Handwriting recognition requirements

To use handwriting recognition to enter text, you need the following hardware and software components:

Writing tool

Minimum: You can write by moving your mouse on the mouse pad (while holding down the primary mouse button) to form words.
Recommended: A handwriting input tool, such as a pen stylus and tablet, connected to your computer through a serial or USB port. You can also use a graphics tablet used with 3-D drawing or Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) programs.

Computer speed and memory

Minimum: A 75-megahertz (MHz) computer with 24 megabytes (MB) of memory if you are using Windows 98 or Windows ME, 40 MB of memory if you are using Windows NT 4.0 or later. Newer operating systems may require more speed and memory.

Software

Windows 98 or later, or Windows NT 4.0 or later.
Handwriting recognition must be installed. Handwriting recognition is shipped with Microsoft Office XP, but may not be installed. It may have been installed by your computer's manufacturer if you recently purchased a new computer, even without Microsoft Office XP.