This document describes the steps for installing Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition operating system and updating the system BIOS and drivers on supported ThinkPad systems. The document also contains hints, tips, and limitations found during testing of Windows XP retail products on the ThinkPad systems specified in this documentation. In some cases, the document will suggest that you take steps prior to installing or upgrading Windows XP. Therefore, it is recommended that you read the entire document before installing Windows XP, and follow the instructions given.

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This section will help you to determine if your ThinkPad Notebook system supports Windows XP.

If you have any peripheral devices, you will need to check if they are Windows XP ready. Visit the web sites of the manufacturers of the devices to see if they are compatible with Windows XP. You may need to download the device driver for the devices. You can also refer to the HCL (Hardware Compatibility List) provided by Microsoft. Visit http://www.Microsoft.com for the HCL information.

You will also need to check if all of your necessary software applications are compatible with Windows XP. Visit the web sites of the manufacturers of the application software for the compatibility information of the application software. You may also want to check Microsoft's Windows XP home page for any known compatibility issues of the application software.

In order to install and run Windows XP on your ThinkPad system without having problems, you must check if your ThinkPad meets the System Requirements determined by Microsoft. For the complete information about the System Requirements, please visit Microsoft's Windows XP home page. The following is a listing of some important requirements that you need to be aware before installing Windows XP.

CPU
All of the systems listed in the ThinkPad systems that support Windows XP section below meet the minimum CPU speed requirement of 233MHz. For better performance, 300MHz or greater is recommended.

• Minimum: 233MHz
• Recommended: 300MHz

Memory
Install memory now if your ThinkPad system does not meet the minimum memory requirement of 64MB or you will not be able to install Windows XP. If you want to increase the size of the memory for better performance, you should install the additional memory now (before installing Windows XP).

• Minimum: 64MB (may limit performance and some features)
• Recommended: 128MB
  Notes:
  • Your ThinkPad Notebook must have at least 64MB of memory to install Windows XP. However, it is strongly recommended that you install at least 128MB memory especially for the system that has slower CPU.
  • If you install Windows XP into the system with less than 96MB of memory, Windows XP will disable some features, such as fast user switching, and they will not be enabled automatically even if you install the additional memory after the installation is completed.

hard drive
1.5GB of free space is required. You must have at least 1.5GB of free space in your hard drive to install Windows XP.

Numerous ThinkPad systems have been tested and it has been determined that they support Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition. The following list shows the current ThinkPad systems that support Windows XP. Before installing Windows XP, make sure that your ThinkPad system is on the list. Systems manufactured after October 2001 may not be listed here, but they will support Windows XP.
Visit the following links to view limitations:

Common Windows XP limitations

Application limitations