Microsoft Windows XP System Requirements

Occasionally, users need help to install Windows XP or troubleshoot an installation. If you are working in a corporate environment, chances are high that a network administrator will have an automated (or semi automated) installation method in place, so you must be familiar with the types of automated installations that you may encounter. If you are supporting a home user or a small network, it is more likely that you will help users install Windows XP from CD-ROM, so you must be familiar with the decisions that must be made during installation.

System Requirements

Before installing Windows, you must determine whether the computer meets the minimum hardware requirements for the installation. The hardware requirements for Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition are as follows:

-  CPU - It requires a 233 MHz Intel Pentium II/Celeron or AMD-compatible processor, although a 300 MHz processor (or higher) is strongly recommended. Its Professional supports up to two processors.

-  Memory - Microsoft Windows XP requires a minimum of 64 MB of random access memory (RAM), although 128 MB or more is recommended. Generally, the more memory a computer running Windows has, the better the performance. It supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM.

-  Hard disk space - It requires 1.5 GB of free space for installation. However, you may need additional disk space depending on the applications and features you choose to install.

-  Display - It requires a Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA)-compatible or better display adapter, with a monitor capable of 800 x 600 resolutions.

-  Input devices - The computer must have a keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse, Microsoft IntelliMouse, or other pointing device.

-  CD-ROM - The computer must have a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive if you will be performing Setup from CD-ROM.

-  Floppy disk drive - The computer must have a high-density 3.5" drive if you will be performing Setup across the network using a network client or boot disk or if your computer does not support booting with the Windows XP installation CD.

-  Network adapter card - The computer must have a network adapter card appropriate for your network if you will be performing Setup from a network installation point.