Step 15-How to Install Microsoft Windows XP

This article will cover the install Microsoft Windows XP tutorial. The install Microsoft Windows XP process is easy compared to say Windows 98.

Just pop the CD in the drive and press any key when you see the text prompt that says, ahem, Press Any Key To Boot From CD.

After your computer has booted from the CD it will arrive at the Text part of the install Microsoft Windows XP.

If you need to load SCSI or RAID drivers hit F6 now and install drivers at the blue screen. Otherwise wait for the Welcome screen.

Follow the prompts until you arrive at the partitioning screen. The best way to partition your drive with Windows XP is to use all available space on the drive to make one partition.

Use NTFS as the file format. Always select the long or thorough format especially on a new drive.

The install should now be at the GUI(graphical user interface) stage of install Microsoft Windows XP.

The language option screen should come up next. Make your choices and proceed on to the next screen.

The network part of the install is next to demand your input. Typical settings work for most cable or DSL modem connections.

If you are using a static instead of a dynamic IP address you will need to do the manual settings.

After the network part of the install Microsoft Windows XP is done Windows will reboot its self again.

Make sure you enable XP's built in firewall before you connect to the Internet.

To enable the firewall go to the Control Panel, then click Network and Internet Connections. Right click on your connection and select properties. Go to the advanced tab and click "protect my computer by limiting or preventing access from the Internet".

Next, go to the XP download page and download and install Service Pack 2 unless it was included on the Microsoft Windows XP installation CD. Service Pack 2 is all you need to install to update XP. Service Pack 1 is no longer required.

The next item on your list should be the installation of the motherboard chipset drivers.

Make sure you have the latest drivers by checking the motherboard manufacturer's Web site.

Make a habit of doing this for all of your hardware.You know what I'm going to say next. Reboot.

Now, back to the XP download page XP download page and download the latest version of Direct X. This is a must if you are a gamer!

Check out your graphic card manufacturer's Website and download the latest drivers for your video card. Again reboot after installing these drivers.

Install drivers for your sound card and remaining hardware. Remember that means just about everything. The only exceptions are maybe the keyboard and mouse.

Once again it is better to go to the manufacturer's Web site for the latest drivers, but you can use the drivers that came on the hardware's install CD. Make sure you update them ASAP.

Alternatively, you may want to download all of the latest drivers you will need and burn them to a CD before starting. You can then load them off of the CD instead of the Internet.

Back to the XP download page to download Critical Updates and you are set. Make a habit of doing this on a monthly basis. As fast as the Internet is changing , new threats emerge constantly. Wow! You are finished. Good work! Time to load your applications and games to enjoy the fruits of your hard work.

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