Instructions for installing Windows XP

Perhaps you have also been read and done a lot of work fixing problems in Windows operating systems. But sometimes the panacea for an operating system is to reinstall Windows completely. This article will show you how to install Windows XP most effectively.

Method 1: Install Windows XP from the Win XP disk

If your computer has a CD drive, the easiest way to install Win XP is to use the Win disk. Buy a Win XP disc from stores that sell computers, or buy a Win XP online disc. If the computer is offline, there is no network, you will need to prepare an additional CD or USB containing the installation of basic software such as office applications, drivers, photo editing software, . If you have Download antivirus software, firewall software and other software, copy them (write) to another CD or USB drive for example. (If you don't have a Windows disc, reinstallation files are put on the hard drive; we'll show you how to access them in just a few moments.) Find instructions that your ISP (network service provider) sends you to configure the network, then keep them next to you.

Copy files in the 'C: Documents and Settings' folder (the folder where you usually save your own personal information files) to a CD or USB drive. Then also store other important data and make a backup copy. Choose the latest driver installer for computer graphics cards and other hardware.

Prepare to install

Insert the Windows CD into the drive, restart the computer. If you don't have a Windows disc for your device, the files you need to put in a hidden partion on the hard drive. To access them, press the keys indicated on the screen when rebooting the computer, but before Windows loads. The above keys may differ from one manufacturer to another, so contact the computer manufacturer if you do not see the prompt.

In many cases, there is always an option for you to 'Return the drive to its factory condition' which will remove all documents, photos and other data files on the computer. That's why you have to create a copy of the data directories.

You will find more options - including the ability to preserve files and settings - when using Microsoft genuine Windows XP installation disc. Make a selection and follow the on-screen suggestions to complete the installation.

Method 2: Install Win XP from USB

If you don't have a drive or don't want to buy a Win XP disc, you can download the Win XP installer or use the bootable USB creation software like Rufus with the ISO Win XP file to create the installer. Then proceed with the installation as usual.

Things to do after installing Windows XP

Once installed basically

Regardless of the options you choose, you'll have to reconfigure your network connections, reinstall some device drivers, upgrade Windows and some other applications.

To configure an Internet connection, right-click My Network Places , click Create a new connection, and then follow the suggestions for entering the appropriate information that you already have from the ISP (network service provider).

Once you have reset your Internet connection, you must reinstall and upgrade your firewall, antivirus software and other anti-spyware programs.

Next, check to see if any device drivers need to be upgraded: right-click My Computer , select Properties > Hardware > Device Manager . Observe all the yellow question marks or red exclamation marks. The yellow question mark indicates that Windows is using a driver that does not match the installed driver; Red exclamation point means this device does not work.

Drivers for printers, graphics cards and sound cards all need to be upgraded. If you don't have one, go to the company's websites to download updated drivers. Run the installer for each upgraded driver, allow Windows to reboot if needed or right-click Device Manager , select Update Driver , skip the Wizard, and select No, not this time for the Windows Update question and select the option Select Specified location when it appears. Go to the driver documentation, select it and click OK to install. When you have finished installing the driver, close all opened windows.

Other upgrades

Your next stop is Microsoft's Windows Update page. Click Start > Windows Update , then follow the prompts from the command prompt. You may have to download many MB for the upgrade so you can do something at this time to save time waiting.

Once the download is complete, you can reinstall and upgrade the applications. Don't forget to upgrade important applications. Microsoft Office often has important updates, you can download them from the Microsoft Office Online Downloads page

Once you have restored the application, start replacing the data. The first priority is the My Documents folder and Application Data (Application Data), you will find in the directory with your username inside 'C: Documents and Settings' . To restore your favorite Internet addresses, restore the contents of the Favorites folder. Restore the Shared Data and Application Data folders inside 'C: Documents and SettingsShared Documents' . Once you have re-entered all data, Windows refresh will be the last job for reinstalling your operating system.