel PRO/100 S | 100Mbps | Native | Common |
| Intel PRO/1000 GT | 1Gbps | Download required | Available |
| 3Com 3C905C-TX | 100Mbps | Native | Rare |
| Broadcom 5700 series | 1Gbps | Download required | Available |
Driver Installation
# Install network driver from INF
rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 .\e1000325.inf
# Verify installation
ipconfig /all
Network Configuration
# Set static IP (Windows 2000 compatibility)
netsh interface ip set address "Local Area Connection" static 192.168.1.100 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1 1
# Configure DNS
netsh interface ip set dns "Local Area Connection" static 192.168.1.10
RAID Controllers
Hardware RAID Options
Adaptec SCSI RAID:
Models: 2100S, 2120S, 2200S
Features: RAID 0, 1, 5, 10
Cache: 32-64MB
Interface: Ultra160/320 SCSI
LSI MegaRAID:
Models: 320-1, 320-2, Elite 1600
Features: RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, 50
Cache: 64-256MB
Battery backup available
HP Smart Array:
Models: 5i, 6i, 641, 642
Features: RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 (6i only)
Cache: 64-256MB
Integrated on many HP servers
RAID Configuration
# Monitor RAID status (vendor-specific)
# Adaptec Storage Manager
arcconf getconfig 1
# HP Array Configuration Utility
cpqacuxe.exe
# LSI MegaRAID
MegaCli -LDInfo -Lall -aALL
Memory Compatibility
Memory Types and Limits
| Type | Max Speed | Max per System | ECC Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDRAM | PC133 | 4GB | Yes |
| DDR | DDR400 | 4GB | Yes |
| RDRAM | PC800 | 4GB | Limited |
Memory Configuration Rules
- Match speeds across all modules
- Use ECC for server deployments
- Install in pairs for dual-channel
- Maximum 4GB due to OS limitations
Testing Memory
# Windows Memory Diagnostic (if available)
mdsched.exe
# Alternative: Use DOS-based tools
# - Memtest86 v3.5 (last version supporting old hardware)
# - PC-Doctor for DOS
Hardware Troubleshooting
Common Hardware Issues
Issue 1: Random Freezes/Crashes
Causes:
- Failing capacitors on motherboard
- Overheating due to dust buildup
- Power supply degradation
Solutions:
1. Visual inspection for bulging capacitors
2. Clean all cooling systems
3. Test with known-good PSU
4. Run stress tests in safe mode
Issue 2: Drive Failures
Symptoms:
- Event ID 7, 9, 11, 15 in System log
- Slow performance
- Data corruption
Diagnostics:
chkdsk /f /r
# Check SMART data
# Listen for unusual sounds
Issue 3: Network Connectivity
Common causes:
- Auto-negotiation failures
- Duplex mismatches
- Driver corruption
Fix:
# Force 100Mbps Full Duplex
netsh interface set interface "Local Area Connection" admin=disable
# Set speed/duplex in device manager
netsh interface set interface "Local Area Connection" admin=enable
Hardware Monitoring
# CPU temperature (if supported)
wmic /namespace:\\root\wmi PATH MSAcpi_ThermalZoneTemperature get CurrentTemperature
# System information
systeminfo | find "System Manufacturer"
systeminfo | find "System Model"
# Device manager via command line
devmgmt.msc
Virtualization Options
P2V (Physical to Virtual) Migration
VMware vCenter Converter 5.5:
Last version supporting Windows 2000
Hot cloning supported
Target: ESXi 5.5 or earlier
Microsoft Virtual Machine Converter 3.0:
Supports Windows 2000 SP4
Target: Hyper-V 2012 R2
Requires offline conversion
Virtual Hardware Configuration
Recommended VM Settings:
vCPU: 1-2 cores
RAM: 2-4GB
Network: E1000 or PCNet32
Storage: IDE or BusLogic SCSI
Display: Standard VGA
Remove: USB, Sound, Serial ports
Virtualization Benefits
- Eliminates hardware dependencies
- Enables snapshots for recovery
- Simplifies backup procedures
- Provides hardware isolation
Replacement Strategies
Sourcing Replacement Parts
Primary Sources: 1. eBay - Large selection, variable quality 2. Refurbished hardware vendors 3. Government surplus auctions 4. Corporate liquidations
What to Stock: - Power supplies (high failure rate) - RAM modules - SCSI/IDE drives - Network cards - RAID cache batteries
Creating Hardware Inventory
# Export hardware inventory
wmic computersystem get manufacturer,model,name > hardware.txt
wmic cpu get name,maxclockspeed >> hardware.txt
wmic memorychip get capacity,speed,manufacturer >> hardware.txt
wmic diskdrive get model,size,interfacetype >> hardware.txt
wmic nic get name,macaddress,speed >> hardware.txt
Preventive Maintenance
Monthly Tasks: - Clean air filters and fans - Check system logs for errors - Verify RAID array health - Test backup power systems
Quarterly Tasks: - Reseat memory and cards - Replace CMOS batteries - Update firmware (if available) - Test spare hardware
Migration Planning Based on Hardware
Critical Failure Points: 1. Motherboard - Immediate migration required 2. RAID Controller - 30-day migration window 3. Network Card - Can replace, 90-day window 4. Hard Drive - If in RAID, 60-day window
Conclusion
Hardware compatibility for Windows Server 2000 is a critical challenge that will only worsen over time. While this guide provides options for maintaining existing systems, the reality is that hardware failures are inevitable and replacement parts are increasingly scarce.
Key Recommendations:
- Virtualize immediately if possible
- Stock critical spare parts while available
- Document all hardware configurations
- Plan for failure - it's not if, but when
- Prioritize migration based on hardware health
The best hardware strategy for Windows Server 2000 is to eliminate the dependency entirely through migration to modern, supported platforms.