How to Install Windows XP Pro

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Learning how to install Windows XP Pro will prove to be a valuable skill to anyone who owns or uses a computer. The producers of the platform have actually made Windows XP Pro installation easy. Installing this software on your own will save you the trouble of having to go to a computer repair shop or waiting for a repairman to come to you. This will not only save time, but money as well.

Materials Needed:
- Computer
- CD/DVD drive
- Windows XP Professional Installation Pack CD’s.
Step 1
Insert the Windows Installation CD into the CD or DVD drive of the computer. The monitor will show a blue set-up screen. In this part of the set-up, the user will be asked to accept the End-User License Agreement (EULA). Press F8 to accept. Afterwards, the user will be asked to choose a particular partition where the installation of Microsoft XP Pro will take place. The user will be asked to choose among FAT, FAT32, or NFTS if the partition is new.
Step 2
The set-up will then begin copying necessary files from the CD.
Step 3
The computer will restart. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) mode will load. The set-up will also begin loading device drivers on its own.
Step 4
Press 'customize' if changing regional settings is needed. If not, just press 'next'.
Step 5
A prompt will appear asking for name and organization. Type the necessary data.
Step 6
A prompt for the computer name and password for the local Administrator account will appear. The local Administrator account can be found in the SAM of the computer. It will not be found in the Active Directory.
Step 7
Another prompt will appear asking for the date, time, and time zone settings. Click on the chosen options.
Step 8
The set-up will begin installing the network components. A prompt asking for network details will appear. If the computer is a stand-alone computer or the user doesn’t know what to enter, leave the default entry selected and press 'next'. These entries may be edited later when there is sufficient information or when a network administrator is present to help the user.
Step 9
The set-up process will begin copying the files and the set-up configuration will start. XP will then detect if the screen resolution is not configured well and prompt the user to change it by loading screens asking if the user is seeing the new settings in the right way.
Step 10
The set-up will boot Windows XP Pro once it is finished. It will then load a 'welcome' screen and check Internet connectivity.
Step 11
The program will ask for a default username to log on to the computer.
Step 12
The installation is finished once this is done. The user may start exploring the different capabilities and services offered by Windows XP Pro.