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How to Install Windows XP |
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Written by Dan
Monday, September 09, 2002
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Page 3 of 3 Let the Tweaking Begin
If you do not like the default Windows XP theme, you can easily change it. Right click the desktop and choose "Properties". You can change the theme here from XP’s colorful theme to something more conservative, such as the Windows Classic theme.
 I guess clouds and rainbows are not for everyone.
Windows Update
Assuming you have Internet access, you should update all the drivers and patches on your system before installing your favorite word processor, ICQ, Space Bunnies Must Die, etc. To make this fast and easy, open Internet Explorer (Start button, then Internet Explorer). Once it’s open, choose Tools, then Windows Update.
 You can change your start page to HamsterDance.com.
| Run Windows Update once a week, every week. |
Click "Scan for Updates". Once this has completed, choose "Review and Install Updates". Critical updates and service packs will be installed automatically. These will usually fix problems with Windows or its built-in features. Then click "Windows XP" on the left side. Scroll down and read through the options. Some of these are good, but you want some like you want the bubonic plague. Choose "Add" on the good ones, and skip over the others. Especially avoid the .Net updates.
Choose "Driver Updates" on the left, and confirm all updates for your drivers. Most likely, you’ll want to update your video card drivers from the manufacturer’s site, as they are probably more up-to-date and include utilities. Once you’re done with this, click "Review and Install Updates", then "Install Now". It will take a while to install and download updates. Once it has completed, the PC will probably reboot. At this point, try running Windows Update again to see if there are other updates that patch previous updates.
Conclusion
You’ve successfully installed Windows. You are now one-step above every person in society that has not installed Windows, and when you’re at a cocktail party and someone says, "Hey, who here has installed Windows?" you can raise your glass without feeling a bit of shame.
Go install your favorite programs, games, restore your backups, and enjoy your new PC.
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