Installing Windows XP - A Step By Step Guide for a Newbie
The BIOS - Setting up your CD ROM to Boot First
A few things need to be done before you can Install your fresh copy of Windows.
Start your computer, while it is starting press the Del key on your keyboard and enter the Computer's BIOS.
Note that some systems use different keys to access BIOS, some that I am familiar with are
Del
F1
F2
F10
If you are unsure on how to enter your system's BIOS, refer to the motherboard manual.
After you are in the BIOS, you need to hunt for something related to "BOOT", this can be quite a complicated task sometimes but you need to have some patience.
Here's a simple screen shot of a BIOS
As you can see the Boot Device Priorty Option is located in the right side, go there by navigating vai the keyboard arrow keys.
Here your main purpose is to set the CDROM device to boot first, that is to say, in the boot device priorty list set :
First Boot Device : CDROM
Second Boot Device : Hard Disk
After this is done, press Esc, go the Save settings and Exit Dialog (or Press F10 if the Bios Supports it) and reboot your system.
Before you reboot put the Windows XP CD in the CDROM Tray.
[BREAK=Page 2 : Installing Windows]
Installing Windows XP
When you reboot, the system starts reading the CDROM drive, on the PC this shows up.
Note : If you don't have an Operating System preinstalled, this screen will not show up.
PRESS a key to continue installation
After this, you get
and then this
Now if your motheboard came with a Floppy Disk for some drivers such as SATA, and you are using a SATA drive, Press F6 NOW!!!
[BREAK=Page 3 : If you pressed F6]
If You Pressed F6
After some time, a screen like the one below will appear.
If you pressed F6 by mistake before, press Enter here to continue with the Installation. If however, you need to install some particular drivers, press S
As the screen says, at this stage, insert the Floppy Disk that came with the motherboard and Press Enter.
The Floppy disk will be read and you will be given a choice from a multitude of drivers which one you want to Install, If you are on a RAID setup, chose that, otherwise chose SATA.
[BREAK=Page 4 : Back to the Installation]
Back to the Installation
"Setup is starting Windows"
Dont get your hopes up yet, there's still some time before Windows is Installed.
Since you are Installing Windows, Press Enter. To quit installing Windows, Press F3.
Read the license and press F8 if you agree with the Terms and Conditions set by Microsoft.
Onto the next screen, if you have a copy of Windows XP already Installed, it will show up here.
To repair that Installation, select that installation via the cursor keys up and down and Press R.
Ofcourse, to install a fresh copy of Windows Press Esc, moving on the next screen shows the various partitions in your Hard Disk
Create a new partition by pressing C or select the partition you want to Install Windows On and Press Enter.
If you have a OS installed on the drive you selected, you must either :
# Install on a different partiton
# Chose diffrent Folder for installing Windows on the same partition
# Remove the old OS from that partition
In this case, we go with Installing on the same partition by pressing C
Here you can either format the system using FAT32 or NTFS OR you can leave the partition as it is (genrally used for Installing Windows by chosing a different Folder, or if you have some data on that partition that you don't want to get destroyed on format)
[BREAK=Page 5 : If you don't format the partition]
If you don't format the partition and choose "Leave the current file system intact (no changes)"
Here you can either chose a different folder for installation OR delete the current "Windows" folder and continue installation in the \Windows Folder
Depending upon the choice you make, the next screen is either
OR
[BREAK=Page 6 : If you do Format the partition]
If you do Format the partition
Some basics to which formatting method to chose :
FAT32 : It's the old standard, replaced by the much newer NTFS. Windows 95/98/ME only support this format and not the NTFS, so if you have some Win 95/98/ME on some other partition you have to chose this. Also, if you are installing on C:\ and you plan to install Win 95/98/ME some day, FAT32 must be chosen.
NTFS : The NT File System, the newer, more efficient file system supported by Windows NT/2000/XP and Windows Vista.
Quick Format : Just erases the directory structure in the file system.
Full Format : Erases the directory structure as well as checks for defects in the Hard Disk, takes a long time to do. If you want to check the drive for errors before Installation, chose this otherwise go with the Quick Format.
This next screen is just to confirm that you indeed want to format, do so by pressing F
Here, ypu can see actual format in progress.
[BREAK=Page 7 : Back to the Install]
Back to the Install
This next screen checks whether the format went well or whether files were properly deleted depending upon the previous step you chose.
Next, the installer starts copying system files onto the Hard Disk.
After the files have been copied the system will automatically reboots, if it fails to do so, just press the reset button after waiting 5 minutes after the files have been copied.
When the system reboots, you'll be prompted once again to boot from CD.
DONOT Press any key at this stage.
Windows Setup Restarting, Windows installation has still got a long way to go.
After some time you'll be prompted with the dialog box, normally just press Next.
Enter your name and the name of organization you work for (or enter any random values)
At this stage, you need to enter your 25 key Windows Product Key.
It should be correctly entered, else an error pops up.
If you enter the correct product key, following screen is displayed.
Computer Name : Can be anything, but if you are going to connect this system to a LAN, then enter something sensible and unique in that LAN
Admin Password : Administrators are users with complete access to the system, make sure you enter a strong password comprising of letter and numbers, and something you can remember.
Press Next to move onto the next screen.
Chose the Time Zone you are currently in. For India, its GMT +5:30.
Press Next and you are done entering data, enjoy the Installation.
Installing Network Components.
Copying System Files.
Installing Start menu items.
Registering various Windows Components.
Saving Settings. Almost Done.
Removing Extra Files.
Installation Complete!!
After the Installation is complete, the system will automatically reboot.
[BREAK=Page 8 : After Windows Installation]
After Installing Windows XP
You are not done yet, there's still somethings that need to be done before you can start using your copy of Windows for day to day use.
The next screen shows Windows starting for the first time.
Moving on, this is done to check the maximum resolution your computer supports, Press Ok
Depending upon whether your monitor supports a higher resolution or not, you'll be able to view or not view the following screen.
If you can't see anything, don't do anything, just wait 30 seconds for the screen to be restored.
Next, you'll be asked to create Users who will use this computer, remember that all users created here are Administrators and have complete access to the system.
Press Next, and then login using one of the usernames.
Logging in for the first time.
Finally into a working Windows. Wait, we are still not done yet.
[BREAK=Page 9 : Installing drivers for various devices]
Installing drivers for your various devices
Device Drivers are what make various hardware work. You need to install drivers for all the devices which are connected to the system for their proper functioning.
For this, put the motherboard CD, and install the various drivers that came along with it.
Next, reboot your system.
Check if all drivers have been installed. This can be done by going to the Device Manager.
Either right click on the My Computer and select properties or Press Win Key + Pause. This will take you to the System Properties Window.
Now go to the Hardware Tab. Here go to the Device Manager Tab.
If all your hardware is properly installed, it will appear something like this.
If however, some devices are not properly installed you will get a Yellow Mark on those devices.
Also, while installing various device drivers, sometimes a popup like the screen below may show up. This happens when the device driver has not been digitally signed by Microsoft, click on "Continue Anyway" to continue the Installation.
[BREAK=Page 10 : Adding, Removing and Managing User Accounts]
Adding, Removing and Managing User Accounts
While, you can start using your Windows Installation now, it is always a good idea to create Users with Limited Access (known as just Users) and login using the User for day to day usage of Personal Computing.
Go to the Control Panel.
In the Control Panel, go to "User Accounts".
Now, lets create a new account. Click on "Create a new account".
Type in a name for the account.
Chose, whether you want the account to be a "Admistrator" type account or a "User" Limited type account. Click on "Create Account" to create the account.
Lets "Change the way users log on or off"
Select the desired options, both the options are enabled by default.
Lets go back to the main User Accounts Screen. To Change the type of account from Administrator to User and vice-versa, go to "Change an Account"
Note that not all accounts can be edited in the same way, that is to say the for example the Adminstrator Account can not be converted to a User Account. These options will be greyed out and unselectable.
Chose an Account you want to edit.
On the next screen, various options available are :
Change the Name : Here you can change the name of the current account to something else.
Change the Password : Explained in more detail in the next section, used to change the password or create a password for that account.
Change the Picture : Change the thumbnail that is shown in the start menu when you login to Windows with that account.
Change the Account Type : To change the account type from Administrator to Limited and Vice-Versa.
Change the Password :
Type a new password, retype the password.
As always the password must be something secure consisting of random alphabets and numbers and should be learnt to the heart.
Type a word or phrase to use as a Password hint : The text you write here is shown at the login page when Windows Starts, so that a user may remember the password and login.
That's it. You have successfully Installed and Configured some basic things in Windows XP.
Happy Windowing
DEEPAK
The BIOS - Setting up your CD ROM to Boot First
A few things need to be done before you can Install your fresh copy of Windows.
Start your computer, while it is starting press the Del key on your keyboard and enter the Computer's BIOS.
Note that some systems use different keys to access BIOS, some that I am familiar with are
Del
F1
F2
F10
If you are unsure on how to enter your system's BIOS, refer to the motherboard manual.
After you are in the BIOS, you need to hunt for something related to "BOOT", this can be quite a complicated task sometimes but you need to have some patience.
Here's a simple screen shot of a BIOS
As you can see the Boot Device Priorty Option is located in the right side, go there by navigating vai the keyboard arrow keys.
Here your main purpose is to set the CDROM device to boot first, that is to say, in the boot device priorty list set :
First Boot Device : CDROM
Second Boot Device : Hard Disk
After this is done, press Esc, go the Save settings and Exit Dialog (or Press F10 if the Bios Supports it) and reboot your system.
Before you reboot put the Windows XP CD in the CDROM Tray.
[BREAK=Page 2 : Installing Windows]
Installing Windows XP
When you reboot, the system starts reading the CDROM drive, on the PC this shows up.
Note : If you don't have an Operating System preinstalled, this screen will not show up.
PRESS a key to continue installation
After this, you get
and then this
Now if your motheboard came with a Floppy Disk for some drivers such as SATA, and you are using a SATA drive, Press F6 NOW!!!
[BREAK=Page 3 : If you pressed F6]
If You Pressed F6
After some time, a screen like the one below will appear.
If you pressed F6 by mistake before, press Enter here to continue with the Installation. If however, you need to install some particular drivers, press S
As the screen says, at this stage, insert the Floppy Disk that came with the motherboard and Press Enter.
The Floppy disk will be read and you will be given a choice from a multitude of drivers which one you want to Install, If you are on a RAID setup, chose that, otherwise chose SATA.
[BREAK=Page 4 : Back to the Installation]
Back to the Installation
"Setup is starting Windows"
Dont get your hopes up yet, there's still some time before Windows is Installed.
Since you are Installing Windows, Press Enter. To quit installing Windows, Press F3.
Read the license and press F8 if you agree with the Terms and Conditions set by Microsoft.
Onto the next screen, if you have a copy of Windows XP already Installed, it will show up here.
To repair that Installation, select that installation via the cursor keys up and down and Press R.
Ofcourse, to install a fresh copy of Windows Press Esc, moving on the next screen shows the various partitions in your Hard Disk
Create a new partition by pressing C or select the partition you want to Install Windows On and Press Enter.
If you have a OS installed on the drive you selected, you must either :
# Install on a different partiton
# Chose diffrent Folder for installing Windows on the same partition
# Remove the old OS from that partition
In this case, we go with Installing on the same partition by pressing C
Here you can either format the system using FAT32 or NTFS OR you can leave the partition as it is (genrally used for Installing Windows by chosing a different Folder, or if you have some data on that partition that you don't want to get destroyed on format)
[BREAK=Page 5 : If you don't format the partition]
If you don't format the partition and choose "Leave the current file system intact (no changes)"
Here you can either chose a different folder for installation OR delete the current "Windows" folder and continue installation in the \Windows Folder
Depending upon the choice you make, the next screen is either
OR
[BREAK=Page 6 : If you do Format the partition]
If you do Format the partition
Some basics to which formatting method to chose :
FAT32 : It's the old standard, replaced by the much newer NTFS. Windows 95/98/ME only support this format and not the NTFS, so if you have some Win 95/98/ME on some other partition you have to chose this. Also, if you are installing on C:\ and you plan to install Win 95/98/ME some day, FAT32 must be chosen.
NTFS : The NT File System, the newer, more efficient file system supported by Windows NT/2000/XP and Windows Vista.
Quick Format : Just erases the directory structure in the file system.
Full Format : Erases the directory structure as well as checks for defects in the Hard Disk, takes a long time to do. If you want to check the drive for errors before Installation, chose this otherwise go with the Quick Format.
This next screen is just to confirm that you indeed want to format, do so by pressing F
Here, ypu can see actual format in progress.
[BREAK=Page 7 : Back to the Install]
Back to the Install
This next screen checks whether the format went well or whether files were properly deleted depending upon the previous step you chose.
Next, the installer starts copying system files onto the Hard Disk.
After the files have been copied the system will automatically reboots, if it fails to do so, just press the reset button after waiting 5 minutes after the files have been copied.
When the system reboots, you'll be prompted once again to boot from CD.
DONOT Press any key at this stage.
Windows Setup Restarting, Windows installation has still got a long way to go.
After some time you'll be prompted with the dialog box, normally just press Next.
Enter your name and the name of organization you work for (or enter any random values)
At this stage, you need to enter your 25 key Windows Product Key.
It should be correctly entered, else an error pops up.
If you enter the correct product key, following screen is displayed.
Computer Name : Can be anything, but if you are going to connect this system to a LAN, then enter something sensible and unique in that LAN
Admin Password : Administrators are users with complete access to the system, make sure you enter a strong password comprising of letter and numbers, and something you can remember.
Press Next to move onto the next screen.
Chose the Time Zone you are currently in. For India, its GMT +5:30.
Press Next and you are done entering data, enjoy the Installation.
Installing Network Components.
Copying System Files.
Installing Start menu items.
Registering various Windows Components.
Saving Settings. Almost Done.
Removing Extra Files.
Installation Complete!!
After the Installation is complete, the system will automatically reboot.
[BREAK=Page 8 : After Windows Installation]
After Installing Windows XP
You are not done yet, there's still somethings that need to be done before you can start using your copy of Windows for day to day use.
The next screen shows Windows starting for the first time.
Moving on, this is done to check the maximum resolution your computer supports, Press Ok
Depending upon whether your monitor supports a higher resolution or not, you'll be able to view or not view the following screen.
If you can't see anything, don't do anything, just wait 30 seconds for the screen to be restored.
Next, you'll be asked to create Users who will use this computer, remember that all users created here are Administrators and have complete access to the system.
Press Next, and then login using one of the usernames.
Logging in for the first time.
Finally into a working Windows. Wait, we are still not done yet.
[BREAK=Page 9 : Installing drivers for various devices]
Installing drivers for your various devices
Device Drivers are what make various hardware work. You need to install drivers for all the devices which are connected to the system for their proper functioning.
For this, put the motherboard CD, and install the various drivers that came along with it.
Next, reboot your system.
Check if all drivers have been installed. This can be done by going to the Device Manager.
Either right click on the My Computer and select properties or Press Win Key + Pause. This will take you to the System Properties Window.
Now go to the Hardware Tab. Here go to the Device Manager Tab.
If all your hardware is properly installed, it will appear something like this.
If however, some devices are not properly installed you will get a Yellow Mark on those devices.
Also, while installing various device drivers, sometimes a popup like the screen below may show up. This happens when the device driver has not been digitally signed by Microsoft, click on "Continue Anyway" to continue the Installation.
[BREAK=Page 10 : Adding, Removing and Managing User Accounts]
Adding, Removing and Managing User Accounts
While, you can start using your Windows Installation now, it is always a good idea to create Users with Limited Access (known as just Users) and login using the User for day to day usage of Personal Computing.
Go to the Control Panel.
In the Control Panel, go to "User Accounts".
Now, lets create a new account. Click on "Create a new account".
Type in a name for the account.
Chose, whether you want the account to be a "Admistrator" type account or a "User" Limited type account. Click on "Create Account" to create the account.
Lets "Change the way users log on or off"
Select the desired options, both the options are enabled by default.
Lets go back to the main User Accounts Screen. To Change the type of account from Administrator to User and vice-versa, go to "Change an Account"
Note that not all accounts can be edited in the same way, that is to say the for example the Adminstrator Account can not be converted to a User Account. These options will be greyed out and unselectable.
Chose an Account you want to edit.
On the next screen, various options available are :
Change the Name : Here you can change the name of the current account to something else.
Change the Password : Explained in more detail in the next section, used to change the password or create a password for that account.
Change the Picture : Change the thumbnail that is shown in the start menu when you login to Windows with that account.
Change the Account Type : To change the account type from Administrator to Limited and Vice-Versa.
Change the Password :
Type a new password, retype the password.
As always the password must be something secure consisting of random alphabets and numbers and should be learnt to the heart.
Type a word or phrase to use as a Password hint : The text you write here is shown at the login page when Windows Starts, so that a user may remember the password and login.
That's it. You have successfully Installed and Configured some basic things in Windows XP.
Happy Windowing
DEEPAK
