Load the installer. Once your Boot Order is set, insert the Windows XP CD into your drive and Save and Exit from the BIOS. Your computer will reboot and you will be presented with the message: Press any key to boot from CD. Press any key on your keyboard to start the Setup program.
Setup will load files necessary to begin the installation, which may take a few moments. Once the loading is complete, you will be taken to the Welcome screen.
2
Press ENTER to begin installation. Once the loading is complete, you will be taken to the Welcome screen. You are given several options, but if you are installing or reinstalling Windows XP, you’ll want to press ENTER to start the installation configuration.
3
Read the License Agreement. This document tells you what you can and can’t do with Windows, and your rights as the consumer. After reading, press F8 indicating you agree to the terms.
4
Select the partition you want to install on. You will see a list of available partitions on your installed hard drives. If you are installing Windows XP on a new hard drive, you should see only one entry labeled "Unpartitioned space." If you have a previous version of Windows or Linux installed on your computer, you will potentially have multiple partitions.
Installing Windows XP will erase all of the data on the partition that you choose. Select a partition that is empty or that contains data that you do not care to lose.
You can delete your partitions with the “D” key. This will return them to “Unpartitioned space”. Any data on the partition will be lost when it is deleted.
5
Create a new partition. Select the Unpartitioned space and press “C”. This will open a new screen where you can set the partition’s size from the available space. Enter the size in megabytes (MB) for the new partition and then press ENTER.
By default, the partition will be set to the maximum amount of available space. Unless you plan on creating multiple partitions, you can usually leave this at its default.
Windows XP requires at least 1.5 gigabytes (1536 MB) for its installation files, but you will want more than this for programs, documents, downloads, and other files. 5 gigabytes (5120 MB) is a good baseline amount for Windows XP, with more if you plan on installing a lot of programs.
You can create multiple partitions on a single drive. This can allow you to separate your programs from your movies and music, or to install another operating system. Windows XP can only be installed on one discrete partition.
6
Select your new partition. Once you’ve created your installation partition, you will be returned to the partition selection screen. Select your new partition, usually labeled "C: Partition 1 [Raw]" and press ENTER.
7
Select "Format the Partition using the NTFS File System" and press ENTER.NTFS is the preferred method, supporting a larger amount of disk space per partition than FAT, and including security features at the file system level. NTFS also includes system level compression. There are almost no situations anymore where choosing FAT would be preferable.
If your partition size is larger than 32 GB, you will not be given the option to choose FAT.
It is highly recommended to avoid Quick Format, as this skips an important process that checks the hard drive for errors or bad sectors. This scan is what consumes the majority of the time taken when performing a full format. If there are errors on a disk at the physical level, it's best to catch them now rather than later.
8
Wait for the format to complete. The system will now format the partition. The length of time this process requires depends on the speed and size of the drive. In general, the larger the partition, the longer the process will take.
9
Wait for the Setup files to copy. Windows will now start copying files from the installation disc and prompt you to reboot the computer when the process is completed. Press ENTER when prompted to reboot, otherwise it will do so automatically after 15 seconds.
10
Allow the computer to boot normally. You will see the message asking you to press a key to boot from CD. Ignore it and allow the computer to continue booting from the hard drive. You will see the Windows logo as the Setup program loads.
11
Wait for the installation to proceed. After the Windows logo goes away, you will see a list of steps remaining on the left side of the screen, and tips for using windows on the right. The time remaining for the installation will be displayed below the list of steps remaining.
It is normal for the screen to flicker, turn on and off, or resize during this process.
12
Choose your language and region settings. During the installation process a dialog window will appear, asking you to choose your Regional settings. Select appropriate settings native to your area. Click the Next button when that is completed.
Enter your full name if you want. This will be set as the “owner” of Windows, and will be attached to certain things, such as Document creation.
13
Enter your Product Key. You will not be able to complete the installation process without a valid Product Key. Click "Next" to continue.
Some versions of Windows will not ask for the Product Key until installation is complete.
14
Set your computer’s name. This will be the name that represents the computer on a network. Windows sets a default name, but you can change it if you would like. You can also set a password for the Administrator account. This is optional, but recommended for public computers.
15
Select your time zone. Ensure that the date/time are correct. Click "Next" to continue.
16
Choose your network settings. Almost all users installing Windows XP on a home or personal computer can leave "Typical Settings" selected for Network Setup. If you are installing Windows XP in a corporate or academic environment, check with the system administrator, though Typical Settings will most likely work.
In the next window, nearly all users can select “No, this computer is not on a network, or is on a network without a domain.” If you are in a corporate setting, ask your system administrator which you should choose.
You can typically leave the workgroup name set to default.
17
Wait for the installation to finalize. This will only take a few minutes, and the computer will reboot when it is finished installing. Once the computer reboots, you will be taken to the Windows XP desktop. At this point, installation is complete, though there are a few things left to do before Windows is completely usable..
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1
Set your display preferences. Once Windows loads, you will be told that Windows will automatically configure your display. Click OK to start the configuration. Your screen will flash a couple times, and then you will be asked if you can read the box that appears.
2
Set your connection preferences. If your computer is connected to the internet, select your connection type. Press Next to continue.
3
Activate your copy of Windows. If connected to the Internet, Select "Activate Now." Windows will connect to the activation server and automatically authenticate your copy of Windows. If you haven’t entered your Product Key yet, you will need to enter it now.[2]
4
Create Users. After the Activation Process, a window will appear allowing you to select the users for the computer. Enter your name, and the names of others who will be using the machine. Press Next to continue.
5
Start using Windows. You will now be looking at the default Windows XP Desktop. Congratulations! There are a few things that you should probably do now that you have Windows up and running:
With the upgrade from Windows 8 to 8.1, Microsoft has made several changes mainly to improve on certain aspects that Windows 8 has received criticism for. For starters, there’s the return of the good old Start button, ability to create a lock screen slideshow, and even support for 3D printing!
We have got for you here a list of 20 useful tips and tricks for Windows 8.1. Whether you are entirely new to or beginning to get familiar with Windows 8.1, the following list should help you get the most out of this latest offering by Microsoft.
The Start button is back. It is similar to the Start button found on Windows 7. Left-click on the button (bottom left of the screen) and it will redirect you to theStart Screen. If you right-click on it, it will show options for Run, Search,Desktop, Shut Down, and many more.
2. Log In Straight to Desktop
When you start your computer, by default it will take you to the Start Screen. There is a way to start your computer and go straight to the Desktop instead. Right-click on the desktop toolbar, select Properties and go to the Navigation tab. Under the Start Screen options, enable the box "When I sign in or close all applications on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start".
3. Customize Home Screen Tiles
Besides resizing icons, you can also customize your home screen tiles on Windows 8.1. To move and group tiles, just go to your Start Screen and right-click on any of the tiles. After grouping your tiles, you can also name them byfilling in the Name Group field.
4. Customize Start Screen Background
Windows 8.1 also allows you to customize your start screen. Just swipe theSettings Charm menu and tap on Settings. Click on Personalize to change the colors of the background as well as the accent.
5. Create A Lock Screen Slideshow
Previously, your Windows lock screen could only be a static photo. On Windows 8.1, you are able to create a lock screen slideshow with your favorite photos. To do this, go to the Settings Charm menu, click on Change PC Settings, selectPC and Devices then click on Lock Screen. Enable the option On to create a lock screen slideshow.
6. Use Internet Explorer 11 Reading View
When you load any webpage using Internet Explorer 11, a Reading View icon can be seen on the address bar. If you click on it, Internet Explorer will automatically reload the page and display a clean version – free of ads. This makes it very easy to read as there are no distractions. However, this feature is not available for the desktop version of Internet Explorer 11.
7. Make Use of 3D Printing Support
Windows 8.1 is the first operating system to provide support for 3D printing! You can print from the Windows Store apps and desktop applications. For more information on how this works, click here.
8. Customize Privacy Options
Windows 8.1 offers you options to set what devices and data are used by apps found in the Windows Store. You can allow or block apps from accessing your personal information. You are also able to turn off your advertising ID so that advertisers do not use your personal data to display personalised ads. To customize these settings, go to Change PC settings and navigate to Privacy.
9. Smart Files
Smart Files is a new feature on Windows 8.1 that allows you to view yourSkyDrive files without having to download everything onto your computer. When you browse through your SkyDrive folder in File Explorer, you’ll see a column called Availability.
By default, all the files are listed as Online-only, which means that as long as you are connected to the Internet, you can view the files without actually having them on your computer’s hard drive. If you want a particular SkyDrive file or folder to be available offline, just right-click on it and select the Make available offline option.
10. Customize Quiet Hours
Integrated notification pop-ups were first introduced on Windows 8. What’s new on Windows 8.1 is the option to turn the notifications off or set a period of time for which the notifications may appear. To do this, go to Change PC settings, click on Search and Apps, select Notifications, and configure the relevant options.
11. More Windowing Options for New Style Apps
On Windows 8, users could split their screen to run up to 8 apps on two 2560 x 1600 monitors. Depending on your screen size, some may only be able to split and run 2 apps. On Windows 8.1, you can do all that and more – you can add another app and resize it so that it runs horizontally (see screenshot). However, that works only if the developer has allowed it for the app.
12. Scale Each Screen Independently
In the past, Windows allowed you to scale up icons and fonts to a maximum of 500%. However, what is best for your screen may not necessarily translate on a secondary display. Text and icons may not be in proportion to one another. To solve this problem, Windows 8.1 allows you to scale each screen independently. To customize these settings, right-click on the Windows Desktop, select Screen Resolution, and select Make text and other items larger or smaller.
13. Discover The App Bars
The App bar is featured on every new Windows 8.1 app. To enable this option,right-click on the app’s screen and it will show the app’s functions and options.
14. Configure Automatic App Updates
Unlike Windows 8, app updates in Windows 8.1 will be automatically installed by default without the user’s consent. To stop this from happening, openWindows Store and access the Settings Charm menu – the charm must only be activated once in the Windows Store or else it will not display the required menus. In the Settings Charm menu, select Settings and navigate to App Updates. Enable or disable the option to automatically update apps.
15. Prevent Apps From Running in The Background
Previously on Windows 8, when you drag a Start Screen app down to the bottom of the screen, it will close the app. However, on Windows 8.1, this action will only make the app disappear – it is still running in the background. To close the app, drag the app down to the bottom of the screen but instead of letting it go, hold on to it. Wait until the app card flips over, and only now the app is closed.
16. Use Hands-Free Mode
One of the coolest features that not many know about is found in the new Food & Drink app. If you do not like to get your computer all dirty when you are cooking, then this app is for you. Going through the recipe, you can set the app on Hands-Free Mode. It will detect your hand motion via your computer’s webcam.
17. Restore Libraries
By default, Windows 8.1 has hidden Libraries. If you want to get it back, openFile Explorer and you will find the newly renamed This PC view. Here, selectView, and click on Navigation pane. Lastly, enable the option to Show Libraries.
18. Delete Old Windows Installation Files
When you upgrade from an old version of Windows, Windows keeps aC:\Windows.old with your old files. You can delete this folder to free up some storage space. To do this, Search for Disk Cleanup, and click on Free up disk space shortcut. Next, click on Clean up system files, enable the Previous Windows Installation(s) option, and run a disk cleanup. If this option does not appear, that means there is nothing to clean up.
19. Use Help & Tips App
For further help on how to get the most out of Windows 8.1, an app has been added to guide you on pretty much everything. There are short animations to show you the correct gestures and concepts to master Windows 8.1. You can find this app on the Start Screen, titled Help+Tips.
20. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Last but not least, we have put together a list of 15 new keyboard shortcutsyou can use on Windows 8.1.
Shortcut
Action
Windows Key + S
Open Search Charm to search Windows and Web
Windows Key + Q
Search within the opened app
Windows Key + F
Search files
Windows Key + Z
Get Commands and Context Menus within an app
Windows Key + . + Right Arrow
Snap app to the right
Windows Key + . + Left Arrow
Snap app to the left
Ctrl + Plus (+)
Zoom in on Start Screen
Ctrl + Minus (-)
Zoom out on Start Screen
Windows Key + Down Arrow
Close an app
Windows Key + Start Typing
Search your PC
Windows Key + O
Lock the screen orientation (portrait or landscape)
