XP on 350Mhz & 288Mb

[Oceanic7777]

What can I expect performance-wise, if I install Windows XP (Home or Pro) on my computer?

Here are my vital specs:

350Mhz
288Mb ram. (~300Mb Max, I think)
8 GB primary HDD
40 GB 2nd HDD

My machine meets minimum requirements, and even recommended requirements (300Mhz). But will the system crawl?


I have XP on a laptop running at 2.4Ghz; on this machine, XP runs well.

Other posts on these boards discourage me; they give me ideas of programs taking ages to open.

MY REASONS:
My Presario 5612 lost some important system files, and I lost my restore CD; So I need to reformat and reinstall a clean copy of an OS.

I started with WIN 98 1st edition. Maybe I should just stick with 98?

You can buy full install OEM copies of 98 and XP online for roughly the same price (if you shop).


I have seen the automated pcpitstop sites, but I'd like actual HUMAN input/experiences (from you).

---
P.S. My 2nd hard drive has all my important files. I'll reconnect it once I get a new OS going.

 

[wolluf]

What are you going to use the machine for? It won't fly - but it will be usable. If mainly word processing, browsing internet, occasional other app and not using too may apps at once, it will be fine (crucially you have enough RAM). I've run it on machines from 200Mhz to 450 mhz - with 128MB RAM all start ok (but slow appreciably if you open several apps like Word - with 256+ RAM run reasonably with 5 or 6 apps running. Reasonably - not fast.

 

[bcastner]

I would stick with Windows 98.

 

[linney]

Stick an XP CD in the machine and run the Compatibility Wizard.

This might help you if you go with XP.

http://www.techreviewer.com/viewpage.cfm/pi/9

It's a sort of "bare bones" version of XP on a minimal system.

 

[MarkhP]

FYI:
I think you will find that the following will be the best you can achieve from the PC that you have.

Max cpu in Presario 5612=PII/500mhz
Max memory 384mb (128mb pc100 in 3slots)

XP would run ok as others have said, but even fully upgraded, I wouldn't like to use it for anything heavy.

(IMHO)

If you just want to get the files off of the machine, you could look at using the Windows For Workgroup client software (WFWGCN.EXE from msoft ftp) to enable the pc to see a share on your XP box (theory - not tried myself).