How to Play Pinball While Installing Windows XP

Installing Windows XP can be a long and boring experience, so play a little pinball to make the time pass by a little quicker. Windows XP allows you to run its pinball program while the rest of the XP files are downloading to your system.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get an original, OEM windows XP installation CD from either Microsoft or an official Microsoft dealer and install the software on your computer.

2. Enter your product key and answer the questions to validate the installation process. After that, begin copying files to your computer.

3. Press Shift and F10 keys simultaneously when you see the scroll bar and the words "copying files." This will direct you to the command prompt screen.

4. Type cd \ on the command prompt screen.

5. Type: cd "Program Files".

6. Press enter, then type cd "Windows XP".

7. Press enter again, and then type cd Pinball.

8. Type Pinball.exe to begin the pinball program. Enjoy until the Windows XP download finishes.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to include the quotations when typing in the prompts.
• You can also run Minesweeper and Solitaire by following the same steps you would use to play Pinball in Windows XP.
• Other versions of Windows allow you to run different games. Consult the manual for your Windows version to see which games are pre-installed on the disk.
• Make sure all the files have been copied before trying to start the pinball game. If the files aren't copied, the program won't work. Keep trying the commands; it will eventually work.

Resources

• Instructions on how to interrupt a Windows download.