Clean Install Windows XP

1. Check the system requirements. The XP installation CD includes an Upgrade Advisor that will check the computer to make sure it has enough hard drive space and memory to accommodate Windows XP and that hardware is supported. You can also find the system requirements and other information about how to clean install Windows XP on the Microsoft website.

2. Keep in mind that when you do a clean install, all programs will have to be installed and files will be deleted. It's important to have backups of files and access to program installation CDs.

3. Change the BIOS to boot from CD. Type in the key to enter the BIOS; this is normally a function key such as F1. Check the boot sequence, and make sure the computer is set to boot from CD before the hard drive.

4. Make sure you have a valid product key from Microsoft. This is typed on the CD cover or included on a sticker on the computer. Without a valid key, installation will not work.

5. Insert the Windows installation CD into the drive. Turn on the computer. Wait for a message to "press any key" to start Windows installation, and hit a key on the keyboard.

6. Select "enter setup" from the enter or repair screen. Press the requested key to agree to the license. Wait for the installation to scan for previous versions of Windows.

7. Delete the old partition. If you have more than 1 partition, make sure it is the partition that contains your current Windows installation. Select "D" from the screen. Follow the prompts to verify deletion of the partition. At this point, all files and data have been deleted from the system. Then follow the prompts to create a new partition. Choose NTFS for the type of partition, unless you are dual booting to an operating system that uses FAT.

8.Follow the prompts on the screen.
Enter the product key.
Enter a computer name and user name.
Set or verify time and language settings.
Enter network information to join a network; you can do this later if the network interface card has not been detected.

12. Reboot at the end of the installation. Check to see that all hardware has been detected and is working. You may have to install drivers for audio, video, networking and system board from the computer manufacturer's CDs. Reinstall anti-virus software and previously installed programs.

13. Configure network properties. If the computer is part of a network, click network properties. Click "join a domain," and enter domain and user information. Set up static IP addresses, gateways and DNS servers if necessary.



14. Connect to Windows Update to download and install service packs and patches for your operating system.