First Time Installing XP

[trigun500]

I just finished putting my Dad's PC (for xmas) together. I have a new Maxtor HD 200gigs ATA. Can I just put the XP disk in and will it format (or whatever it needs to do) my HD?

A very reliable friend of mine told to just put the XP disk in and install and I will be fine. I just want a second opinion.

And i am a noob at this so I just want to make sure.

Thanks!

 

[John]

Since you have a new pc I would recommend testing for stability first

How to install or upgrade to Windows XP

After XP is installed you should install SP2 (unless SP2 is already on your XP disc), followed by motherboard chipset drivers, video, sound, lan, modem, etc.

 

[trigun500]

thanks, will do

 

[pcgeek11]

Yes here is the poop.

Make sure the PC is set to boot from the CD Rom Drive first in the boot order ( this may already be set ) If not press F2, Esc, Del, or F10 what ever is required on your PC to go into the BIOS Setup and look for the boot order menu. Set the CD Rom as the first boot device.

Then place the XP Cd in the drive and boot from it, it should load a bunch of files etc then just follow the prompts. Answer the questions as they come up and you should be fine.

pcgeek11

 

[mechBgon]

Also, if the Windows CD does not have Service Pack 2 already integrated into it, it would be safest to keep the computer isolated from network connections (no network cable plugged in, no wireless connections) until you have enabled the Internet Connection Firewall. Here's an illustrated guide to doing that at SANS: Windows XP: Surviving the first day

Make sure to turn on Automatic Updates in the Control Panel, too. And fully enable DEP like in this picture (you have to install Service Pack 2 first).