|
Page 1 of 3 How to Install Windows XP
Windows XP is arguably Microsoft’s best operating systems to date. It’s probably the most user-friendly, stable, complete and compatible OS to come from the company in one package. Along the same lines, it’s also really easy to install. So why are we writing an article on how to install Window XP? Well, there are a couple reasons…
First, we wrote this article because we know of a couple tricks to make your installation go more smoothly, and if you run into problems, we probably know the cause. We know of ways to make your PC faster, despite the fact it’ll be running the same OS as your neighbor or Counter-Strike rivals.
The most important reason for writing this article is that many people are afraid to install something as serious as an operating system – and for a good reason. If you have ever installed Windows 3.1, 95 or even 98 before, you know it can be a frustrating and tricky task. There are a couple steps you must follow that are too much for the average PC user (if you’ve even found Tweak3D, you are probably much more tech-savvy than that average PC user). A boot diskette is required, and it seems that at least 90% of the time it is corrupted. Some familiarity with DOS is necessary, and the wrong move can nuke your hard drive. If errors are encountered, no colorful and friendly menus are there to help you wade through the mess.
The days of risky business are over, though. Yes, installing a Microsoft OS is a very easy task, so long as you follow a couple steps that we’ve included in this guide to make your life easier. For best results, you’ll want to print this article and use it while you install Windows XP. This guide was written with Windows XP Professional in mind, but Windows XP Home will offer very similar options and this guide should offer ample support.
Preparing to Install XP
Before you go off and try to be a hero, be sure you have the necessary equipment to complete the installation. This means before you format a hard drive or even turn your PC on, locate the following: - Windows XP CD – Be sure it’s free of scratches and debris. If it’s scratched badly, it might only make it through half the installation, giving you a big dumb box of metal and a severe headache.
 If you stare long enough, you might see a 3D image of a sailboat.
Preparing to Install XP (cont.)
- Valid Windows CD-key – Installing Windows is easy, but impossible without a valid CD-key. Be sure your key is legible and that it’s not in use, or Windows might not activate properly. The key can usually be found on the backside of the CD sleeve or the license agreement.
 What, you thought I’d share my key? You’re too trusting.
- Backup – If you are planning to reinstall Windows XP over another version of Windows or you have information on your hard drive you want to keep, be sure to back it up to another drive.
- 3rd party SCSI or IDE controller drivers – If your PC has a SCSI adapter or even an ATA133+ controller, be sure to have the newest drivers on a floppy disk or CD. When Windows prompts you (as you’ll read later), hit F6 and install these drivers. It will make the installation process much quicker and will help you avoid strange errors part-way through the install.
- Internet software – If your ISP (Internet Service Provider) requires special software to get connected that you know is not included with Windows XP, be sure to have it now. This could include connection software, drivers for modems or other devices, etc. Windows without the Internet is like a Ferrari without wheels. It might look pretty, but it isn’t going to get you to Starbucks.
Let’s Get Started, Shall We?
Warning: The first rule while installing Windows is: do not press keys without reading what you’re doing. The second rule of installing Windows is: do not press keys without reading what you’re doing. Seriously, read what you’re doing and do not rush through the install, or your PC could be as useful as a turnip (it would still taste better, though).
If you could be so kind, please turn on your PC at this point and hit "Delete" on your keyboard, or the other key indicated by your BIOS information screen to enter the setup utility. In this utility, look for "Boot Sequence" or "Boot Options". You may have to search around a bit to find it. If you accidentally make a change, exit without saving. Otherwise, locate the boot sequence and promote your CD-ROM drive to the primary boot device. This is just the easiest way to boot from the drive. Once you’ve done this, pop the CD-ROM drive open and insert your Windows XP Installation CD. Choose "Exit Saving Changes" or whatever option allows you to save the current settings and exit. Your PC will reboot, and you’re on your way.
An Epic Begins, Installing Windows
Once your PC has rebooted, follow the instructions on-screen to boot from the CD. It may require you to hit some key on the keyboard. It might be automatic. Either way, within a couple seconds if you’ve done this, you should see a familiar blue screen as the installation starts. Right away, it will say at the bottom of the screen something along the lines of "If you have a 3rd party SCSI driver, hit F6". If you do, as mentioned above, hit F6 now. You will not have another chance to do this, and if you miss it, you may want to reboot your PC and try booting from the CD again. You will be prompted to install these drivers later.
If you have already installed XP on this PC and there are remains of it on one of your hard drives, it will ask you if you’d like to repair an installation. This is most likely not your plan, so hit Esc on your keyboard to continue and do a fresh install.
Choosing Your Partition
Once you’ve done this, you should reach the partition setup screen.
 Read carefully before proceeding.
If you know which drive for certain you want to install Windows XP on, choose the drive and hit C for "create partition". You will have to hit D to "delete partition" if there are any problems with the old partition. This is recommended if you plan on doing a clean install as it could avoid problems during the install. Once you’ve deleted the partition, you will have to recreate it by hitting C.
If you create a partition, it’s best in most cases to use the whole drive for the partition. This might avoid confusion later with drive names.
If you don’t want to create a new one or you are ready to install, choose the desired partition and hit the Enter key. If it prompts you to choose either FAT or NTFS, you would probably be best suited with FAT (in this case, FAT32). It offers some advantages over NTFS (although it also has some disadvantages) and it is compatible with more versions of Windows.
|
