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Insert the Microsoft XP Operating System Installation CD into the CD-ROM (or DVD-ROM) drive and reboot the system by clicking on the "Start" button, then "Shutdown" and finally "Turn off the system."
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Power on the system and wait until the the "Press any key to boot from CD" message and press a key on the keyboard (Enter or the Space Bar are excellent choices).
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Press Enter when prompted at the "Welcome to Setup" screen.
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Scroll down (while reading the license agreement) and then press the F8 function key.
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Examine the partition information screen and then highlight any partitions you see listed, press the "D" key , then press the "Enter" key to confirm, and finally the press the "L" key. Repeat this process until all the partitions are removed.
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Step 6
Create a partition by pressing the "C" key and you will be asked to tell Windows what size partition you wish to create. It is recommended that the default size be used unless there are specific reasons why this is not a good choice.
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Step 7
Press enter to confirm that you wish to install Microsoft XP on the new partition you just created.
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Step 8
Use the down arrow key to select "Format the partition using the NTFS file system" and press "Enter" to begin the formatting process. (Note: Formatting a hard drive will take an extended period of time and the larger the drive, the longer this task will take.)
Once the format is complete, Microsoft XP will begin copying the setup files to your drive automatically.
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Step 9
When prompted, provide the appropriate language choice and click "Next." (Usually the default answer is acceptable.)
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Step 10
Enter your name and organization (if any) when prompted and click Next.
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Step 11
Depending on the version of XP you are installing (Service Pack number) you may be prompted to enter in the serial number from the COA (Certificate of Authenticity). Double-check that you have entered the information correctly and press Next.
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Step 12
Enter your preferred password (twice, as it will need to be confirmed) and press Next.
(It is recommended that you use the default computer name unless you have a specific reason to change it.)
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Step 13
Enter the date, time and time zone information followed by clicking Next.
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Step 14
Click Next at the Network Setting dialog window unless you have custom network settings. For most users the typical setting choice will be adequate.
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Step 15
Click Next at the Workgroup or Computer Domain dialog box unless you have custom network settings. For most users the typical setting choice will be adequate.
Windows has now completed this portion of the installation and reboot.
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Step 16
Click "OK" at the Display Settings dialog box and click "OK" at the Automatic Display Settings Confirmation screen.
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Step 17
Click Next when the Welcome screen appears.
Wait while your Internet connectivity is being check or click Skip to bypass this step.
Click next at the "Will this computer connect to the Internet directly or through a network?". If you are unsure, click on the Skip button. (Please note, the default setting will work for many users and this setting can be changed if necessary later.)
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Step 18
Decide whether you would like to register your Windows installation now or Choose "No" do perform this step later. (You will need to complete the Windows Registration process to receive updates or by the end of a 30-day period.)
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Step 19
Click Next at the "Who will use this computer?" screen (leaving the default user) unless you need to setup multiple accounts. (Please note, this setting can be changed later, if necessary.)
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Step 20
Windows XP will now boot but it is necessary to add drivers (as an example, printer drivers may be required) as well as an anti-virus program. It is strongly recommended that you immediately update the computer with all of the Microsoft Security Updates.
