Do Windows XP updates and SP2 take up much hard drive space? Would I be better off getting Vista?

Question

I have the Windows XP from when it was first released. After recently reinstalling the program, I had to download Service Pack 2, numerous security patches and all the other updates. My question is would Vista take up less hard drive space than XP since Vista doesn't require all the extra downloads? Thanks.

Answer 1

I remember WinXP SP2 takes about 1,600MB to install don't know if that includes the space used to store the 'undo' files in case of disaster while upgrading. My suggestion is get a bigger hd, they are cheap and move all your personal stuff to this new hd while allowing WinXP to use the 1st HD at its fullest.

Answer 2

Vista takes a lot more space then Windows XP and the service pack 2 does. You also have to have a recent computer to even support Vista.

Answer 3

If you are concerned about disk space, vista is not the answer for you.

First, it takes up more space.
Second, if you have a computer with little hard space, you likely dont have the specs to run Vista smoothly.

And of course, you already own Windows XP; why pay for something you dont need.

Answer 4

From what I've read, it's a bad idea to get Windows Vista right now. The chief reason being that most all of the third-party software vendors won't have full usability with it for at least another year. That means that your Logitech mouse, your Yahoo, and other things which you use on your computer will be buggy until someone re-writes their code to accept Vista.

If you're going to go out and buy a copy of Vista, and you're worried about your hard-drive space, why not just buy yourself an external hard-drive instead.

Answer 5

Vista Minimum Guidelines found here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/systemrequirements.mspx

list 15 GB Disk Space necessary.

XP is here
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/sysreqs.mspx

listing 1.5 GB necessary.

If you are concerned about disk space due to the updates, you can probably free up a fair amount of space by deleting the "leftover" files from the patch updates. Do this only if you will not need to remove the patches at a later date. The files are located in C:\Windows and are hidden by default. The folders begin with $NTUninstall...

Here's a link with more info on the leftover files:
http://www.askdavetaylor.com/can_i_delete_the_contents_of_windows_ntuninstall.html

Answer 6

1) why are you that worried about disk space? You can get 200gb drives for $80.

2) don't ever buy version 1 of anything from Microsoft. Wait until all the other suckers find the problems and lose data and patience.

3) eventually, Vista will require service packs and updates. the world turns, software needs fixing.

Answer 7

in accordance to diverse sources, homestead windows Vista is slower than XP because's loaded with many new good factors (secure practices, gadget records, networking kit, snap shots, utilities .etc.). Microsoft recommends 4GB of perplexing drives for Vista and easily 2GB for XP. Your pc could meet specific standards to run Vista, and those impacts its velocity. seek on Microsoft internet site for greater. Vista SP1 does paintings speedier than the 1st launch.

Answer 8

Now days, with hard drives as large as they are, you don't need to worry about space. Security on the other hand, Vista is a more secure product.

Answer 9

well no, becuase vista isnt even out yet and the few test one they have out have had some problems so trust me when i say they will have lots of update/upgrades and service packs for vista as well

Answer 10

i think vista would talk more space because of its detailed graphics and all, and you need a high specification pc to run it, like a vista capable pc...