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    • Installing XP

    Prologue

    Installing an operating system isn’t too hard. But different computers can very somewhat in the details. I will try to do my best to cover all the variations, but be prepared to do some improvisation. Take your time, and if you make a mistake…you can typically start over. The only thing you will lose is time. I have also added some links at the end that may be useful.

    Materials

    Before starting you should get the following items together.

    1. XP Installation CD
    2. XP Service Pack 3 CD
    3. Your antivirus software (if we are able to get clam shell working thats the one)
    4. A book to read (lots of waiting time)

    Preparing the Battle Field

    Backup any important files. Anything left on the hard disk will be lost.

    Disconnect the computer from the internet and insert the XP installation CD into the drive.

    Get into bios and check the boot order.

    Note: Computers differ in how to do this, so it may take some trial and error to get into set up. If you don’t get any hints, at startup
    try hitting F1, F2, F10 and Tab….if that doesn’t work…just try to hit them all.

    1. Restart the computer.
    2. Watch it and press the key for either setup or system setup or bios
    3. The exact process here will depend on the computer, but using the arrows find something like boot order
    4. Following the instructions on the screen, set it so that the CD-ROM is first. Sometimes it helps to disable everything else.
    5. Using the arrow keys go to exit, press return then choose exit and save.

    In most cases the computer will restart. Pay attention to what it says on the screen. If it works, you will get an obvious install screen. If it doesn’t here are some hints.

    1. If it says press a key to boot from CD-ROM, you have to do this fast. It is easy to miss this part.
    2. If it just won’t start from the CD-ROM, go back into system set up (bios) and disable all the boot drives except the CD-ROM (this is not possible on some systems).

    Install XP following the instructions on the screen.

    • If all went well you should now be in windows XP.
    • This is a good time to read that book.

    Install Service pack 3

    1. Insert the Service pack 3 cd (remove the installation cd first!)
    2. Go navigate to your cd drive (go to the start menu and find the computer short cut)
    3. Look for an icon that says setup or run. Double click that.
    4. Follow the instructions on the screen, carefully read the service agreement.
    5. There is some waiting time here too.
    6. Congrats! You have a fully installed XP operating system now. ITS NOT SAFE YET!!
    7. Ensure your fire wall is on.

    Install your virus protection.

    1. Insert the install CD for this.
    2. Follow the instructions.
      Note: If you are installing clamshell on XP you will also need the .net Framework installed. There should be a CD for this, but you can also download it from the links below.

    Reconnect your computer to the internet.

    I would suggest you restart the computer and make sure that windows XP and your anti-virus are set for automatic updates.

    Useful Links