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How to install Windows XP: - Text only version
 
Before you begin, you must have either a blank partition, empty, unformatted space, or a partition you do not need to install Windows XP on.  If you just built a computer and didn't install anything yet, you should be fine, but otherwise you may need help creating space for Windows XP.  There are programs such as Partition Magic that can do this for you, and free Linux tools, such as GParted or QTParted for more advanced users.  Please ask a tech-savvy friend or an online forum for help.
  1. Start your computer
  2. Put the Windows XP CD in your CD drive (note - you may need to configure your BIOS to boot from your CD drive first)
  3. If prompted, press a key to boot from the XP CD
  4. Wait while XP loads several device drivers.  If you have a Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive, you may need to load drivers from the provided floppy.  Just press F6 when prompted to install drivers if XP does not recognize your hard drive(s).
  5. Press Enter to being Setup
  6. Read the End-User License Agreement (EULA) and press F8 if you agree and wish to continue Setup
  7. Choose the partition or unpartitioned space to install Windows XP on.
  8. Choose your desired format for the partition space.  I would recommend NTFS for its additional features.  You have the option for either a quick or full format.  A quick format does not scan the disk for bad clusters and installs.  A full format first scans the hard drive for errors and does not write over those spots, so I would recommend the full format.
  9. Wait as XP formats the partition
  10.  XP will then copy files to your hard drive, so please be patient.  It will restart your computer and continue Setup when it finishes.  Do not boot from the CD.
  11.  Make sure that the Regional and Language Settings are correct and click Next
  12.  Type your name in (and Organization, if you wish) and click Next.
  13.  Type in the Product Key that came with your computer or in the XP CD box and click Next
  14.  Type a name for your computer.
  15.  Choose the proper time, date, and time zone and click Next
  16.  Wait while XP installs your Network.
  17.  Pick to either allow XP to install typical Network settings or to Customize them yourself.  I would recommend allowing XP to install the typical settings for new users.
  18.   Be patient as XP completes Setup and restarts.  Do not boot from the CD.
  19.  XP will notify you that it will change the resolution to improve appearance, so click OK.
  20.  If you can read the box that comes up, click OK.  If you cannot, don't worry; just wait and the settings will be changed back.
  21.  On the Welcome screen, click Next
  22.  Choose whether or not you wish to have XP automatically install updates, which I recommend and click Next.
  23.  Choose the type of connection you have to the Internet.  If your PC is directly connected to your modem or phone line, click "No..."  If it is on a home network (wireless or wired), click "Yes..." and press Next.
  24.  You can then either activate Windows now or wait to do it later.  Click Next.
  25.  Type in the names of the people who will use the computer.  You can always add, remove, or modify users later.
  26.   Click Finish, and XP is now installed.