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Hard Drives
Windows XP requires at least 1.5GB of available disk space for installation, but Microsoft recommends 2GB or more free space on the partition where you install the OS to allow for file growth and provide adequate performance. We agree. This is not an area to skimp on. Windows XP has significant speed advantages over older OSs when used with large hard drives.
Our test assumes you will want to upgrade where possible, so we only check for space on the partition that contains the current version of Windows. This is usually the C drive for Windows 98 or Me, but it may be another drive with Windows NT or 2000.
Fix-It Tips
To find out more about how to upgrade your hard drive, see PC World's article, "Upgrade Guide: Install a Bigger, Faster Hard Drive."