How to Install Windows XP OEM
For the novice PC user, nothing can be more scary than tinkering with the heart of one's computer: the operating system. However, in some cases, it is necessary to perform an install (or reinstall) of the core Windows system (1) to get the PC up and running for the first time or (2) following a full system format. A system format can be necessary after contracting certain viruses or other malignant entities or it can be optional, as part of a rigorous cleaning protocol. Learn how to install a copy of Windows on your personal computer.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Skip this step if you are installing Windows XP to a blank hard drive. If you are installing XP to a system that already has an operating system present (perhaps an older copy of Windows), then the first thing to do is reboot the machine. When the computer begins to boot up, there will be a prompt on the screen that says something like, "Press x to enter BIOS," where "x" is some key on the keyboard (usually "Esc," "Delete" or an "F-key"). Press the indicated key and you will enter BIOS.
From there, you want to change the boot order of the computer. Normally, upon starting, the computer will first look to the hard drive to find the operating system and then to either the CD drive or the floppy. Change the boot order of the computer so that the first boot device is the CD-ROM. After that, insert the Windows XP disk into the computer, exit BIOS and choose "Save Changes." The system will reboot, and you will find yourself looking at the Windows XP setup screen. -
2
Press whatever key is indicated when no options are presented as you move through a series of screens. Eventually, the computer will offer you three separate options, as seen in the accompanying image: (1) "Set up Windows now," (2) "Repair a Windows XP installation" and (3) "Quit without installing. Press "Enter" to select "Set up Windows now."
-
-
3
Accept the Licensing Agreement when prompted by following the directions on-screen to accept (press "F8"). Next, you will format and partition the hard drive. If installing on a new hard drive, the only entry within the box should say "Unpartitioned Space." Press "c" to create a partition; then enter the maximum possible number where it says "Create Partition of Size" and hit "Enter" to create. After creating the partition, select the partition and hit "Enter" to install Windows on it.
-
4
Choose a file system type before formatting. Select the NTFS file system--the regular version, not the quick version. Hit "Enter" and proceed to the first of many progress bars. Depending on the speed of the computer and the size of the hard drive, this could take quite a while. After the format progress bar is complete, you should next see the file copy progress bar. At the conclusion of the file copy process, the computer should automatically reboot. If your computer successfully rebooted, congratulations! You're in Windows XP.
-
5
Respond when the computer now asks you to provide some basic information, such as your name and language settings. At the screen indicated, just hit "Next" if you are working from an English-speaking country. Enter whatever you like for name and organization name and hit "Next" again. Eventually, you will be asked to input your product key. Do this carefully, keeping in mind to differentiate between similar-looking characters, such as "1," "l" and "I" (1, L, and i). Finally, name the computer, input the correct time zone and get ready to watch another progress bar.
-
6
Wait for Windows to automatically reboot your computer again after completing the installation. This time, you will be taken to the desktop and asked to activate the product. It does not matter whether you do so now or later. And that's it--you've successfully installed Windows XP OEM edition.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Remember to store your product key in a safe place in case you ever need to reinstall.
