How to Install Windows Using a CD

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Installing Windows

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

Some versions of Microsoft Windows, like Windows XP, can be installed on home and work computers using a CD. To install Windows using a CD, you'll need to insert the setup CD into the CD drive, boot up your computer, then press a key to start the setup process when prompted. From there, continue following the on-screen prompts to finish installation.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing the CD

1
Order a Microsoft Windows XP Setup CD from the vendor.
2
Put the Setup CD into the drive, and press the Restart button on the computer case.

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3
Make sure the computer prompts you to press a key to start the Setup. If it does not, you need to set the CD-Drive as the First Boot Device in Boot category in your computer's BIOS.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Installing Windows

1
After your computer reboots, a Black screen will appear showing the message 'Press any key to Boot from CD...'. Press any key.
2
Wait for a few seconds until the a Blue Screen pops up with the Title Windows Setup.
3
Follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows.
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Select a drive for Windows to be installed, and choose its File System (FAT32 or NTFS).
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After a number of restarts, the previous screen with 'Press any key to Boot from CD...' will appear. Ignore it this time.
6
Set the Regional and Language, and Network Settings, and let the Setup install windows.
7
Install basic security software such as a firewall, antivirus program, and an anti-spyware program; the built-in Windows Firewall, microsoft AVG Free, and Safer Networking Spybot S & D should work fine.
8
Update Windows and the security software. This should help protect against some viruses and improve stability.
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Make sure that all your hardware is working. Unlike OEM installs, there can be some issues here. You might want to go to the hardware manufacturers' websites for the latest drivers.
10
You are done with installing Windows, now take a Quick Tour, as Windows will pop-up a message for it.

Community Q&A

Question

What does the term "OEM" mean?

Community Answer

OEM means "original equipment manufacturer." OEMs are manufacturers who resell another company's product under their own name and branding.
Question

Is this procedure for installing Windows XP the same as for installing Windows 7?

Community Answer

The process of installing Windows XP and Windows 7 is different. The Windows XP setup is divided into two parts -- the first part is basic, which allows you to operate the keyboard only, and the second part is graphical. You can only use the mouse to make changes in the second part. In the Windows 7 setup, you can use the mouse during whole setup, which makes things easier. The Windows 7 setup is more user-friendly, in my opinion.
Question

What does NTFS stand for?

Community Answer

NTFS stands for New Technology File System. Microsoft introduced it with the Windows NT operating system. A version of NTFS is also included in the most recent operating systems developed by Microsoft, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Vista.

Warnings

Make sure you have all the Drivers for the devices, you are going to use with your Windows.

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Installing Windows XP on a computer, which does not meet its minimum requirements will dramatically cut down the performance.

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This Procedure for Windows Installation is same except Windows 95 and Previous Versions.

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If you are re-installing Windows make sure you Back up the important data into the Storage Media.

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Be sure to Activate Windows within 30 days of installation, otherwise the system will not allow you to log on until Activation is complete. Conversely, do not activate the system before you've tested that the drivers and everything work fine because if you have to reinstall too many times it will refuse to reactivate because you've already done so too recently.

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