Some things to consider backing up that usually reside on the same drive as Windows XP (which we’ll assume is “C:”) include a number of folders located here: This includes Desktop, Favorites and My Documents. Also, check these folders under other user’s accounts if more than one person logs onto your PC. You should also locate the Windows XP product key, a 25-digit alphanumeric code unique to your copy of Windows. If you can’t locate it, there are product key finders that can do the job, but this must be done before you reinstall. When you’re absolutely sure that everything from your computer that you want to keep is backed up, proceed to the next step. Keep in mind that once you delete all of the information from this drive (as we’ll do in a future step), the action is not reversible! Toward the beginning of this process, a message will appear that says Press F6 if you need to install a third party SCSI or RAID driver. As long as you are performing this clean install from a Windows XP SP2 CD, this step is probably not necessary. On the other hand, if you’re reinstalling from an older version of the Windows XP installation CD and you have a SATA hard drive, you’ll need to press F6 here to load any necessary drivers. The instructions that came with your hard drive or computer should include this information. For most of you, though, this step can be ignored. Since this will be a clean installation of XP, press Enter to set up Windows now. An installation of Windows on your PC should already be highlighted, assuming Windows exists on there at all (it doesn’t need to). If you have multiple Windows installations then you’ll see them all listed. Even though you may be repairing an issue with your computer, don’t choose to “repair the selected Windows XP installation.” In this tutorial, we’re installing a clean copy of Windows on the computer. Press Esc to continue. Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, highlight the line for the C: drive. It probably says Partition1 or System, though yours may be different. Press D to delete this partition. Confirm your knowledge that this is a system partition by pressing Enter to continue. Using the arrow keys, highlight the line that says Unpartitioned space. Press C to create a partition on this unpartitioned space. Unless you’re planning on creating additional partitions from within Windows after the clean installation process (for any number of reasons), it’s usually wise to create a partition at the maximum size possible. For most users, the default number provided will be the maximum space available and the best choice. Press Enter to confirm the partition size. Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, highlight the line that says Format the partition using the NTFS file system and press Enter. This step usually only takes a few minutes and no user intervention is necessary. The first section allows you to change the default language and the default location. If the options listed match your preferences, no changes are necessary. If you wish to make changes, choose Customize and follow the directions given to install new languages or change locations. The second section allows you to change the default input language and device. If the options listed match your preferences, no changes are necessary. If you wish to make changes, select Details and follow the directions given to install new input languages or change input methods. After you’ve made any changes, or if you’ve determined no changes are necessary, select Next. In the next window (not shown), enter the Windows XP product key. This key should have come with your Windows purchase. Select Next when complete. In the Computer name: text box, Windows XP Setup has suggested a unique computer name for you. If your computer will be on a network, this is how it will be identified to other computers. Feel free to change the computer name to anything you wish. In the Administrator password: text box, enter a password for the local administrator account. This field can be left blank but it’s not recommended to do so for security purposes. Confirm this password in the Confirm password: text box. Press Next when complete. Choose Next when complete. If you’re installing Windows XP in on a single computer or a computer on a home network, chances are the correct option to choose is Typical settings. If you’re installing Windows in a corporate environment, you may need to choose the Custom settings option but check with your system administrator first. Even in this case, the Typical settings option is probably the right one. If you’re not sure, choose Typical settings. Select Next. If you’re installing Windows XP on a single computer or a computer on a home network, chances are the correct option to choose is No, this computer is not on a network, or is on a network without a domain. If you’re on a network, enter the workgroup name of that network here. Otherwise, feel free to leave the default workgroup name and continue. If you’re installing Windows in a corporate environment, you may need to choose the Yes, make this computer a member of the following domain option and enter a domain name but check with your system administrator first. If you’re not sure, choose No, this computer is not on a network, or is on a network without a domain. Select Next. Choose OK to allow Windows to automatically adjust the screen resolution. If you can clearly read the text in the window, select OK. If you can not read the text on the screen, the screen is garbled or not clear, choose Cancel if you are able. If you can’t see the Cancel button, don’t worry. The screen will automatically revert to the previous setting in 20 seconds. Select Next. If you’d like to skip this step, choose Skip. If you have a broadband connection, like DSL or a cable or fiber connection, and are using a router (or if you’re on another type of home or business network) then choose Yes, this computer will connect through a local area network or home network. If your computer connects directly to the internet via a modem (dial-up or broadband), choose No, this computer will connect directly to the Internet. Windows XP will see most modern Internet connection setups, even those involving only a single PC, as on a network so the first option is probably the most likely choice for most users. If you’re really not sure though, choose No, this computer will connect directly to the Internet or select Skip. After making a choice, choose Next. Otherwise, choose No, not at this time and select Next. After entering the account name(s), choose Next to continue. Select Finish to proceed to Windows XP. The first step after a clean install of XP is to proceed to Windows Update to install all of the latest updates and fixes from Microsoft. This is a very important step to ensure that your new Windows installation is secure and up to date.
