Windows Xp on old computer?

Question

I have a Packard Bell computer from like 95 with windows 95 on it i believe. can i download windows xp on that and would it worrk like my newer dell with XP?

Answer 1

A computer that old will run XP very slowly, if at all. So, no, it won't work anything at all like your newer Dell machine.

Answer 2

It depends if the computer meets the minimum system requirements:

• Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)
• At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
• At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
• CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
• Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
• Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600)or higher resolution
• Sound card
• Speakers or headphones

If it is a computer that originally came with 95 or 98, it may be able to run but probably not as well as your newer Dell.

Answer 3

Windows XP is the best OS, based on your hardware. Windows 7 is not an option, your PC is just too old. XP Service Pack 3 runs better with 1 GB of RAM. And, a GB of RAM is dirt cheap these days, but you decide.

Answer 4

The computer has to meet some requirements to be able to run XP. It has to have a Pentium processor (not 486) and run at a minimum of 120 mhz. XP also requires a minimum of 64 mb of RAM, but really needs 128 or better to run. Also, you will need 2 Gig of hard drive space for XP itself, and more to actually run it. Would not try on anything under 6 gig.

Also, you can not install XP over the top of 95. You would either have to upgrade to 98 then to XP, or reformat the drive and do a clean install of XP. Strongly recommend the clean install.

I have put XP on older systems, and it actually runs better then 95/98 on them. I have a couple 200 mhz PCs with 256 of RAM that I run it on regularly.

Answer 5

Chances are that you could put xp on your Packard Bell. I wouldn't, however expect the same performance as your Dell.
The only other point I would mention is not to try to run the XP with less than 128mb of ram.

Answer 6

The software has little to do with performance. Most of the speed and such comes from the hardware the machine uses to run. That is not to say that some software platforms will not run faster.... For example try some free distros of Linux (Mandriva One is particularly good) These operating systems can be ran completely from a CD or DVD and require much less memory and resources to run effectively. By freeing up a lot of memory the programs are able to utilize it and thus things will load and process faster!

Answer 7

I believe you can only install xp if you have windows 98 or newer. You can upgrade to 98 and then add xp but you need more RAM and memory chips. Don't try this unless you know what you are doing with the pc. It can be very costly to fix a mess up. Experience on that. Take care. Bev

Answer 8

I could use some more details, but basically, that computer might never be able to run as fast as your newer Dell. Check the requirements before you get it. I have a good feeling it is not going to be able to run it, unless you had the most top-of-the-line technology back then.

Answer 9

not worth the hassle of upgrading all the parts
memory, cpu, psu,fan, maybe even the HDD and then motherboard.

would be cheaper to buy a computer i think than upgrade.

xp runs ok with about 1GB RAM
vista go for 2 GB RAM

psu around the 350 w for xp.

Answer 10

Doing that would be like taking a Geo Metro engine and putting it into a Semi Truck.

Sure, you could get it to work. But it would be slower than molasses in wintertime.

XP requires a much more powerful computer than this one to run well. If you want similar functionality and Security, you would be much better off installing Windows 2000 Professional.

It is cheaper, less resource-intensive and would probably run ok on that computer.