Dell Optiplex 3020

[David M Cook]

Can you install xp on to a dell optiplex 3020 using a new or clean hard drive we have a installation disk and a product key

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hey there, David.

I think you should be able to do that. However Windows XP's support was discontinued more than 2 years ago by Microsoft and the vendors and manufacturers followed as well. From what I see about that system, there are drivers for Windows 7 and newer versions. So even if you install Windows XP, the computer might not run really well, due to missing drivers for its hardware components.
I'd recommend that you get in touch with the computer manufacturer's customer support, to see if they can help with that.

Hope that helps.
Boogieman_WD

 

[David M Cook]

Hey there, David.

I think you should be able to do that. However Windows XP's support was discontinued more than 2 years ago by Microsoft and the vendors and manufacturers followed as well. From what I see about that system, there are drivers for Windows 7 and newer versions. So even if you install Windows XP, the computer might not run really well, due to missing drivers for its hardware components.
I'd recommend that you get in touch with the computer manufacturer's customer support, to see if they can help with that.

Hope that helps.
Boogieman_WD

Thank you for your answer When you say missing drivers for its hardware components will it make it difficult to install our hardware We need xp for our old software and cnc machinery not for use on the internet

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Well, Windows has some generic drivers included. However, the best case scenario would be that you'd be able to use that part, but not at its full potential and all of its features. E.g. if you can't find a driver for the GPU, you won't be able to run software with heavy graphics that rely on the GPU as Windows will recognize it as a Standard VGA Graphics Adapter and not be able to tap into its features. In other cases (like with some wireless adapters), unless you install the appropriate driver, you might not be able to use Wi-Fi.
There are some 3rd party tools and websites which might be able to provide drivers for obsolete operating systems, but that could sometimes mess things up with the OS and you might end up needing to reinstall Windows.
Another option would be to check each individual component manufacturer's website for drivers for Windows XP.

In any case, I'd strongly recommend that you use Windows XP with Service Pack 3.