How to Clean Install Windows XP

1)  To start the Windows XP installation, please insert the operating system DVD into your DVD-ROM drive and reboot your computer.

2) You’ll be prompted to “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD…” Failure to do so will result in the computer booting to the hard drive instead.

3) Setup will inspect your computer’s hardware configuration.  You’ll be asked to load any third party software if needed…(99% of users can ignore this).

4) To set up Windows XP for a new clean install, press ENTER but note the repair option.  This is not the repair installation button used by most users to fix a corrupt installation.  Once again, more then 99% of users will never have to use this option unless instructed by a trained technical professional.

5) Review the License Terms and hit the F8 key that states: “I agree” to signify you agree with the terms and conditions placed by Windows to run this software.

8 ) To do a clean install, you need to select a clean hard drive space.  An upgrade from a 32 bit system to 64 bit system requires a clean install as well.  If you are unsure if the Upgrade installation is correct for you, please navigate here to find out more.

9) Determine the hard drive you want to install Windows on.  If you only have one option at this window, press ENTER to continue.  This will format your hard drive so be sure your data has been backed up before you do this.

9 b) If you have multiple drives here, be sure you are choosing the hard drive you want.  You can delete multiple partitions to make one large drive to install Windows XP.  Use the C key (create new partition) or D key (delete a partition) to modify the size and partitions you wish to create or delete.  Press ENTER to continue.

10) Choose the file system you wish to format the hard drive. I suggest the NTFS file system for its better performance and reliability. It also has features that FAT32 does not include.  Quick format is alright for hard drives without performance issues or normal wipes over existing operating systems.

10) Windows will begin to copy and expand the files to your hard drive installing features and updates as it goes along.

11) Your computer will require it to restart several times (will happen automatically) and be ready for more user input when it starts up Windows XP for the first time.

12)  While Windows continues with the installation after the reboot, it will display and flash a slide show of features new to the Windows family.

13)  Select your Language, Time and currency format, and Keyboard or input method you wish to use during your installation process. Next to continue.

14) Enter in a computer name which will be used to personalize software on your computer.

15) Enter in the Product Key on the next page.  It should be located on the back of the retail box or cover for your Windows XP disk.  If your came pre-installed on your machine, your physical computer should have a sticker with the product key on the back or side of the computer.

16) Next, determine your computer name.  When choosing a computer name, select something that might describe the operating system installed on the PC, whether it is a desktop or laptop and the location of the PC whether it is in the office, bedroom, kitchen…etc. so it is easier when setting up printers or trying to pull data from another computer.  Click Next to continue.

17) Review your Time and Date Settings.  Windows will automatically adjust for DST once it connects to Windows Update.

18) Choose your network settings.  99.9% of users will select typical settings unless instructed to do so on a computer network.

19) Enjoy the rest of the feature slide show until Windows XP boots up to your first time use.

20) Windows XP will check for your Internet Connectivity but I suggest you skip this process till your computer is protected with an anti-virus.

21) Once Windows has loaded, you’ll be prompted to select your user names.  Feel free to use the existing user names from the previous installation.  Input passwords in the Control Panel via each account once Windows fully loads.

22) Windows will prepare your desktop based on your settings and user input from the previous steps…

23) Arrive at your desktop!  Your installation process is now complete!  I recommend a Windows Update immediately if not prompted to do so already.

For a detailed step-by-step guide of the Windows XP Installation with Screenshots, please download our PDF version here