Member Avatar for Blade10878

i have windows me, i want to upgrade to xp, my computer is 6 years old, i have 256mb ram that i just upgraded, everything else is old, do i need a new processor or graphics card or anything?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by goldeagle2005

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Short summary and extra steps (for and others)

You already have the key points from , and : a 6-year-old PC with 256 MB can often boot XP, but there are several practical gotchas that matter more than the raw minimums. Windows XP is also past its support end date, so plan for that trade‑off before you connect the machine to the Internet. (learn.microsoft.com)

Before you install

  • Back up everything (user folders, bookmarks, email files). Note the XP product key or original CD label.
  • Check the motherboard/vendor web site for XP drivers (network and video drivers first). If no XP drivers exist, some devices may never work. Use an upgrade/compatibility check before committing. (petri.com)
  • Consider a clean install rather than an in-place upgrade from ME — it’s more reliable on older PCs. If you must upgrade in place, run the Upgrade Advisor and follow its checklist.

During / immediately after install

  • Install the latest XP service pack (SP3) and then apply post‑SP updates from Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog; SP3 is the baseline that makes further updates possible. Disconnect from the Internet while installing big updates and drivers. (learn.microsoft.com)
  • Install network drivers first so you can access updates, then chipset, video, audio, etc.
  • Convert any FAT/FAT32 system partition to NTFS during setup for better stability and permissions.

Security and alternatives

  • Running XP online exposes the PC to modern threats because Microsoft stopped issuing security fixes; keep XP machines offline or behind a strict firewall if they must be used. Consider replacing the OS with a currently supported one or using a lightweight Linux if the hardware can’t run a modern Windows safely. (microsoft.com)

Quick checklist (one line each)

  • Backup → Check drivers → Decide clean vs upgrade → Install XP → Apply SP3 → Update → Install antivirus/firewall → Avoid direct Internet use if possible.

This covers the practical, immediately useful steps that weren’t detailed in the replies above and ties back to what , and said.

Recommended Answers

All 10 Replies

Member Avatar for dcc

You should be fine, as I recall xp only requires 128MB of RAM. If you do go with xp be sure to install the sp2, it's very important.

Member Avatar for Blade10878

ok what is sp2?

Member Avatar for dcc

Service pac 2

Member Avatar for gn0m3

From what I remember, XP needs at least a 500mhz or 600mhz processor to run well! 256 RAM is fine!.

gn0m3

Member Avatar for dcc

From Bill Gates mouth to your ear.

Here's What You Need to Use Windows XP Professional
•

PC with 300 megahertz or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233 MHz minimum required (single or dual processor system);* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, or AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended
•

128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)
•

1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available hard disk space*
•

Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor
•

CD-ROM or DVD drive
•

Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

Here's a decent guide for installation:

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=1435&page=2

Member Avatar for Blade10878

thnx for the help

Member Avatar for goldeagle2005

Wiuld recommend 256 megs for XP

Member Avatar for goldeagle2005

Would recommend 256 megs for XP

Member Avatar for dcc

He has 256MB, first post of threaed.

Member Avatar for goldeagle2005

He has 256MB, first post of threaed.

Heh. Little oversight on my part....

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