Clean Install Windows XP
How to Perform a Clean Installation of Windows XP
The first step is to access the BIOS setup to configure booting from the Windows installation CD. Insert the CD into the CD/DVD drive and restart your PC.
To enter BIOS setup, press Delete, F2, or F11 (depending on your motherboard model) immediately after turning on your PC.
Within BIOS setup, locate the Advanced BIOS Features option and press Enter.
Configure the following options:
- First Boot Device – CDROM
- Second Boot Device – HDD-0
Return to the previous menu, select Save & Exit Setup, confirm with Y, and press Enter.
Note: Setup configuration may vary. In some BIOS versions, the boot sequence is found in the Boot Sequencer section.
With the CD in the drive, reboot your computer to begin the Windows XP installation. When prompted, press any key.
The installation will start by copying files and initializing devices.
Press Enter to confirm installing Windows on the hard drive.
Review and accept the Windows license agreement by pressing F8.
Prepare the hard disk for Windows XP files.
To delete an existing partition, select it and press D. Confirm deletion by pressing L, then Enter.
To create a new partition from unpartitioned space, press C and confirm with Enter.
Select a quick NTFS format and press Enter.
Note: If you suspect disk errors, use the normal format instead of Quick Format.
After formatting, basic files will be installed, and the computer will restart automatically. Do not press any keys.
The installation will continue in a graphical interface. Follow the prompts to configure options.
Enter language and regional settings.
Provide your name and organization.
Enter the Windows product key from the box and click Next.
Assign a computer name (the default is acceptable) and an administrator password for security. Click Next.
Set the date, time, and time zone. Click Next.
Configure network settings. If you don’t have a network or don’t know the parameters, leave the defaults and click Next.
The installation will continue by copying files.
The computer will restart. Do not press any keys to avoid booting from the CD.
Configure display settings, accepting all prompts.
Accept the Windows XP installation completion screen.
Skip internet connection verification. Choose to activate Windows later if not connected to the internet.
Enter user names for computer users.
Note: The first user created will be the administrator.
After installation, verify that Windows has recognized and loaded all necessary drivers. Install missing drivers from the motherboard CD or separate driver CDs.
Important: A clean installation erases all files. Back up data to external media before starting.