Before you install Microsoft Word 2003 on your computer you must check if your operating system is compatible with the system requirements of the program.
To locate general information regarding your operating system:
- Click on the Start button in Microsoft Windows.
- Locate My Computer or Computer which is generally located on the right hand side of the menu. This will open a window displaying folders such as Owner’s Documents, DVD/CD-Rom Drive, and Local Disk (C:).
- Find the System Tasks menu on the right hand side of the My Computer window and click on View System Information.
- This will open a window displaying General information such as what edition, version, and service pack you currently have installed, as well as how much memory you have available and what processor you are working with.
All Microsoft Word 2003 components have approximately the same system requirements:
- A Microsoft Windows XP operating system or Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3 or later.
- A minimum of 64MB of RAM and a recommended 128MB of RAM.
- 245MB of memory and 115MB of available disk space on your hard drive.
- A Pentium III processor is recommended; however, a Pentium 233 MHz Processor or higher is required.
- A monitor with 256 colors and Super VGA (800x600).
- A CD-Rom drive and a mouse
Some additional requirements are necessary to operate specific Microsoft Word 2003 add-ons and/or components:
- You will need Windows Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher to access InfoPath 2003.
- Office OneNote 2003 requires a Tablet PC pen input to capture handwritten notes in digital ink.
- The Internet and a Webcam are needed to enjoy the full collaboration benefits of Microsoft Exchange Server 2003.
Once you have checked all your system requirements, you are ready to install Microsoft Word 2003:
- Click Start in Microsoft Windows.
- Once the Start menu is visible, click on Control Panel.
- From here, click on the Control Panel icon to open the Control Panel window.
- Open Add or Remove Programs. In this window you will see options to add programs from a CD-Rom or as part of a Windows Update.
- A window will appear that will walk you through the installation process. First, insert the Microsoft Word 2003 installation disk into your CD-Rom drive and select Next.
- After carefully following the instructions in this window, you will be prompted to restart your computer. After doing so you will be notified that a new program has been added – Congratulations! You now have Microsoft Windows 2003 on your computer!
