Information on Installing Windows XP

Posted by on 08/31 at 01:38 PM Permalink

In this Tech Tip, we will give you some information about installing Microsoft Windows XP on your computer. Most Windows XP products including Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition install the same way. If you are using an older version of Windows, or even one of the other versions of Windows XP, the steps will probably be a bit different.

Read Full Article Here:
http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2006/techtips-31aug06.htm

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    Posted by Mike Cornelison  on  09/03  at  01:57 PM

  1. Cool article.

    >> As you will see, the EULA is quite long and most likely hasn’t been read since the Microsoft attorneys drafted it. <<

    Funny!

    A little more info on Activation would have been nice, though - exactly what hardware info does it search and send, how much can you change your configuration without raising a red flag and something I’ve been wondering about lately - if I do buy a new barebones from geeks.com and retire the old system, am I going to have any problems using the same disc and effectively transferring the license from the old computer to the new?

    2. Posted by Alex Censor  on  09/03  at  03:56 PM

  2. You wrote, in part --
    “..........If you are using a SATA (Serial ATA) hard drive, you will get an error message and will need to start the install process over. Keep an eye out for the message at the bottom of the screen that prompts you to “press F6 to install a third-party driver”. At that time, go ahead and press F6 and follow the prompts to install the SATA (or RAID) driver. This is the point where that “optional” floppy drive comes in handy since the only way to install drivers in this screen is via floppy disk........”

    Can you confirm that statement?

    Here’s why I have some doubts, or at least concerns, about it:

    If true, it will be a real show stopper in disaster recovery scenarios where a consumer or their tech has to reinstall Windows. This is because as SATA drives are increasingly common at the only hard drive and floppy drives virtually non existant on the same newer machines with SATA drives.

    3. Posted by Alex Censor  on  09/03  at  04:03 PM

  3. You wrote, in part --
    “...There are very few motherboards utilizing a network (RJ45) jack for broadband connection that do not require drivers to operate. If the network jack on your motherboard requires drivers and you use a broadband connection to access the internet, you won’t be able to use the internet to activate Windows until you install the drivers on your hard drive. ...”

    May I suggest that you perhaps simultaniously overstated and understated the importance of this?
    Overstated because in my experience of years of XP installs XP itself USUALLY recognizes the built-in Ethernet card/jack and installs some drivers that work with it, without any intervention on the part of the user.

    Yet understated the importance and seriousness of it, because in those cases where XP FAILS to recognize the Ethernet/network chipset and does not install a correct driver it can be extremely difficult to figure out what drive is needed and figure out how to get and install it. Since without the Ethernet card you are probably unable to get onto the web (which is one of the best places to find such missing drivers and download them) you’re in a catch-22 situation.
    Similarly, if XP fails to correctly identify and install drivers for your modem you’re painted into a corner. It can take days of frustrating work to get those drivers and install them—and without them your computer my be litte more than a big doorstop.

    4. Posted by Alex Censor  on  09/03  at  04:07 PM

  4. You wrote, in part --
    “...the EULA is quite long and most likely hasn’t been read since the Microsoft attorneys drafted it....”

    Reminds me of one time I clicked “OK, I agree” on a EULA and a message popped up saying
    “Congratulations! You apparently read out EULA at 8566 words per minute --- Surely a world speedreading record!”

    I laughed out loud and appreciated their honesty and humor: In short they were saying “Look, we know you don’t read it, and you know WE know you don’t read it, but out lawyers make as write this anyway.....”

    5. Posted by Robert Lanphar  on  09/03  at  04:25 PM

  5. I need to find some software that will rebuild my XP installation by first copying away the contents, including all of my applications and data, and then laying them out in a “fresh” manner. I know that I heard of a software package for sale to do this but I have lost the context. Can anyone assist?

    6. Posted by Joan Fitzpatrick  on  09/03  at  04:42 PM

  6. Generally I enjoy Geeks’ TechTips but this on on installing Windows XP I thought missed the mark.

    TT states that one boots from th CD/DVD drive to copy files from the install CD to a supposedly virgin HD, THEN one formats the HD. 

    TT does not explain why PlugAndPlay will not work for the RJ45 Ethernet adapter. 

    Initially, one is told to copy off all one’s old data to a back-up HD but there is no mention of how best to continue to use one previous applications and data once Windows XP is installed.

    7. Posted by John Brandt  on  09/03  at  07:19 PM

  7. I use a Mac. If you Geeks cover only Windows, might as well unsubscribe me.

    8. Posted by cpinva  on  09/03  at  07:22 PM

  8. just a comment. i found out, the hard way, that installing xp on a socket 775 MB is bit trickier than on some other boards. in my case, i had to have both the HD & CD drives plugged into the same IDE plug, to install, as well as installing the SATA drivers from the FDD.

    it is an ASUS board, that i love, but the user’s manual made no mention of this particular idiosyncrisy. i had to contact ASUS 3 times before i finally got someone who had a clue.

    this took far longer than it should have, resulting in a lot of unnecessary frustration on my part.

    9. Posted by Gary R. Price  on  09/03  at  10:22 PM

  9. Dear Geeks,
    I’ve got a five-year old Dell that shipped to me new with Windows ME but they mailed me the disks to install XP. I’ve heard so many horror stories about this installation that in five years I have failed to install XP, even I use it on all of my other computers. You have finally given me the courage to proceed and update this computer. Thanks for the articles you send (building a computer), I keep and reread every one and flag them in your file so that I won’t discard one.
    Keep up the the good work. I am retired and living on a limited income so I can’t spend much money on your site, unfortunately, but your prices are outstandingly low and I alway go to your site to wish for certain products and ocassionly, buy some.
    Regards,
    Gary R. Price

    10. Posted by kingsford martin  on  09/03  at  10:56 PM

  10. i can only start my computer in safe mode can you help me with this problem.
    regards,
    kingy.

    11. Posted by Larry Tucker  on  09/04  at  04:07 AM

  11. I have tried to install Windows XP Home and Pro, on one of my older computers, and have not had any sucess at all.
    Tech information on my system.
    The mfg.  was (Amptron M810LMR )it is a 1 GHZ with 1024 MB of Sd PC 133 Ram. Socket-462 processor with a AMD K7, front-side bus speeds of 200MHz, This mainboard uses the T-Bird chipset.
    It does boot up to the CD, goes to about 61 to 66 % of the install, and stops, it says there are missing files or can not find certain files.  The XP disks I have used were brand new (and even legal versions)( I have even tried bootleg versions with no sucess) I have swapped CD roms, and used several different hard drives, from 40 gb to 100 gb used and brand new.  I have to stay below 137 GB, bios will not recognize, and not cost effective to upgrade bios, because no real gain.  I am at wits end.  I have tried new installs with NTFS and also Fat 32, I have tried to upgrade, and even install to my second hard drive, and have dual boot, with the same results.  I have even tried several sets of boot floppy disks to install XP Home and Pro edition.
    The XP disks are not the problem, I used the same disk to install XP Home on an old Toshiba Laptop, with a 40 GB HD and 192 mb of Ram, so does any one have any idea, I am about to give up, after messing with this for several weeks 3 different times.  I have not had any problem at all installing 98/ 98 SE and ME, it goes on fine.
    Is there anything else I can try?
    Thank you in advance
    Larry Tucker

    12. Posted by GREGG  on  09/04  at  04:20 AM

  12. I think this was a fairly useful article for those that are strictly users, however I do think it would be a good idea to add information about the Windows Geniuine Validation as well.

    13. Posted by Danny Duncan  on  09/04  at  05:34 PM

  13. Hello, Could you Please, give me some clarification about the three different Windows XP versions. I have the “Home” addition, but what will the “Media” version do for me that the “Home” addition will not? I know the “Professional” version is for business. I have no business yet, but am considering opening one here at home. My question is not intended to get the “funny guy” answers, I am genuinely interested in knowing if I need to buy the complete new “Windows XP Media version”, or can I simply buy an update? I want to transfer all the VHS tapes to DVDs, and also all the Cassette’s to CDs. To run a 1 person business (Machine Shop), from my garage will I need to upgrade or buy the “Professional” version, or will the “Home” addition work fine for me?
    I realize this is an “all over the place question”, but I hope someone can help me understand this question on the versions of Windows XP, and what I need.
    Thank You,
    Danny Duncan

    14. Posted by Frank Schoen  on  09/04  at  07:35 PM

  14. RE the Geel Humor.  The company secretary must have been a blond grin

    15. Posted by David Griffith  on  09/05  at  05:39 AM

  15. I have installed XP on a couple of machines without incident, but have never been successful in putting a copy on a replacement hard drive as the OS quits working after 30 days.  What is the drill to get through the MS protection so I can upgrade my hard drive?

    16. Posted by Walter Phillips  on  09/05  at  06:48 AM

  16. The article on installing Win XP would be very helpful if I could read it.  The right hand edge of the text is not shown.
    Thanks,
    Walter Phillips

    17. Posted by Norman Ontiveros  on  09/05  at  07:58 AM

  17. Thanks for the tips , keep them coming!  cool smile

    18. Posted by Thomas L. Weller  on  09/06  at  05:10 PM

  18. This article is very helpful

    19. Posted by Okey Facer Sr.  on  09/08  at  11:48 AM

  19. I find it very usefull to have an external USB driven floppy for installing drivers such as SATA or RAID, when setting WIN XP up on new machines for customers with machines not having the optional floppy drive.

    20. Posted by Joan Fitzpatrick  on  09/10  at  09:21 AM

  20. Danny, RE: “all over the place question” . . .

    Since your biz PC needs appear to be small, limited in demand and scope (not requiring networked PCs) I see no reason why WinXP Home wouldn’t be adequate for your Machine Shop biz needs. 

    WinXP Media Center Edition (MCE) is a totally different story.  Microsoft offers no upgrade version from other WinXP (Home, Pro, Tablet PC) versions; no upgrade from previous Windows OS editions.  It can only be obtained as an OEM installation on a new PC --or-- purchased as an OEM edition CD for installation on a “new” machine—either one you build or ‘repurpose’ from some prior use. 

    Looks (to me) as though you will want two PCs.  One for business running WinXP Home and a second for entertainment/hobby running WinXP MCE 2005 (the most recent release).  IMO, it is just prudent to keep business and hobby functions separated on two machines. 

    Cheers,
    Joan

    21. Posted by Fernando Rios  on  09/13  at  10:41 AM

  21. Yes the info is right for middle knowledge users, but might be a little confusing for new and unexperienced users...just a recommendation…

    22. Posted by CindyT  on  09/18  at  08:29 AM

  22. Frank- You are right, it was a blond joke to begin with…

    23. Posted by Jeffrey Thomas  on  03/04  at  07:28 PM

  23. Just built another computer,
    Some times there is no problems, and other times you don’t know if the hardware is going to be compatable.
    I don’t know if anyone can answer this but,
    If the bios will not save changes that you make and the cmos jumper constantly has to be reset,
    could this be a sign of a bad Ram or is this a sign that the Bios Rom is bad?
    I get the error beep code 1 long and 2 short.
    The video works most of the time.
    the video is intergraded into the motherboard.
    After I reset the Cmos jumper, I can get the Cmos setup screen.
    After I complete the Cmos setup and reboot,
    the video stops working or, sometimes I get a DOS screen asking for the config.sys file becouse it is corrupt.
    Please let me know what you think it is…
    Thanks.

    24. Posted by Jeffrey Thomas  on  03/04  at  07:37 PM

  24. question
    Bad Ram Or Bad Rom ????? Cmos won’t keep input information.
    Reboot says missing or corrupted config.sys
    Whats up with that??

    25. Posted by Brian Forgrave  on  03/04  at  08:44 PM

  25. MY big deal is about spyware an such,using up my abilty to do things on my PC.I hate things that take away from what my computer is able of running,so i hate programs that run in the back ground that take away from my online gaming or takes from my Video card.Sort of all called spyware or heat, taking from me.I guess thats why i need a new PC DualCore.Will i still see the same things there happening on any PC i ever get.Please email me with a answer for this highly rated problem that everyone has.Or is it answered with that i need a other fan installed on my PC to help with the problem.  Well Thanks...hope you get an-other good week of rating here at it all.  I don’t open very many of your emails. sort of read the titles i guess....How you figure that one ..  LoL ?

    26. Posted by mmidee  on  09/10  at  09:09 AM

  26. need some help...Setup cannot find the end user licensing agreement (EULA)

    I don’t think it’s accessing the cdrom, and when in the BIOS, I don’t know how to change the setting from A,C,CDROM to the desired: CDROM,C,A

    27. Posted by Nadia  on  04/08  at  09:12 PM

  27. this article on installing Win XP is very helpful.thanks for sharing.

    28. Posted by Gerdian  on  05/08  at  05:06 AM

  28. tHXS FOR GOOD TIP wink I will give you a secuity tip wink
    http://www.pcthreat.com/

    29. Posted by ballack  on  05/10  at  02:03 PM

  29. i have a new hard drive and would like to install xp on it and make it my master,can you guide me on this

    30. Posted by rfnoadbo  on  08/05  at  05:07 PM

  30. lcguliiq http://rybdpukj.com wbyyyuyo qtdhmhci oyvrcrgr aikgsctl

    31. Posted by sam hardy  on  09/27  at  04:50 PM

  31. I have been vainly searching for info on the compaq armada 7800 laptop.  As I understand it, the bios is locked by the manufacturer after the o.s. is loaded.  I need to access the bios in order to change the loading order.  I have 3 of these units in good condition, and have upgraded the ram and hard drive.  The problem is that in order to install xp home, I need to set the bios to install using the usb port.  I can only go so far using the floppy, to complete the installation, I need to be able to access the bios and finish loading from usb.  I have tried all of the f-keys to no avail.  Please help me on this.  the lap tops are in good condition and the only thing restraining completion is this problem.  Thanks

    32. Posted by sam hardy  on  09/27  at  05:08 PM

  32. The article you referred me to “information on installing windows xp” was no help.Other solutions, please.  Thanks in advance.
    Sam Hardy

    33. Posted by John  on  10/14  at  10:12 AM

  33. Has anyone ever read a full EULA, ever? If anything, it’s fun to say “EULA”. “EULA, EULA, EULA, EULA, EULA...”

    34. Posted by metalman9  on  01/08  at  10:18 AM

  34. I had a nightmare of a time installing XP on my first computer build It took at least 20 attempts (I am very stubborn) the computer was an Amd bsed unit and through research of computer forums found that alot of AMD users have to lower their DRAM in Bios. This is what worked for me. among the 20 attempts I added an old 40GB IDE drive (my new hard drive is SATA based with 500GB) due to the confusion of the F6 scsi raid option (I was confused at the time that though I had a sata drive I only had the one drive, so I dident think f6 applied to me) When I found out about the common DRAM issue I removed the 40 GB drive as well as the floppy changed DRAM and NEVER pressed F6, IT WORKED. that was the good news was able to get online update for drivers and BIOS. however I was experiencing choppy screen scrolling and decided foolishly to further modify BIOS. I (think) I fried the Motherboard. So I warn you be careful in Bios! now I am buying a new Motherbord from the same manufacturer (MSI) but different model the dead Motherboard was a K9a2 CF-F the new one will be K9N2G neo-FD question Should I reformat the Harddrive and reinstall XP (I only have the most basic app.s and drivers) Or would I be better off or able to change the motherboard and expect everything to continue as they were before the crash?

    35. Posted by ZIP Data Recovery  on  02/23  at  03:33 AM

  35. Thanks for share with us this link. It will help us to install xp.

    36. Posted by Jim Bailey  on  04/17  at  04:16 AM

  36. I have tried new installs with NTFS and also Fat 32, I have tried to upgrade, and even install to my second hard drive, and have dual boot, with the same results.  I have even tried several sets of boot floppy disks to install XP Home and Pro edition.
    The XP disks are not the problem, I used the same disk to install XP Home on an old Toshiba Laptop, with a 40 GB HD and 192 mb of Ram, so does any one have any idea, I am about to give up, after messing with this for several weeks 3 different times.
    Thanks,

    37. Posted by Herbert Luckett  on  06/14  at  07:36 AM

  37. question if i want to format my harddrive with windows xp on it. how do format it ?

    38. Posted by A Computer System  on  06/16  at  10:25 AM

  38. the windows disk that came with your computer will help you reformat but, you have to make sure that your Cmos settings allow you to use your CDrom as the first boot device.
    otherwise the computer will use the hard drive as the first or dominant boot drive.
    If you buy a windows CD, the format engine will be on that disk as well.
    In some cases however, you may have to use a lower formatting alternitive. (fdisk) or black boot disks

    39. Posted by vista error  on  01/23  at  09:44 PM

  39. I can only go so far using the floppy, to complete the installation, I need to be able to access the bios and finish loading from usb.  I have tried all of the f-keys to no avail.  Please help me on this.  the lap tops are in good condition and the only thing restraining completion is this problem.

    40. Posted by vista error  on  01/23  at  09:46 PM

  40. The XP disks are not the problem, I used the same disk to install XP Home on an old Toshiba Laptop, with a 40 GB HD and 192 mb of Ram, so does any one have any idea, I am about to give up, after messing with this for several weeks 3 different times.

    41. Posted by Bridges To Recovery  on  02/20  at  10:51 PM

  41. I am buying a new Motherbord from the same manufacturer (MSI) but different model the dead Motherboard was a K9a2 CF-F the new one will be K9N2G neo-FD question Should I reformat the Harddrive and reinstall XP (I only have the most basic app.s and drivers) Or would I be better off or able to change the motherboard and expect everything to continue as they were before the crash?

    42. Posted by Jeffrey Thomas  on  02/22  at  03:56 PM

  42. I have had the same problem with (MSI) boards in the past. However, I have never had a problem with (BIOSTAR).
    Of all the computers that i have put together over the years, I have tried them all.
    many times I have had no problems with replaceing the MB only and turning the system back on.
    It has worked for me without reformatting the system,Even with an IDE hard drive.

    43. Posted by Jeff Thomas  on  02/22  at  04:05 PM

  43. Many times I have had no problems with replaceing the MB only and turning the system back on.
    It has worked for me without reformatting the system,Even with an IDE hard drive.
    using the same brand of MB ,eventhough they have different numbers, they still use the same BIOS.
    this should allow you to not have to reformat.However,this rule is not written in stone.

    44. Posted by Bill  on  02/22  at  04:26 PM

  44. I would do a fresh Install, Since you only have Basic apps and drivers.I thought My MB (MSI K9a2 CFF ) was bad and replaced it with an MSI K9n2gneo turns out both boards were fine (turned out to be the Power supply) My advise is to have patience and determination. (luckily I gave the other MB to my Brother)

    45. Page 1 of 1 pages

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