Windows XP support for the Opteron processor

This post outlines the computer support policy for using 32-bit Microsoft Windows XP with the Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Opteron processor.

Microsoft Product Support Services will support x86-based Windows XP Home and Professional versions when they run on AMD Opteron-based systems. The level of support for Windows XP on specific hardware is determined by one of the following criteria:

• Whether the hardware and drivers have completed the Microsoft Hardware Logo Program
• Whether the hardware is listed on the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL)

To download the latest Windows HCL, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/default.mspx

For more information about the support of non-HCL hardware, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Microsoft support policy on hardware not on Windows NT HCL

Note the following about AMD64-based systems:

• AMD64-based systems can run both 32-bit versions of Windows and any 32-bit application that is supported by x86-based systems.

• 32-bit versions of Windows on AMD64 cannot execute 64-bit code. Running 64-bit code requires a 64-bit operating system.

• AMD64 processors cannot run Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition for Intel Itanium processors. The differences in architecture between the two processors prevent each from running Windows XP compiled for the other one.