Windows XP Professional supports only those devices listed in the HCL. If your hardware isn't listed, contact the hardware manufacturer and request a Windows XP Professional driver for the component. To ensure that programs using 16-bit drivers function properly afterwards, request 32-bit drivers from the software vendor. During the setup process, you can use upgrade packs to make your existing software compatible with Windows XP Professional. Upgrade packs are available from the appropriate software manufacturers.If your computer won't be connected to a network, you can skip this section. First, you need to decide whether your computer is joining a domain or a workgroup. If you don't know which option to choose, or if your computer won't be connected to a network, select the workgroup option. (You can always join a domain after you install Windows XP Professional.) If you select the domain option, ask your network administrator to create a new computer account in that domain or reset your existing account. If your computer is currently connected to a network, request the following information from your network administrator before you begin the setup process: • Name of your computer • Name of the workgroup or domain • TCP/IP address (if your network doesn't have a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server) To connect to a network during the setup process, you must have the correct hardware installed on your computer and be connected by a network cable.
When you set up Windows XP Professional, you have to provide information about how you want to install the operating system. The following procedures help to provide the necessary information to ensure a successful installation. Complete the following tasks, which are described in the sections that follow, before you install Windows XP Professional: • Make sure your hardware components meet the minimum requirements. • Obtain compatible hardware and software, such as upgrade packs and new drivers. • Obtain network information. • Back up your current files in case you need to restore your current operating system. • Determine whether you want to perform an upgrade or install a new copy of Windows XP Professional. • If you're installing a new copy, identify and plan for any advanced setup options you might want.
Before you install Windows XP Professional, make sure your computer meets the following minimum hardware requirements: • 233 MHz Pentium or higher microprocessor (or equivalent) • 128 Mbyte recommended (64 Mbyte of RAM minimum; 4 Gbytes of RAM maximum) • 1.5 Gbyte of free space on your hard disk • VGA monitor • Keyboard • Mouse or compatible pointing device • CD-ROM or DVD drive For network installation: • Compatible network adapter card and related cable • Access to the network share that contains the Setup files The Windows XP Professional Setup Wizard automatically checks your hardware and software and reports any potential conflicts. To ensure a successful installation, however, you should determine whether your computer hardware is compatible with Windows XP Professional before you start the wizard.