Install Microsoft Windows XP

Below are the steps required to installing the standard version of Microsoft Windows XP. It is important to realize that some computer manufacturers have their own proprietary install of Windows XP on a Recovery or Restore disc or may have a hidden partition that installs Windows XP. Therefore the steps below may not all apply to how Windows XP is installed on your computer. If the steps below do not apply it is recommended you contact your computer manufacturer for additional help, Computer Hope will not know how to install Windows using your manufacturers CD.

1. If you're still able to get into Windows before following the checklist of things to consider before erasing the computer and starting over.
2. The standard Microsoft Windows XP CD is bootable. Therefore start by placing the Windows XP CD in your computer and reboot.
3. As computer boots a prompt to press Any key to boot from CD should be seen. When seen immediately press any key. If you do not get this prompt or are unable to boot from the disc run through the booting from a CD troubleshooting steps.
4. When the Windows XP setup menu appears press ENTER to continue the setup.
5. Next, the Windows XP licensing agreement will be shown, if you agree to this agreement press F8.
6. Next, Windows gives you the option to repair Windows XP or to install a fresh copy if Windows XP is already installed on the computer. If you're wanting to install a new copy of Windows XP press ESC.
7. Next, the partition setup will appear, it is recommended that if a partition already exists and you do not plan on having multiple operating systems on the computer that you delete the existing partition before continuing the setup. You will know if a partition exists if you see anything other than Unpartitioned space. Note: When deleting a partition ALL information will be lost.
   
   To delete the partition:
   on the drive press D and ENTER then press L to delete the partition and thenpress ENTER and then if you are aware that this will delete all information on the partition.
   
   Note: If you have multiple partitions, we suggest deleting all partitions unless you plan on using these partitions. Deleting each of the other partitions can be done using the same above steps.
   
   To create the partition:
   Select the unpartitioned space you want to create a partition on and press C,specify the size of the partition in MB, by default the full amount of the drive will be already entered and press ENTER.
8. Once you have a partition ready to have Windows XP installed on it press ENTER to install.
9. Next you need to select whether the drive will use FAT or NTFS. We suggest NTFS for users who are not sure what file system they want to use.
10. After selecting the file system and pressing enter the computer will start formatting the drive. Depending on how big the partition is determine the length of time the format takes to complete.
11. After the format Windows will begin installing the files and then take you through a wizard to continue with the remainder of the setup.

Posted in: Hardware Installation,Windows XP Tips and Tricks