To investigate intention to adopt a new smoking cessation expert system as well as outline perceived barriers by general practitioners (GPs) to adopt this expert system, a written questionnaire was sent to 771 registered GPs. Respondents, representing 34.8% of the registered GPs, were classified as adopters (34.2%), doubters (36.2%) or non-adopters (29.2%). Adopters and doubters were less negative about the time investment for the GP when adopting the expert system than non-adopters. Adopters expected a more positive reaction from their patients than non-adopters. Smoking cessation was mostly considered to be a task for the practice assistant. The authors discuss the relevance of barriers mentioned not to implement the expert system and give recommendations for further steps into implementing primary prevention activities in Dutch general practice.