Preparing for installation
Even after confirming that the computer you want to install XP or 2000 on meets Microsoft’s recommended minimum specifications, you still may wish to do a little more investigating before you attempt an install or an upgrade, to make sure that all of your hardware is compatible with Windows XP or 2000.
There are two valuable Microsoft resources that you should employ before installing Windows XP or 2000 on your existing hardware: the Hardware Compatibility List (www.microsoft.com/hcl/default.asp), and the Windows Upgrade Advisor (www.microsoft.com/WINDOWSXP/home/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp). Together these applications review your system hardware and existing software and deliver a list of potential compatibility problems. These are divided into two basic categories: critical incompatibilities (those which would prevent XP from running, e.g. an outdated motherboard), and compatibility warnings (hardware and/or software which might not function correctly after upgrading – these might require you to reinstall the program or driver, or update your version to a Win2k or XP compatible version). If you are connected to the Internet while running Upgrade Advisor, Windows will offer to retrieve and install any available updates.
Fig 1 – Microsoft’s Upgrade Advisor page
It’s also a good idea to check and see if there is a BIOS update for your motherboard, especially if it contains any fix regarding ACPI or Windows 2000/XP, and flash it following the instructions from the manufacturer.
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