Quick overview:
Many users shy away from installing an operating system with a critical eye. However, these processes are now very simple and largely straightforward, so that even beginners can attempt them. If you now follow these instructions, nothing can go wrong.
The requirements for your computer
Windows XP places particular demands on the Working memory high demands. You should have at least 256 megabytes to enjoy your work. Computers with only 128 Megabyte or less have to cut back and make compromises. It is therefore advisable to switch off the new functions so that Windows runs without complications and sufficiently fast.
Microsoft personally specifies a minimum of 64MB, which I think is an understatement.
The Processor should be able to do a lot. The official minimum requirements in this area are 300 Mhz, although I can only guarantee optimum operation from 550 Mhz.
The Windows XP manual states that at least 1 gigabyte must be available on the Hard disk should be free. After the installation, you are surprised that approx. 1.5 gigabytes are occupied - including the Swap file. If programs and data are added later, you should set up at least 3-4 GB of space for XP itself and everything beyond that for the programs.
If your computer meets these requirements, you can continue reading with peace of mind.
Blue screen during installation - The ACPI scapegoat
If you see a blue screen right at the start of the installation or during hardware detection, which tells you in English that there has been an ACPI error, you must react immediately.
ACPI is the power management system of Windows XP and intervenes quite deeply in the system. It also takes over the management of the various devices. Problems can occur with some motherboards because Windows does not recognize their ACPI support.
To solve the problem, you must turn off the ACPI screen during installation. Right at the beginning (step 5) you will be prompted to install a SCSI adapter the F5 button. At exactly this point, press F6 and you will immediately find yourself in a menu in which you can Standard PC to specify. Confirm this with Enter and continue with the installation.
Install Windows XP and use the hard disk deletion option
Here you will be navigated through the installation step by step. It is advisable to delete all existing files by formatting the hard disk. This will leave you with a fast, stable and virgin system, which will not cause any problems due to old files. And this is how you proceed:
1. Switch on your computer and directly press the ENTF or F2 button to access the computer's basic program (BIOS). The keys and some of the terms may differ - a look at the manual will not hurt in most cases.
2. You should now see a blue/yellow screen in front of you on which you can click with the cursor on BIOS Features Setup and press ENTER.
3. About the Image down/image up or the Enter key to change the options. Now do this by selecting the entry Boot Sequence or Boot Drive the option CD-ROM or D:\ (or any other drive). Pressing ESC takes you back to the previous menu.
4. Now move the cursor to Save & Exit Setup and insert the Windows XP installation CD into the drive.
5. The setup program will respond and a blue screen will appear, which has a status bar with information at the bottom. This shows the drivers that are currently being loaded to ensure that your system works properly.
6. The welcome screen is immediately skipped by pressing the ENTER key, so that you find yourself in the hard disk selection menu. Here you decide on which drive Windows XP should be installed. In most cases this will be C:\. Now select the desired hard disk and press Enter.
Note: Are you the proud owner of several partitions? Would you like to create one? Or do you want to delete one? Press the L button to perform the latter action - the data will be lost immediately. Use E to create a partition, the size of which you can adjust as required.
7. The next window gives you the choice between FAT and NTFS. Due to the security features and the improved speed, I recommend using the hard disk in the New Technology File System. format. In addition to the information in the Windows Tweaks dictionary about NTFS can also be found in the Windows 2000 introductory article a lot about the file system.
8. The hard disk is formatted and then checked. In the event that Windows XP detects errors, these are corrected and the setup is restarted.
9. The files will now be copied, which may take some time. Windows XP then requests a restart, after which you will find yourself in a colorful, mouse-controlled installation environment. An attempt will now be made to recognize the hardware - as soon as this is complete, the so-called installation wizard will greet you once again, which you can confirm by clicking on Next take note. In addition to the installation, XP praises itself by introducing some functions.
10. Now enter your name and the name of your company in the fields and confirm with Enter. The next window will ask you to choose a computer password and name your computer. Follow these prompts dutifully.
11. One click on Next and the wizard now searches for network cards and components, which takes a long time and is the longest part of the installation.
12. A message will now inform you about the success of the installation. Click with relief on Finish and watch Windows XP boot up for the first time. As soon as the operating system has loaded, a blue welcome installation screen appears in which you can first set up your Internet connection and then enter your user name. We can safely postpone the former until later!
13. As soon as you click on Finish you will see the colorful interface for the first time.
Congratulations! The Windows XP installation was successful.
You should now view the first basic steps to speed and stability optimization.
On Windows Tweaks you will find time-saving tech guides for PC, software & Microsoft. For a stress-free digital everyday life. Already we have been "tweaking" Windows since 1998 and just won't stop!
