Earlier versions of The Compleat Botanica ran satisfactorily on Windows 98 and Windows Me. The latest version however uses the full power and capability of the newer operating systems. Only Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP are now supported.

Many of the computers that now use Windows 98 or Windows Me can be easily upgraded to Windows 2000 or Windows XP without any change in hardware. Upgrading in most cases is hassle-free. The result is a more stable system and one which can run the newer more powerful software like the most recent edition of the Compleat Botanica.