contents

get ready .....................................................................................1

install it .......................................................................................2
Quick upgrade ........................................................................................ 2
New installation...................................................................................... 3
Questions and answers about Setup .................................................... 5
troubleshoot it ............................................................................9
Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup...................................................... 9
Troubleshooting Stop errors ................................................................ 10
Still getting errors? ............................................................................... 11
make it accessible .................................................................. 12
Accessibility Wizard .............................................................................. 13
Accessibility Options............................................................................. 13
get support............................................................................... 14
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0601 Part No. X08-26260

 get ready 1

get ready
During the setup process you will be asked for some
information. Be sure to have the following:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition CD The CD is
inside the Windows XP folder.
Product Key Product Key You can find the Product Key on the back of
a unique number assigned to the Windows XP folder.
your copy of Windows XP Pen or pencil You may want to write down settings and
other important information.
Internet service provider (ISP)
a company that provides Internet information If you plan to connect to the
access to the Internet Internet, you may need to provide some more
information. You can configure your settings during the
setup process or you can postpone this until after
Windows XP is set up.
If you received an offer for a new Internet account when
you purchased your computer, or if you already have an
Internet account, you should contact your Internet service
provider (ISP) for this information.
Home network information If you plan to use your
computer on a home network, you may need to provide
some more information. You can configure your settings
during the setup process or you can postpone this until
after Windows XP is set up.
2 Start Here

install it
Now you’re ready to install Windows XP!

Quick upgrade
Heading 1 Spacer,h1s
Important
If your computer doesn’t
1. Turn on your computer.
automatically launch the CD, 2. Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer’s
start Setup manually: CD-ROM drive.
1. Click Start > Run.
3. When your computer automatically launches the CD, click
2. Type the following
command, replacing “d” Install Windows.
with the letter assigned to 4. When you’re asked to choose the type of installation you
your CD-ROM drive: want, select Upgrade, and then click Next.
d:\setup.exe
You can upgrade to Windows XP if all of the following
3. Press ENTER.
are true:
u You’re already using a previous version of
Windows that supports upgrading:
Windows 98 (including Second Edition) or
Windows Millennium (Me).
u You want to replace your previous operating system
with Windows XP Home Edition.
u You want to keep your existing files and personalized
settings.
If none—or only some—of these are true for you, perform a
new installation. For more information, see “New
installation.”
5. Review the license agreement and, if you agree, accept it.
6. Enter the Product Key from the Windows XP folder.
 install it 3

Dynamic Update 7. Review the text for performing Dynamic Update. If you
a new feature of Windows XP wish to perform Dynamic Update, select Yes, and then
Setup, which downloads click Next.
important updates and
required drivers from the
Windows installation starts.
Windows Update Web site 8. When the “Welcome to Windows” screen appears, follow
during Setup the instructions to complete your upgrade.
Important 9. Go to the “Explore Windows XP Home Edition” card (in the
You must have an active Windows XP folder) for information on using and setting
Internet connection to perform up your computer.
Dynamic Update.

New installation
Heading 1 Spacer,h1s
Important
A new installation deletes all
There are three reasons why you may need to install a new
programs or system files from a copy of Windows XP:
previous installation. u Your current operating system doesn’t support an
upgrade to Windows XP Home Edition.
u Your current operating system supports an upgrade to
Windows XP Home Edition, but you don’t want to keep
your existing files and personalized settings.
u Your computer does not have an operating system.
The setup process is similar for new installations and
upgrades with a few additional options. For example, during a
new installation, you are able to configure Special Options,
convert your file system, and create a new partition for the
Windows XP installation.
4 Start Here

Special Options
Important Under Special Options, you have the choice to change
Unless you’re an advanced Language, Advanced, and Accessibility settings during the
user, it’s recommended that setup process.
you use the default settings.

Select If you want to…

Note Language Choose the primary language and regions for

Windows XP, which affects the default settings for
If you are in a country that has
date, time, currency, numbers, character sets, and
recently adopted the euro as its
currency, you may have to keyboard layout.
modify the currency settings Choose additional language groups and character sets to
to display monetary use with the programs you are running on Windows XP.
amounts correctly.
Advanced Options Change the default location of the Setup files.
For more information, go to
Help and Support Center and Store system files in a folder other than the default
type “euro” in the Search box. (Windows) folder.
Copy the installation files from the CD to the hard disk.

Accessibility Use Narrator or Magnifier during Setup.

Choosing a file system

file system During a new installation, you may have to choose which file
the system that determines system your computer should use:
how files are organized,
u FAT32—An enhanced version of the file allocation table
named, and stored on a disk
(FAT) system that is standard on all Windows operating
systems starting with later (32-bit) versions of
terabyte
Windows 95. The FAT32 system can be used on
A measurement used for large hard disks, from 512 megabytes (MB) to
high-capacity data storage;
32 gigabytes (GB).
one terabyte equals one
thousand gigabytes or one u NTFS—The NT file system (NTFS) is used with the
million megabytes Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP operating
systems. NTFS provides enhanced reliability, stability, and
security, and supports large hard disks of up to
2 terabytes (TB).
 install it 5

Important If you’re not sure which file system to use, keep the one your
You can convert your file computer defaults to during Setup. If you want to change your
system any time, even after you file system, here are a few recommendations:
install Windows XP, without
u Use FAT32 if your hard disk is smaller than 32 GB.
losing any of your data.
The conversion to NTFS is one- u Use FAT32 if you want to install more than one operating
way only; if you convert your system on your computer.
FAT or FAT32 file system to
NTFS you can’t convert your u Use NTFS if:
hard disk back to FAT later. Your hard drive is larger than 32 GB and you are running
only one operating system on your computer.
You want enhanced file security.
You need better disk compression.

Questions and answers about Setup

The questions and answers that follow may help you resolve
common issues you have with Setup.

Tip I want to keep files and settings from another computer.

Can I move them over to Windows XP?
You can also run the Files and
Settings Transfer Wizard Yes! Windows XP includes a new tool—the Files and Settings
directly from the Windows XP Transfer Wizard—that will help you. You can start the wizard
CD on your old computer or the by clicking Start > All Programs > Accessories > System
computer you’re installing Tools > Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. The wizard will
Windows XP on. Just insert the help you create a Wizard Disk to collect your files and settings
CD and, after the CD launches,
from your other computer.
click Perform additional tasks >
Transfer files and settings Do I have to add a printer during Setup?
to start.
No, in fact we recommend that you wait to install your printer
until after you set up Windows XP. Many printers and other
device driver
hardware devices need drivers that may interrupt the
software that allows
Windows XP and hardware Windows XP Setup process. Windows XP automatically
devices, such as a printer, detects many printers as soon as you connect them to
to communicate your computer.
If your printer is not automatically detected, you can add the
driver for it after Setup is complete by clicking Start > Control
Panel > Printers and Other Hardware > Add Printer.
6 Start Here

During Setup I was prompted to “activate” Windows XP.

What is activation and why do I need to do it?
Important To help reduce software piracy, Windows XP uses the product
u You don’t need to give your activation system, which allows your copy of Windows XP to
name or other personal be installed on only one computer.
information when you
activate Windows.
You can activate your copy of Windows either:
u After 30 days, you must u During Setup.
activate Windows XP in
order to continue using it. –or–
u You must have a u By clicking Start > All Programs > Activate Windows.
“computer administrator”
user account to activate
If you wait to activate your software, you can still use
Windows XP. To check Windows for 30 days. During this time, you’ll be reminded
your account type, click periodically to activate Windows.
Start > Control Panel >
User Accounts. Is activating the same as registering?
No. Activation is required; registration is optional.
Why should I register?
Important If you register online with Microsoft, we can notify you of new
Microsoft is committed to products, product updates, events, promotions, and special
protecting your privacy and offers you may find interesting.
does not share your personal
registration information. During Setup, I created accounts for my family and me. All
of these accounts are computer administrator accounts.
Why is everyone a computer administrator?
All user accounts are initially created with computer
administrator access, which means they have complete
control over a computer and can gain access to and modify all
user accounts on a computer.
If you are concerned about security, you can change certain
accounts to limited accounts. To change the access level for
one of your user accounts, click Start > Control Panel >
User Accounts.
For more information about user accounts, click Start > Help
and Support and type “user accounts” in the Search box.
 install it 7

How can I make my computer more secure?

Administrator account Another way to make your computer more secure is to assign
a user account that: a password to the Administrator account, which is blank by
u has full permissions and default.
control over a computer
u can gain access to and
Û To create a password for the Administrator account
modify all user accounts 1. Restart your computer in safe mode:
on a computer
a. Click Start > Turn Off Computer > Restart.
u can only be accessed from
safe mode b. After your computer restarts, look for “Please select
the operating system to start.” When this text
appears, press F8.
c. Use the arrow keys to highlight the Safe Mode option,
and then press ENTER.
2. When the “Windows Welcome” screen appears, click
Administrator to log on.
Important 3. Click Start > Control Panel, double-click User Accounts,
If you do decide to create a and then click Change an Account. Under “Pick an
password for the Administrator account to change,” click Administrator > Create
account, make sure that you a password.
write down the password and
store it in a safe place. To learn more about safe mode, click Start > Help and
Support and type “safe mode” in the Search box.
During Setup, my computer stops working. What causes
this, and what can I do about it?
When a computer stops responding during Setup, it is often
because some of your hardware is incompatible with
Windows XP. Hardware troubleshooting usually solves these
problems. Start by reading “Troubleshooting Stop errors,”
later in this book.
Will all of my software and hardware work on Windows XP?
Important The Windows XP Setup program will automatically check the
If your hardware isn’t on the hardware and software already installed on your computer for
Hardware Compatibility List potential conflicts.
(HCL), contact the hardware
manufacturer to see if there is
You can check the compatibility of your software after you
a Windows XP driver for it. install Windows XP in several ways:
u Click Start > Help and Support > Find compatible
hardware and software for Windows XP (under
“Pick a task”).
u Click Start > Help and Support and type “Program
Compatibility Wizard” in the Search box.
8 Start Here

u Visit the Microsoft Compatibility Web site at:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/upgrade/compatible/
I was running a personal web server before I installed
Windows XP Home Edition. I can’t find it now. Where is it?
Note Windows XP Home Edition does not include Internet
Personal web servers are not Information Server (IIS), and IIS cannot run on this version of
necessary to create or host an Windows. To run a personal web server, you must use
Internet site. Windows XP Professional as your operating system.
Can I install more than one operating system on my
computer?
Yes. You can install and run more than one operating system
on your computer. However, be aware that there are several
limitations. For specific information about installing more than
one operating system on your computer, see:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/multiboot.htm
 troubleshoot it 9

troubleshoot it
If you have problems installing or using Windows XP, the
following tips and instructions can help.

Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup

The following table lists solutions for problems you may
encounter during installation of Windows XP Home Edition.

Problem Solution
Setup can’t find the Verify that your hardware is listed on the
CD-ROM drive. Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) by visiting the
Microsoft Web site at:
http://www.microsoft.com/hcl
Use the startup disk that came with your CD-ROM
to reload the drivers for the CD-ROM. Updated
drivers are also available from the manufacturer.

Setup can’t read the CD. Verify that the CD-ROM or DVD drive is working.
Clean the CD.
Use a different CD. To request a replacement CD,
contact Microsoft or your computer manufacturer.

You see a blue screen Follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
(also called a Stop error). See “Troubleshooting Stop errors,” later in
this section.
Note
Windows XP Home Edition Verify that your hardware is listed on the
If your computer has only the won’t install or won’t start. Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) by visiting the
minimum required memory, the Microsoft Web site at:
setup process may take longer. http://www.microsoft.com/hcl
10 Start Here

Problem Possible Solutions

partition An error screen indicates Delete files or programs that you no longer need,
an isolated portion of a hard there is insufficient and empty your Recycle Bin.
disk, which functions as a disk space. If you have more than one drive or partition try
separate disk drive the following:
u Move files to the other partition or drive.
u Remove existing partitions and create a
new partition large enough (+1.5 GB)
Caution for installation.
Removing or reformatting Format an existing partition to remove all existing
a partition will delete all of files and create more space.
the data that exists on
For more information, go to Help and Support Center
that partition.
and type “partitions” in the Search box.

Troubleshooting Stop errors

A Stop error occurs when Windows XP Home Edition stops
responding. Stop error messages can be caused by hardware
or software malfunctions. The error messages appear on a
blue or black background.
Tips ÛTo troubleshoot Stop errors
For this procedure, you should: 1. Restart your computer.
u Complete each step before
2. Make sure any new hardware or software is properly
going on to the next step.
installed. Unplug each new hardware device, one at a
u Stop when the
error message no
time, to see if this resolves the error. If it does, go to
longer appears. step 3.
Replace any hardware that proves faulty by this test. Also,
try running any hardware diagnostic software supplied by
your computer manufacturer.
If this is a new installation of hardware or software,
contact the manufacturer for any Windows XP Home
Edition updates or drivers you might need.
3. Click Start > Help and Support > Get help from Microsoft
(under “Ask for assistance”) for a list of Help options.
4. Click Start > Help and Support > Fixing a problem (under
“Pick a Help topic”) for a list of Troubleshooters.
5. Check the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) in
the Support folder on the Windows XP Home Edition CD to
 troubleshoot it 11

verify that all your hardware and drivers are compatible

with Windows XP Home Edition. To see the most recent
version of the HCL, visit the Microsoft Web site at:
http://www.microsoft.com/hcl/
6. If you have access to the Internet, visit the Microsoft
Support site at: http://www.microsoft.com/support/
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base for “Windows XP”
and the number associated with the Stop error you
received. For example, if the message “Stop:
0x0000000A” appears, search for “0x0000000A.”
7. Use a current version of your antivirus software to check
for viruses on your computer. If you find a virus, perform
the steps required to eliminate it from your computer.
See your antivirus software instructions for these steps.
8. Verify that your hardware device drivers and your system
BIOS (basic input/output system) are the latest available.
For more information, visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/upgrade/ and
search for “BIOS issues.”
You may also want to visit your computer manufacturer’s
Web site for information on your computer’s current BIOS
and how to obtain BIOS upgrades.
9. Run system diagnostic software supplied by your
computer manufacturer.
10. Call Microsoft Support to get help from a
Support Professional.
In the US: (425) 635-7222
In Canada: (905) 568-4494

Still getting errors?

Important
You cannot uninstall
Under rare circumstances, you may need to uninstall
Windows XP Home Edition if Windows XP Home Edition and return to your original
you changed your hard disk operating system.
configuration; for example,
To uninstall Windows XP, click Start > Control Panel > Add or
if you have converted from
FAT to NTFS or have created Remove Programs > Windows XP Home Edition > Remove and
new partitions. then follow the instructions on your screen.
12 Start Here

make it accessible
Note Do you have trouble reading the screen, hearing the sound
The information in this section themes, using the keyboard, or moving the mouse? Microsoft
applies only to users who Windows XP includes features that make Windows XP
license Microsoft products in accessible and easy to use by everyone.
the United States. If you
obtained this product outside To learn more about Microsoft products available for people
the United States, your with disabilities:
package contains a card that u Click Start > Help and Support > Accessibility.
lists Microsoft subsidiary
support services, telephone –or–
numbers, and addresses.
Contact your subsidiary to find u Press the Windows Logo key + F1, use the TAB key to
out whether the type of highlight Accessibility, and then press ENTER.
products and services To learn more about Microsoft products available for people
described here are available in
your area.
with disabilities, visit the Microsoft Accessibility Web site at:
http://www.microsoft.com/enable
 make it accessible 13

Accessibility Wizard
Note The Accessibility Wizard asks questions about your
Utility Manager lets you accessibility needs and then automatically configures text
start, stop, and check the size, and settings for display, sound, and pointer. To start the
status of the accessibility Accessibility Wizard:
programs you select from the
Accessibility Wizard. u Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Accessibility >
To open the Utility Manager: Accessibility Wizard.
u Click Start > All Programs > –or–
Accessories > u Press the Windows Logo key , press P to open All
Accessibility > Utility Programs, and then press ENTER. Press A to open
Manager. Accessories, press ENTER to open Accessibility, and then
–or– press ENTER again to start Accessibility Wizard.
u Press the Windows Logo
key , press P to open All
Programs, and then press
ENTER. Press A to open Accessibility Options
Accessories, press ENTER
to open Accessibility. Use Accessibility Options allow you to customize keyboard, display,
the arrow keys to highlight
and mouse functions. To open Accessibility Options:
Utility Manager, and then
press ENTER. u Click Start > Control Panel > Accessibility Options.
–or–
u Press the Windows Logo key , use the arrow keys to
highlight Control Panel, and then press ENTER. Use the
TAB key to highlight Accessibility Options, and then press
ENTER.
14 Start Here

get support
Microsoft Product Support Services for Windows XP include:

Notes Telephone In the US: (425) 635-7222

u Microsoft’s support Support In Canada: (905) 568-4494
services are subject
to changes in price, Online For the latest support details on this product, please visit:
terms, and conditions Support http://support.microsoft.com/directory/productsupportoption.asp
without notice. In Canada, visit: http://www.microsoft.ca/support
u Support options, hours,
and cost in your country
may differ from the US.
Please check with your
Improved help and support
local office for details. Your first stop for getting support is Help and Support Center,
which is built into Windows XP. Just click Start > Help and
Support for a variety of integrated self-help and online-
assisted support features.
u Windows XP Help and Support Center serves as the
central point of assistance for your help needs.
u Windows Update and Automatic Update provide
convenient system updates.
u Microsoft Assisted Support connects you online to a
Microsoft Support Professional who can access your
computer to solve a problem.
u Remote Assistance lets you get help from friends,
colleagues, or a support professional.
u Improved troubleshooting and diagnostic tools guide you
through the problem-solving process.
u Error-message extensions link you to online solutions for
instant help when you need it most—at the time a
problem occurs.
 get support 15

u System Restore automatically monitors and records

system changes, so you can restore your computer to a
previous state if a problem develops.

Online self-help options

Get solutions to problems while connected to the Web. Try our
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and WebCasts or search
our Knowledge Base for articles targeted to your problem or
area of interest at: http://support.microsoft.com/directory

Additional support options

We also offer support options for experts and businesses
using Microsoft products. You can find out more about these
options at:
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/overview.asp