• Know your computer requirements before upgrading to Windows XP Service Pack 2.computer image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com
  
  Upgrading an existing Windows XP operating system to Service Pack 2 (SP2) can be a scary process. A Service Pack isn't like the typical small Windows Update. It takes a longer time to download and install and makes a number of large changes to the existing operating system. Knowing the proper system requirements before attempting an upgrade is a good way to keep unwanted glitches from happening during the patching process.
  
  

Operating Systems

• Windows XP Service Pack 2 can only be applied to computers currently running Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Media Center Edition and Windows XP Professional Edition. The service pack is also compatible with Windows XP Tablet PCs.
  
  

Installation Choices

• Your computer must either have a working CD ROM drive or an Internet connection. Windows XP Service Pack 2 can be downloaded from the Microsoft website. However, it is a very large download that may cause issues for users with slower Internet connections. Installing Service Pack 2 from a CD will save the time and frustration downloading and ensure a clean install.
  
  

System Requirements

• If your computer runs Windows XP well, chances are it will meet the requirements for Windows Service Pack 2. However, it's a good idea to double check your system specs to make sure. Windows Service Pack 2 requires at least a 233 MHz processor, though the suggested processor is 300 MHz or higher. It also requires a minimum of 64 MB of RAM, though it is recommended that you have 128 BM or more.
  
  

Hard Drive Requirements

• Windows XP Service Pack 2 requires a total of 1.8 GB of hard drive space on your computer. Make sure that your computer has plenty of room on the hard drive to swap files around, download and update all the things that the service pack might need. If you see that you are getting low on hard drive space, it would be a good idea to uninstall any programs that you don't use often or don't need anymore before you make the upgrade.
  
  

Virus-free Hard Drive

• Scan your hard drive for viruses or malware that might cause issues with the service pack upgrade. Even if you are certain that your computer has no infections, it's far better to be safe and do a scan than have the upgrade lock up on you due to an infected system file.