Install Windows XP


Most new computers come with Windows XP installed, so many people never have to install it. However, you may need to install Windows XP if:
You replaced your hard disk drive with a new hard disk drive that does not have Windows XP installed.
You are reinstalling Windows XP on a computer because you want to clean off your hard drive and remove any unwanted programs, such as spyware.
You purchased a computer without an operating system.
Fortunately, you do not need to be a computer expert to install Windows XP. Installing Windows XP is a straightforward process that takes between one to two hours. Of that time, you need to be present for only about 30 minutes.

Installation process

Installing Windows XP can take up to two hours. To make the process more manageable, it has been broken up into several sections. When you are ready, install Windows XP:
Part 1: Begin the installation
Part 2: Continue the installation
Part 3: Complete the installation

Part 1: Begin the installation
1.
Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer and restart your computer.
2.
If prompted to start from the CD, press SPACEBAR. If you miss the prompt (it only appears for a few seconds), restart your computer to try again.
Command window with prompt "Press any key to boot from CD"
3.
Windows XP Setup begins. During this portion of setup, your mouse will not work, so you must use the keyboard. On the Welcome to Setup page, press ENTER.
Windows XP Professional Setup page
4.
On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement page, read the licensing agreement. Press the PAGE DOWN key to scroll to the bottom of the agreement. Then press F8.
Windows XP Licensing Agreement page
5.
This page enables you to select the hard disk drive on which Windows XP will be installed. Once you complete this step, all data on your hard disk drive will be removed and cannot be recovered. It is extremely important that you have a recent backup copy of your files before continuing. When you have a backup copy, press D, and then press L when prompted. This deletes your existing data.
6.
Press ENTER to select Unpartitioned space, which appears by default.
Windows XP Professional Setup, partitioned and unpartitioned space page
7.
Press ENTER again to select Format the partition using the NTFS file system, which appears by default.
Windows XP Professional Setup page with Format the partition using the NTFS file system selected
8.
Windows XP erases your hard disk drive using a process called formatting and then copies the setup files. You can leave your computer and return in 20 to 30 minutes.
Windows XP Professional Setup Please wait while Setup formats the partition page
Part 2: Continue the installation
9.
Windows XP restarts and then continues with the installation process. From this point forward, you can use your mouse. Eventually, the Regional and Language Optionspage appears. Click Next to accept the default settings. If you are multilingual or prefer a language other than English, you can change language settings after setup is complete.
Regional and Language Options page
10.
On the Personalize Your Software page, type your name and your organization name. Some programs use this information to automatically fill in your name when required. Then, click Next.
Personalize Your Software page
11.
On the Your Product Key page, type your product key as it appears on your Windows XP CD case. The product key is unique for every Windows XP installation. Then, clickNext.
Your Product Key page
12.
On the Computer Name and Administrator Password page, in the Computer name box, type a name that uniquely identifies your computer in your house, such as FAMILYROOM or TOMS. You cannot use spaces or punctuation. If you connect your computer to a network, you will use this computer name to find shared files and printers. Type a strong password that you can remember in the Administrator password box, and then retype it in the Confirm password box. Write the password down and store it in a secure place. Click Next.
Computer Name and Administrator Password page
13.
On the Date and Time Settings page, set your computer’s clock. Then, click the Time Zone down arrow, and select your time zone. Click Next.
Date and Time Settings page
14.
Windows XP will spend about a minute configuring your computer. On the Networking Settings page, click Next.
Networking Settings page
15.
On the Workgroup or Computer Domain page, click Next.
Workgroup or Computer Domain page
Part 3: Complete the installation
16.
Windows XP will spend 20 or 30 minutes configuring your computer and will automatically restart when finished. When the Display Settings dialog appears, click OK.
Display Settings dialog box
17.
When the Monitor Settings dialog box appears, click OK.
Monitor Settings dialog box
18.
The final stage of setup begins. On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows page, click Next.
Welcome to Microsoft Windows page
19.
On the Help protect your PC page, click Help protect my PC by turning on Automatic Updates now. Then, click Next.
Help protect your PC page
20.
Windows XP will then check if you are connected to the Internet:
If you are connected to the Internet, select the choice that describes your network connection on the Will this computer connect to the Internet directly, or through a network? page. If you’re not sure, accept the default selection, and click Next.
Will this computer connect to the Internet directly, or through a network? page
If you use dial-up Internet access, or if Windows XP cannot connect to the Internet, you can connect to the Internet after setup is complete. On the How will this computer connect to the Internet? page, click Skip.
How will this computer connect to the Internet? page
21.
Windows XP Setup displays the Ready to activate Windows? page. If you are connected to the Internet, click Yes, and then click Next. If you are not yet connected to the Internet, click No, click Next, and then skip to step 24. After setup is complete, Windows XP will automatically remind you to activate and register your copy of Windows XP.
Ready to activate Windows? page
22.
On the Ready to register with Microsoft? page, click Yes, and then click Next.
Ready to register with Microsoft? page
23.
On the Collecting Registration Information page, complete the form. Then, click Next.
Collecting Registration Information page
24.
On the Who will use this computer? page, type the name of each person who will use the computer. You can use first names only, nicknames, or full names. Then clickNext. To add users after setup is complete or to specify a password to keep your account private, read Create and customize user accounts.
Who will use this computer? page
25.
On the Thank you! page, click Finish.
Thank you! page
Congratulations! Windows XP setup is complete. You can log on by clicking your name on the logon screen. If you’ve installed Windows XP on a new computer or new hard disk drive, you can now use the File and Settings Transfer Wizard to copy your important data to your computer or hard disk drive.
After logon, take a few minutes to validate your copy of Windows. Validation gives you access to hundreds of free downloads from the Microsoft Download Center. To learn about the new features Windows XP provides, click the Start button, click All Programs, click Accessories, and then click Tour Windows XP.

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