Windows

Can You Install XP Using Your Existing Hardware?

Posted by on Dec 20, 2005 | One Comment

In a previous article, I outlined how to identify if your hardware is compatible with Windows XP before you attempt to upgrade. Another consideration is whether your hardware meets the requirements to run Windows XP.

Most operating systems are designed to run on a minimum set of hardware requirements to ensure adequate performance and not meeting these requirements often results in a failed installation. Verify that the hardware in your system at least meets the minimum hardware requirements.

The minimum requirements to install Windows XP Professional and Home Editions include:

  • 233+ MHZ processor (a maximum of two processors is supported)

  • 1.5+ GB free hard disk space
  • 64+ MB of RAM (a maximum of 4 GB is supported)
  • Super VGA or higher resolution monitor
  • 12x CD-ROM drive (not required for network based installations)
  • Mouse, keyboard

Keep in mind when you’re choosing hardware that these are the bare minimum requirements to run the operating system and does not take into account any network services or applications that may be running on the computer. Plan to increase these requirements for optimal performance.

[tags]windows,xp,diana huggins,existing hardware,minimum requirement[/tags]

  • richard butler

    hi Dianne thanks for that info, i happen to have some Pentium 111′s 1.3 gig with 256 meg of ram, will they accept xp after they were initially installed with windows nt, from dola .com. i won them at auction for $12 and $14 .00 respectively i would like to install xp pro or xp home on them as i have both the original windows install disks not copy’s. its a good site to pick up very cheap computers as they are ex govt, and they are almost military spec. i am an electrician firstly and a security and telecoms tech by trade,but now i am working on these computer projects and all my family members can vow have a reasonably good computer. thanks again for your advice and maybe i will catch up with you again, cheers for now kind regards richard.