Guide to Instaling Windows

Credit goes to Bhalveen

Installing Windows We will walk you through partitioning your Hard Drive, and installing Windows XP. We will be using Windows XP Pro as an example.The installation process of XP is very similar in all version of XP, because they are all based on the same installer. Hopefully your Windows XP has SP2 integrated into it, but if it doesn't you can follow this great guide (http://www.maximumpc.com/2005/01/how_to_slipstre.html ) to slipstream SP2 into Windows XP. Fire up your machine and insert the Windows XP disc into the optical drive. The first thing you need to do is go into the BIOS.You can do this by tapping either F2 or Delete depending on your BIOS manufacturer. If you're unsure check the motherboard manual.Once you're in the BIOS take a few minutes to figure out where everything is. There are several different screens in the BIOS.For now you can leave most of the settings at default, look for the screen that allows you to choose the Drive boot order. It will probably be labeled Boot, or something similar. There may also be several sub-menus. Down Arrow to the menu for Boot Device Priority. Ensure that your Optical Drive and Hard Drive both show up in this menu. If they don't your system isn't recognizing all of your drives, so you will need to power down and ensure all drives are connected properly. If all your drives show up, ensure that your Optical Drive is one priority higher then you're Hard Drive. For example your Optical Drive is second priority and your Hard Drive is third priority

Once complete exit saving changes. If you get lost in the bios your motherboard manual will help you figure out how to navigate through your specific bios. The computer will now reboot.If your hard drive is already formatted or already has partitions on it the windows installer will tell you to press any key to start Windows Setup.

When Windows Setup first fires up you will see an option to Press F6 to install third party Hard Drive Controller Drivers. If your Hard Drive Controller requires drivers press F6 and you will be given the option to install them from a Floppy Disk. If you're not sure check your manual.If you still can't find the right information, let the installer continue, and once it gets to the Partition Drives screen, if you're Hard Drive isn't showing up you know you needed to press F-6 and install the right drivers. If your Motherboard didn't come with drivers on a floppy disk you will need to download them from the manufactures website.Most SATA controllers on current Motherboards have native SATA controllers so installing drivers isn't necessary. There are still some controllers out there that will require drivers to be installed.

All you have to do is press Enter to Continue.

Press F8, because if you don't agree you don't get to install Windows.

This is one of the most important steps.If you want to allocate the whole drive to Windows just press enter. We suggest if you have a Larger HD (100GB or Larger) to partition your Hard Drive into at least two partitions. One Partition for your Windows installation and programs, and the other Partition to store data like your pictures, movies, and music. This way if you're Windows Install crashes unexpectedly you don't loose all your data. Press C to Create Partitions.

You will now create your partitions.The size is in Megabytes, enter the size you want for the first partition and press enter. For your Windows partition we suggest between 60 and 100 Gigabytes. If you install a lot of large games or programs you may require more space to be allocated to your Windows partition.

Once your Partitions are created select the partition you want to install Windows on. Typically this will be the C: Drive.Press Enter to format your Drive.

We suggest that you use the NTFS quick option.If you are reinstalling after a virus attack or a serious error you will want to use the NTFS Full Format option.FAT32 is the older File System. There isn't really a need to use this file system anymore, NTFS is the standard.

Setup will now copy files and install the Graphical Installer. This should go very smoothly. If it doesn't this is your first sign there is a problem.Usually if Windows has a hard time copying files it's because of a scratched or dirty disc, or a faulty Optical Drive.Bad Memory may also cause problems in this stage.

At this point you can either hit enter or just let the timer go, and the system will reboot automatically.

If you haven't already done so right now is a great time to get something to drink. It will take several minutes for the installer to get through this stage.

Configure your Date, Time and Time Zone then click next.

After your regional settings are configured Windows will install some more files and then go into Network settings. At this point just use typical settings, then click next.

You can use any name you want for your workgroup as long as it is not the same as your computer name. If you have more then one computer on a home network its best to use the same workgroup name on all the computers in your network for simplicity. When your done click next.

Windows will now finish installing and then reboot. Once it reboots Windows will be completely installed.

When Windows boots up for the first time you will see a Configuration Wizard, just click through, then when you get to this screen enter a user name. You can use any name you want. However it can not be exactly the same name as your computer or your workgroup.

Windows XP is now installed and ready for you to start installing your drivers. We advise that you do not connect to the internet yet.In fact you shouldn't even have your network cable even plugged in at this point. Once you install all your drivers you can connect your network cable.

Throw in your Drivers CD that came with your Motherboard.If a disc didn't come with your Motherboard you can go to the manufactures website and download all the current drivers. When using your Drivers CD every manufacture is different. You may have to install your drivers one at a time or you might be able to install them as one package. Install your Chipset drivers first, followed by the rest of your drivers.