Also, check these folders under other user’s accounts if more than one person logs onto your PC.
You should also locate the Windows XPproduct key, a 25-digit alphanumeric code unique to your copy of Windows.
It was released in 2001, so there are now several newerWindows versionsavailable.
This means Microsoft no longer updates XP with new features or security improvements.
SeeHow to Install Windows 11to get the latest Windows version.
Watch for aPress any key to boot from CDmessage similar to the one shown in the screenshot above.
Then, press a key to force the computer to boot from the Windows CD.
If you don’t, your PC will attempt to boot to theoperating systemthat’s currently installed.
If this happens, simply reboot and attempt to boot to the CD again.
The instructions that came with your hard drive or computer should include this information.
For most of you, though, this step can be ignored.
Since this will be a clean installation of XP, pressEnterto set up Windows now.
Read through it and pressF8to confirm that you agree with the terms.
Press thePage Downkey to advance through the licensing agreement faster.
This is not to suggest that you should skip reading the agreement, though!
Skip to Step 10 instead.
If you have multiple Windows installations, then you’ll see them all listed.
In this tutorial, we’re installing a clean copy of Windows on the computer.
Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, highlight the line for theC:drive.
It probably saysPartition1orSystem, though yours may be different.
PressDto delete this partition.
This will removeall the informationon the drive that Windows is currently on (your C: drive).
Everything on that drive will be destroyed during this process.
Of course, we know this because that’s exactly what we’re trying to do.
Confirm and continue by pressingEnter.
Confirm Partition Deletion Request
This is yourlast chanceto back out of the reinstallation process by pressing theEsckey.
In this step, you’ll create a new partition for Windows XP to use.
Using the arrow keys, highlight the line that saysUnpartitioned space.
PressCto create a partition on this unpartitioned space.
You may have other partitions on this drive and on other drives that may be installed on your PC.
If so, you may have a number of entries here.
Choose a Partition Size
Here you should probably choose a size for the new partition.
For most users, the default number provided will be the maximum space available and the best choice.
PressEnterto confirm the partition size.
This will be labeled asUnpartitioned spacein the list of partitions, as shown in the screenshot above.
The screenshot here only shows NTFS options, but you might see a couple entries for FAT.
This step usually only takes a few minutes and no user intervention is necessary.
If you’re told that the computer will restart, don’t press any buttons.
Windows XP Installation Begins
Windows XP will now begin installing.
No user intervention is necessary.
Usually, the time here is an exaggeration.
Windows will probably be set up sooner than this.
Choose Regional and Language Options
During installation, theRegional and Language Optionswindow will appear.
The first section allows you to change the default language and the default location.
If the options listed match your preferences, no changes are necessary.
If you wish to make changes, chooseCustomizeand follow the directions given to install new languages or change locations.
The second section allows you to change the default input language and gadget.
If the options listed match your preferences, no changes are necessary.
After you’ve made any changes, or if you’ve determined no changes are necessary, selectNext.
key in your Name and Organization
In theName:text box, key in your full name.
In theOrganization:text box, key in your organization or business name.
In the next window (not shown), enter the Windows XP product key.
This key should have come with your Windows purchase.
Enter a Computer Name and Administrator Password
TheComputer Name and Administrator Passwordwindow will appear next.
In theComputer name:text box, Windows XP Setup has suggested a unique computer name for you.
Feel free to change the computer name to anything you wish.
In theAdministrator password:text box, enter a password for the local administrator account.
This field can be left blank, but it’s not recommended to do so for security purposes.
Confirm this password in theConfirm password:text box.
Even in this case, theTypical settingsoption is probably the right one.
If you’re not sure, chooseTypical prefs.
If you’re on a data pipe, enter theworkgroupname of that data pipe here.
Otherwise, feel free to leave the default workgroup name and continue.
Wait for the Windows XP Installation to Finalize
The installation will now finalize.
No user intervention is necessary.
ChooseOKto allow Windows to automatically adjust the screen resolution.
This will tell Windows that the automatic resolution changes it made in the previous step were successful.
If you might clearly read the text in the window, selectOK.
If you could’t see theCancelbutton, don’t worry.
The screen will automatically revert to the previous setting in 20 seconds.
If you’d like to skip this step, chooseSkip.
If you’re really not sure though, chooseNo, this computer will connect directly to the Internetor selectSkip.
After making a choice, chooseNext.
Otherwise, chooseNo, not at this timeand selectNext.
You must enter at least one name, but up to five can be entered here.
More users can be entered from within Windows after installation is complete.
After entering the account name(s), chooseNextto continue.
Finish Final Setup of Windows XP
We’re almost there!
All the necessary files are installed and all the necessary configs are configured.
SelectFinishto proceed to Windows XP.
Wait for Windows XP to Start
Windows XP is now loading for the first time.
This may take a minute or two, depending on your rig’s speed.
Windows XP Clean Installation Is Complete!
This completes the final step of the Windows XP clean installation!
This is a very important step to ensure that your new Windows installation is secure and up to date.
AWindows XP Repair Installis the better way to go if you want to keep your files and programs intact.
