Windows XP : Installing the operating system

IMPORTANT : Read this page in it's entirety before proceeding. Make sure you are familiar with any warnings. The steps are very simple, but attention must be paid. Mistakes made on this page will require you to re-start the installation from the beginning, and have the potential to cause you to have to pay for a Microsoft Windows XP seat license ($130). You should print this page if the internet will not be available to you during the installation process.

BIOS - Set the boot order

To boot to your BIOS press the corresponding key below immediately and repeatedly at 1 second intervals after turning your PC's power button "on". Attempt them in the order listed, and stop pressing the button as soon as the BIOS appears:

• • Dell - F2, F1, DEL, F3

  • Gateway - F1 or F2

  • HP/Compaq - F1, F2, F10, or DEL

  • common motherboards

Find the section in your BIOS that discusses boot order. If your DVD/CD drive is NOT first, follow the instructions (usually at the bottom of the screen) to change the boot order. Do not change anything else. Save changes when finished, place the OS disk in your optical drive and reboot.

Begin the installation

If your target installation disk contains data you will be prompted to "Press any key to boot from CD" after coming out of reboot. Do this immediately. If you miss it press the power button to turn off the PC (hard crash is fine), then press it again to turn the PC back on right away. Don't miss the prompt next time.

During the unattended installation process the PC may reboot several times and each time you will see this prompt. Ignore it from this point forward (will automatically disappear in @ 10 seconds).

One interruption

15-20 minutes into the (nearly) unattended installation process you'll be prompted by a pop-up window that will mention the terms "Windows Media Player 10" and "System Restore", among other things. Press "OK". You can take a walk now, as the installation will now proceed to completion without further interruption (15-20 more minutes).

You'll know it's finished installing when ...

When the installation has completed you may receive two small prompt windows in succession (depending upon your hardware components):

• • Click "OK" to improve your visual display

  • "Click if you can see this display" (or something similar)

You will now be at the first Windows XP setup screen.

Screen title: "Welcome to Microsoft Windows"

Thank you for purchasing Microsoft Windows XP.

Let's spend a few minutes setting up your computer.

To continue, click Next.

Click the green "Next" arrow at bottom right.

Screen title: "Help protect your PC"

+Help protect my PC by turning on Automatic Updates now

click "Next" arrow to proceed. Do this at each subsequent window as well.

Depending upon your hardware configuration you may now see the following screen:

Screen title: "Checking for Internet connectivity ...".

Allow it to do it's work. You will automatically be forwarded to the next screen.

Screen title: "Will this computer connect to the Internet directly, or through a network?"

"Will this computer connect to the Internet through a network?

+ Yes, this computer will connect through a local area network or home network.

Screen title: "Ready to register with Microsoft?:

"Are you ready to register online with Microsoft?"

-No, not at this time

It is critical you get this one correct or Microsoft will invalidate your copy of Windows XP and you'll have to buy a copy and reinstall from scratch.

Screen title: "Who will use this computer?"

"Your name:" you will enter " user1 " in the first field exactly as typed, in all lower case with no spaces (and no quotes).

Important : It is critical to the installation process that you enter " user1 " in the first field and nothing else. You will be able to change this to your own name or anything else you wish at the end of the installation process, but the first field must say " user1 " or you will have to start the installation again from the beginning.

DO NOT enter any other usernames at this time. You will be able to add them later. Only fill out the first field exactly as instructed above.

Screen title: "Thank you!"

"Congratulations, you're ready to go!" ...

Click the green "Finish" arrow at bottom right to go to your new Windows XP Desktop.

The next step in the installation process is WGA. DO NOT GO ANYWHERE ON THE INTERNET UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED WGA.