Upgrade Paths to Windows XP

At one point in the history of Windows this was a straightforward question. If you had Windows on your box, you were eligible to use an upgrade version of Windows. Simple. No more. As the years since Windows 3.1 have slipped by, more versions of Windows are still in use and the upgrade paths have become more complicated. Consult the chart below to determine your options.

Now you know whether or not you’re eligible but that isn’t the only consideration. Just because you can upgrade to XP Professional doesn’t necessarily mean you should upgrade. If you have an older machine it may be to your benefit to buy a new computer with XP already installed and the upgrade price incorporated into the sellers price structure. The suggested and minimum requirements for a computer to run Windows XP are listed below as taken directly from the Microsoft website.

Here's What You Need to Use Windows XP Home Edition

• PC with 300 megahertz (MHz) or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233-MHz minimum required;* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, 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 gigabyte (GB) of available hard disk space.

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

• CD-ROM or DVD drive

• Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

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 × 600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor

• CD-ROM or DVD drive

• Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

Pay close attention to the minimum requirements as well as understanding that additional bits and pieces may be needed to enjoy the full extent of the features XP offers. If your current computer doesn’t meet or substantially exceed these requirements it would almost assuredly be a wiser choice to purchase a new machine with XP preinstalled rather than follow the upgrade path.

One final note about a common misunderstanding. Upgrade, as it refers to this article, simply means being able to install Windows XP based on the current operating system installed on your computer. If you are not eligible to upgrade you will have to purchase the full version of XP as opposed to the upgrade version. Once you have made this determination, the next step is deciding whether to to do an [Upgrade] or [New Install] from whatever version you purchased.