• Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 requires up to 1560 MB to install.computer for work image by lidia_smile from Fotolia.com
  
  Microsoft releases periodic updates to its operating systems to resolve security issues or bugs in the software. For the Windows XP Professional operating system, Service Pack 2 was released on September 17, 2004. Windows XP Service Pack 2 included new protections against malware and better security then the previous release. The system requirements for installing the service pack are different, depending on the installation method.
  
  

General Requirements for Windows XP Professional

• Windows XP Professional runs on computers with a 233 MHz or faster processor. It requires a minimum of 64 MB of RAM and 1.5 GB of available disk space. Computers must have a CD or DVD drive, keyboard, mouse, video adapter, sound card and speakers or headphones.
  
  

SP2 Requirements--Installing from Network

• Service Pack 2 is 495 MB in size with an additional space requirement of 200 MB to retain the files necessary to downgrade if necessary. When installing from a network share, space requirements are lower then when installing from a CD. During installation, additional space is used. For computers running system restore, a maximum usage of 1060 MB may be reached during installation. If system restore is disabled, the maximum is 770 MB.
  
  

SP2 Requirements--Installing from CD

• Installing from a CD initially requires additional space. On computers running system restore, a maximum usage of 1560 MB may be reached during installation. If system restore is disabled, the maximum is 1100 MB.