No, you can't convert an MDE.

You have to use Access 97 with the 97 MDE,
and A2K MDE with Access 2000.

(david)

I would imagine that you should install the Access 97 runtime file in a
directory other than the Microsoft Office directory.  You have to set up
your install and app to make sure that Access 97 runtime is running your
app, rather than Access 2000.  If I remember correctly, unless you do that,
when Access 2000 is detected, your Access 97 runtime won't be installed.   I
have to say I am not entirely certain anymore because I quit using the Set
Up Wizard for Access 97 and PDW in Access 2002 due to conflicts among
versions during installs, etc., which the MS tools do not handle well.  I am
sure others who are still using the MS tools will fill you in more
completely.

If this is a one time deal, you will find a workaround, but if you intend to
be installing runtimes on machines far and wide that may have other versions
of Access present, see www.sagekey.com

Regardless, you can't convert an .MDE file, anyway.  Any changes or
conversion, regardless of Access version must be done on the .mdb   After
changes or a conversion, then make a new .mde
Always keep a copy of the last .mdb in case you want to make changes.

--
Greg Homyer