Appendix A: Installing or Upgrading to Windows XP

Introduction

If you didn't buy a computer with Windows XP already installed, you face the task of installing Windows--either installing it on a blank hard disk or upgrading your existing operating system. This appendix explains your installation options and details how to install, upgrade to, and uninstall Windows. The Windows Setup Wizard runs for about a half an hour (depending mainly on the speed of your CD drive), and we tell you what questions it asks. You'll also find out Windows XP's hardware requirements, how much disk space Windows XP requires, how to check your installation, how to install optional Windows components, and other installation tips.

After installation, Microsoft's new product activation system requires you to check in with Microsoft so that your copy of Windows XP can be "locked" to your particular computer. If you are replacing an old computer with a new one, you may want to use the Files And Settings Transfer Wizard to move your files. If you want to create a dual-boot installation, this appendix has instructions, along with information about the Boot.ini file, which controls which partition your system boots from.