There are many many reasons why you should upgrade to Microsoft Windows XP. It's easier to use, incorporates tons of new built-in features to help you do more things without having to buy other programs, automatically detects and easily installs your peripherals, the improved interface helps you manage all sorts of different files easily and quickly, easier to setup networks and share resources, and it's much easier to repair and recover from Windows problems than any of the older Windows versions out there. Some people are afraid to install Windows XP on their computer because they're afraid that it would run too slow. In fact, with a little tweaking on the settings, Windows XP can run as fast as Windows 98 and therefore any machine that can handle Windows 98 would could run Windows XP at the same speed. Besides, Windows XP is the new standard for all programs nowadays and it's time you get with the program because you're going to have to sooner or later. This guide will help to make it as confusing as possible.
NOTE: the steps are here are assuming you are installing Windows XP from scratch, OR that you are planning to re-format and re-install your whole operating system over the old one and erasing the old Windows in the process. For those looking only to upgrade from their current version of Windows to Windows XP, you can simply stick in the Windows XP CD while in Windows and follow the instructions to UPGRADE.
1) Setting up your BIOS to boot off the Windows XP CD. Entering the BIOS on most computers can be achieved by pressing the DEL, F1, F2, or F12 keys when you first power up the system. Most computers will have a message like "Press DEL or F1 to enter setup" or "Press F12 to enter BOOT MENU" when you first boot up. I like to slam on all 4 keys when I don't see any message. On MOST computers, the BIOS screen will be a blue screen with a bunch of settings for you to dig through. What you are looking for is options or settings for BOOT MENU, BOOT DEVICE, BOOT ORDER, or something similar. What you want to do is make the CD-ROM drive the first device. Changing the settings can be done by hitting Enter and then using the arrow keys, or pressing the "+" and "-" to switch the boot order around. Most computers have the floppy drive as the 1st boot-up device by default. Once you've changed the settings to make the CD-ROM the first boot-up device, you can SAVE & EXIT out of the BIOS. There are usually instructions at the bottom or top of the screen that tell you what keys to Exit AND Save out of the BIOS.
2) Starting the installation, some computers will automatically boot of the CD yet others will give you a "Press a key to boot of CD-ROM" message. In which case, press any key to enter the Windows XP setup. Read the instructions and go through the hoops and press whatever buttons needed when you are prompted. When prompted to select a partition, pick the one with the biggest size, only pick another partition or erase partitions if you know what you're doing! When it comes time to format, it is ALWAYS RECOMMENDED to pick the NTFS format option. Do NOT pick the "quick format" option. Basically, the regular format option will scan your hard drive for errors and bad sectors and mark them off as unusable and it won't install Windows XP files on that sector. Having Windows files installed on bad sectors is bad because your Windows might not start or become irreparably damaged later on when the sector with the important Windows file can't be read. The quick format is only recommended if you have a brand new drive and/or you are perfectly sure that your hard drive works perfectly with no sign of errors or bad sectors. NTFS is better than FAT32 because it supports larger hard drives and allows you to place security options on your files.
3) After formatting and copy setup files, the real Windows setup begins. Here you will be asked to enter in the product key, your name, your organization (just put home or whatever codename you use for your house), your time zone, and more. For administrator password, it's best to leave this blank UNLESS this is a publicly used computer, network name is changeable later so don't worry about that now. For TCP/IP settings, just pick the standard default option. You're pretty much going to keep clicking next for about 30-40 minutes.
4) After the setup completes, you'll enter a very calm blue page where you will hit next a couple more times and then you are DONE INSTALLING WINDOWS! Congratulations!
5) Now you have to install the drivers, without this, your computer will run slower, won't have any sound, can't connect to the internet, and will display a horrible resolution. Of course Windows XP is supposed to be the first real plug-N-play OS and it will install MOST of your drivers but not all. To find out what drivers you need to install on your system, right-click My Computer, click on "Properties", and click on the Hardware "TAB". Then click on Device Manager. Every device you see that is listed with a yellow exclamation mark or question mark right next to it needs to be installed. Most computers will come with driver CD's. Now would be the perfect time to insert them into your computer and install all the drivers. If you don't have the drivers, and you have a company-built machine such as a Dell, HP, Compaq, Alienware, etc, then you need to go to the company website and look up your computer by model number. There should be a downloads/support section where you can download all the drivers needed. If you have a custom-built machine, then you will most likely only have to download the motherboard drivers. To download the motherboard drivers from the manufacturer's website, you need to find out the make and model number of the motherboard. You can find out what model number by looking between the PCI slots on the motherboard. The PCI slots are usually beige colored and come in groups of 3 or 5. They are places horizontally at the bottom of the motherboard and look like slots for a creditcard.
6) Update your Windows, now that you've got everything installed, it's time to update your Windows. To do this, click on Start > All Programs > Windows Update (This is located at the very top of the menu about 3-4 spots down). Sometimes, you will be asked to verify that your copy of Windows XP is genuine, afterwards, you will proceed to a screen with the buttons Express and Custom. Make sure you install all the Express updates first. It will take several restarts until your system has installed all of them. Next, go to the Custom updates and install only what you want. All these updates that you are doing will protect you against the latest security flaws and loopholes in Windows XP and will give you extra features in some cases. Automatically turning on Windows Updates would be a good idea. You can do this clicking on the Automatic Updates TAB after right-clicking My Computer and clicking on Properties.
7) Secure your Windows, install anti-virus and spyware prevention software. Firewalls are up to you but I actually hate them.
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE DONE AND HAVE SUCCESSFULLY INSTALLED MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP ALL BY YOURSELF!
Contributions are encouraged. If you have a great how-to or tutorial, please send to
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
We're looking for technical writers for the site.
Anybody who thinks they can help us are welcome. Feel free to support the site and share this site with your family, friends, and colleagues.
