How to install Windows XP

Windows XP is one of Microsoft’s most popular operating systems, and though it’s starting to show its age, many people still use it exclusively. Whether you’ve got an old computer that you want to get functioning again or you want to install XP on your new machine, it will only take a short while.

Note: Microsoft is no longer supporting Windows XP, which means it will no longer receive essential security fixes. It is highly recommended that you consider upgrading to a newer version of Windows, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.

1. Ensure that your computer can run Windows XP. Your computer will need to meet or exceed the minimum system requirements in order to run Windows XP. You can find your system information by either checking the computer manufacturer's manual, or by running DirectX Diagnostic on an existing Windows operating system of the computer.

To start the DirectX Diagnostic, open the Run dialog (press WinKey+R simultaneously), type dxdiag, and click OK.

Minimum System Requirements

• 300 MHz Intel or AMD CPU
• 128 megabytes (MB) of system RAM
• 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available drive space
• Super VGA (800x600) or higher display adapter
• CD or DVD-ROM
• Keyboard and mouse, or other pointing devices
• Network Interface Adapter required for Internet and Network Connectivity
• Sound card and speakers or headphones

2. Find your Windows XP Product Key. It is printed on a sticker on your software package or located on the computer itself. It is a string of 5 groups of characters (each 5 long), separated by dashes, resulting in 25 characters in all. You need the product key to complete installing Windows. 

3. Set your computer to boot from CD/DVD. Before inserting the CD, you'll need to set your computer to boot from a CD instead of from the hard drive. This will allow you to load the Windows XP setup files before your computer boots to its installed operating system. You can change the boot order from the BOOT menu in your BIOS.

• To enter the BIOS of your computer, you usually press F9 or DEL when your computer starts or notifies you that you can enter "setup". Click the green "BIOS" link for more information. 
• In the BOOT menu, set the order so that your CD/DVD-ROM drive is set as the 1st Boot Device.

• If you are installing Windows XP from a USB drive, make sure that the USB drive is set as the 1st Boot Device. You may need to have the USB drive inserted for it to appear as an option.

How to install Windows XP Part 2