Twenty years on from its release, windows xp remains one of Microsoft’s most successful operating systems. Its ability to prioritise the needs of users is a milestone in the history of computing.
Insert the Windows XP CD and make sure that your computer is set to boot from it in the BIOS. Then wait while the Setup files load.
System Requirements
With Microsoft’s support of Windows XP ending in April 2014, you might think it’s time to upgrade. But, depending on your hardware, you may still be able to run it.
Microsoft’s minimum system requirements for a computer running XP are a Pentium processor at 233 MHz, 64 MB of memory and 1.5 gigabytes of hard drive space. The operating system also requires a DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher.
In addition to the standard versions of XP, there were several editions available that had different requirements. For example, the Media Center Edition required a lot of disk space and processing power because it was designed to bring your computer together with your television and entertainment systems.
Another option is to install a newer version of Windows on the same computer that’s running XP, which is called a dual-boot configuration. This will allow you to switch between the two operating systems without having to reformat your hard drive. It’s also possible to install a virtual machine on a PC that’s running XP, which will make it easier to work with applications that haven’t been updated to support the latest version of Windows. This is especially helpful for older software that you want to continue using.
Product Key
A Windows XP product key is a 25-character code that is used to activate the operating system. It is found either on a sticker on your PC case or embedded in the Windows registry. The code is used to verify that you have a legitimate copy of XP and that the operating system was not stolen from Microsoft or another vendor. This helps Microsoft prevent software piracy and to track workstations.
The product key is tied to specific editions of XP, such as retail or OEM. The OEM version usually comes pre-installed on PCs and uses a different product key than the retail version.
When you install a new piece of hardware, the operating system checks with Microsoft to see if you have a valid product key for your XP installation. If you don’t, the operating system cannot be activated.
If you need to reinstall Windows XP and don’t have the original product key, you may be able to use a registry hack or a WMI script to get around the issue. This is not recommended, however, as editing the registry can cause problems with your Windows functionality or even render your operating system unusable. You should always backup your registry before making changes. You can also contact Microsoft directly for a replacement key, although this procedure will take longer than other solutions.
Installing
Before you start the installation process, make sure that you have all the necessary tools at hand. This includes a CD or DVD drive, a keyboard and a mouse or compatible pointing device, and an internet connection. Also, it is recommended that you back up your data on another hard disk or a thumb-drive before starting the installation. This is because the Windows XP installation will format your hard drive and wipe out all the existing files on it.
During the installation process, you will be asked to select an empty partition on your hard disk or create one. The partition should be of a size that can hold the Windows XP files, plus some space for programs, documents, and downloads. It is recommended that you have a minimum of 1.5 gigabytes (1536 MB) free for Windows XP, and more than 5 gigabytes (5120 MB) to accommodate your other software and data.
The next screen will ask you to choose your region and language settings. At this point you will also be prompted to set up user accounts for your computer. This allows you to have separate accounts for different users of the computer, each with their own privileges.
Once the setup program has finished placing the XP files on your computer, it will restart your computer. This will take a few minutes, depending on your computer’s speed.