Hardware Compatibility List

The Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) is a compilation of computers and system hardware that have been extensively tested with Windows 2000 for stability and compatibility. It is the guide used by Product Support Services to determine if a computer is supported for use with the Windows 2000 operating system.

The most common cause of hardware problems is the use of hardware that is not listed on the HCL. To avoid problems, make sure that you are using a device make and model that is listed on the HCL.

It is especially important to refer to the HCL if you plan to use modems, tape backup units, or SCSI adapters. If your system component is not included on the list, contact Microsoft for an updated Windows 2000 HCL.

Even if several models from a manufacturer are included in the HCL, only those models that are included in the list are supported: a slightly different model might cause problems. Where special criteria are required for a model to be supported (for example, if a particular version of a driver is required), this information is described as a footnote in the HCL. As additional hardware is tested, including device drivers and other system components, the HCL is updated. The updated list and software are available through the electronic services listed at the end of the HCL.

If the system is not on the HCL or if components not on the HCL, such as hard disk drive controllers, net cards or video, appear to be involved in the problem, Product Support Services might not be able to fully support and diagnose the problem.

For the latest HCL, see the Hardware Compatibility List link on the Web Resources page at http://windows.microsoft.com/windows2000/reskit/webresources.

Tip

Use System Information to determine the hardware configuration of the computer that you are troubleshooting. Print the hardware information and save it to a file, keeping the report and file with the other configuration information for your computer. You can use the report when planning to change the configuration.

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