I checked the windows website and it showed that Windows 2000 Professional is upgradeable to Windows XP Professional, as I am using a work laptop I was wandering does that mean if I were to upgrade to XP then all the previous settings, e.g. the log on profiles, will be maintained and there will be a seamless transition?

you should be able to upgrade and keep your current setting and files.

Yes, in theory. Clean installs are usually preferred to upgrades, I have to throw that out there because inevitably someone will tell you not to upgrade. The 2000 to XP upgrade should go pretty smoothly since they are so similar. As always, backup critical data before trying so you aren't screwed if something does go wrong.

Another question, can I install service pack, e.g. Service Pack 2 for XP, without having installed a previous version, e.g. Service Pack 1 for XP?

Yes, WIndows service packs are cumulative - they include all the previous ones

Here;s a couple links that should help get started (and i just gave someone else the other day)

* How to install or upgrade to Windows XP
* Windows 2000 to Windows XP Upgrade Issues


You might want to search the support.microsoft.com site and look at their community forums as well