Reference number: CH000647

How do I install Microsoft Windows XP.

Question:

How do I install Microsoft Windows XP.

Answer:

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. Therefore the below steps may not all apply to how Windows XP is installed on your computer. If the below steps do not apply to how Microsoft Windows XP is installed on your computer and you are unable to correctly reinstall Windows XP 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. Before following the below steps see document CH000186 for a 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 you will be prompted to press any key to boot from CD, at this time  press any key. If you do not get this prompt or are unable to boot from the CD please refer to document CH000217 for information on how to boot from a CD.
4. When the Windows XP setup menu appears press ENTER to continue the setup.
5. Next, the Windows XP licensing agreement will open, if you agree to this agreement press F8.
6. Next, Windows will give 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 then "Unpartitioned space".
   
   To delete the partition:
   on the drive that you press D and ENTER then press L to delete the partition and then press 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 wish to create a partition on and press C, specify the size of the partition in MB, by default this will have the full amount of the drive and press ENTER.
   
   
8. Once you have a partition ready to have Windows XP installed on it press ENTER to install.
9. Next you will need to select whether the drive will use FAT or NTFS. We suggest NTFS for users who are not sure which file system they wish 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 will determine the length of time the format will take.
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.