I want to set-up a desktop pc that didn't come with any operating sytem? I have WIN XP pro, but can't get in
110136
1. start the compunter and press "DEL" to enter bios setup.\n2. Go to "Bios Features Setup"\n3. Chose as first boot device "CD-ROM" and second "HDD-0"\n4. Save and exit bios setup\n5. Place your windows xp cd into your cd"unit" and prestoo...work done!
401809
What you’ll need: \n\nA Windows XP machine in dire need of a fresh start\n(Without any crucial, un-backedup data on it) \nA Windows XP installation CD with a valid Product Key\n(Preferably the disc that shipped with the computer originally, in which case the Product Key won’t be obviously listed) \nThe CDs and serial numbers of all the software you need to install on your fresh “new” machine \nHardware driver discs that shipped with the PC and any components you added on\n(Optional, but VERY strongly recommended) \nAnother ‘net-connected computer of any OS persuasion with a CD burner, thumb drive, or other removable disk\n(Optional, but strongly recommended, for looking up stuff and downloading drivers in case of emergency) \nOne full day to get your PC fully functioning again. \n\nGot all that? Good. \n\nLet’s get started. \n\nStep 1. Back up your data.\nFirst, make sure absolutely NOTHING you cannot afford to lose is on the drive you’re going to install Windows on (let’s say the C: drive.) Move all your documents and settings off the machine. Back up your Firefox settings with MozBackup, export your Quicken file, SyncBack profiles, Apache configuration and absolutely anything else that you want restored after you’re done. Just make sure it’s off the machine that’s going under the knife. \n\nStep 2. Audit your current PC setup.\nOnce upon a time, I did tech support for Windows 95 PCs, when “Plug and Play” was a fairly new concept that was rightly referred to as “Plug and Pray” amongst my disgruntled technician co-workers. Today, Windows XP is eons ahead of 95 in terms of its amazing ability to detect all the hardware in your computer and install the right drivers for it. HOWEVER, it’s still not perfect. PC’s come with a whole wide range of video cards and network adaptors and Bluetooth thingamajiggers, and it’s very possible you’ll install XP and it won’t know exactly what brand of TV tuner card you’ve got and how to find the driver for it. \n\nSo, before we do anything, we’re going to take an inventory of all the hardware you’ve currently got installed. I used to print a report from Device Manager for this purpose (Control Panel, System, Hardware, Device Manager, Action, Print) but a handy little utility called Belarc Advisor [via Nicholas Roussos] does a nicer job than Device Manager. Belarc will create a report detailing your system, its installed hardware components, software applications and serial numbers. Download the free Belarc, run a report and print it out. Keep it nearby for reference later. \n\nNote: for those of you who do not have the driver discs for all your hardware - go ahead and print out the report from Device Manager in addition to the Belarc report. You’ll need all the help you can get, you brave souls. \n\nStep 3. Take a deep breath, and say goodbye to everything on your C: drive.\nSeriously. It’s all going away now. Nervous? Revisit steps 1 & 2. \n\nStep 4. Insert the Windows installation disk into your CD drive. Shut down your PC. Then, boot from CD.\nThis part is important: do NOT run the Windows installation from Windows itself. Shut down first, and then boot up the machine from CD. My Dell has a little message as it’s booting up that says “Press F12 to boot from CD,” so that’s what I did. If you’re not sure how to boot from CD, check your PC’s user guide for more info. \n\nThe reason why booting from CD is important is because we’re going to delete the C: drive partition where Windows is installed and re-format it. You can’t do this if Windows booted from C:, because it can’t delete the partition from which it is running. \n\nYou CAN install Windows without deleting the partition and formatting, but that means all your program files and other riff-raff that’s collected on your C: drive will still be there when you’re done, just taking up unnecessary space. That’s not the point of all this. Be sure to boot from CD. \n\nStep 5
1089486
Just borrow a Windows XP Home Edition CD from one of your friends and use your product key.  It should work just fine.
798518
Pre: make sure you're windows XP is bootable\n\nMake your CD-Rom as 1st Boot. to do this, go to "Bios Setup" by pressing "Del" or "F2" for some system just read on the screen during POST.\n\nthen after that, you'll see an installation window. Next, since it's not formatted yet, you'll see there a formatting option so just go on with the window instruction. it's so easy.\n\nThen you'll have you'r cd formatted and XP installed. Just follow what the window instsallation said so.. Thanks.\n\nand oh, please don't forget to rate my answer.. thanks and good luck ^_^
960223
Must not be running windows xp...auto install...  Try inserting the CD and going to the "my computer" then the "cd" and look for an install file and/or auto run file...  good luck
960749
format your c drive and do a clean installation of XP... make sure you have the drivers for your monitor...
529777
You did not state if it was XP Professional or Home you are using, so I included both link to create a bootable floppy.\nYou did not mention if you had a floppy on not.
377201
First of all installing an OS without a proper purchase is called "Illegal". Secondly, chances are that whoever "built" your machine used a personal copy of the OS. Back in the good old days this was fine and dandy. However, Windows now implements two security measures to ensure you are running a legitimate copy - 1. The normal installation key 2. Windows Activation. You do also mention this is a laptop - well more interesting news for laptop specific installations. An "OEM" Windows installation is a bit different when installing than a typical desktop rig. The blank screen might be as simple as the disc used for the install contained corrupt data - or - as complex as you trying to "hack" your laptop in a wrong installation sequence. Installations on laptops are very specific so pay attention - obviously your buddy wasn't. My advice to you - go out and spend the $100 for a true Windrows disc and install it using the following sequence.\n\n1. When you boot hold down F10 or F12 to get into BIOS.\n2. Make sure you boot sequence has the first boot device set to CD ROM\n3. Load the disc.\n4. Don't let anybody grab your Windows disc.\n\n--> Yea we all have to pay once in a while - this is hardly a loss considering your probably going to download the universe anyway. We ALL pay our dues. Good Luck.
658713
Firstly you will need a windows XP CD.\n\nOnce you have that simply start the computer and let it start in the normal windows environment.\n\nOnce windows has completed loading and the computer is usuable insert the windows XP cd and let it open. \n\nIf it doesnt open automatically, go to my computer and click the drive where the cd is placed and click setup.\n\nNow once the XP SETUP window opens follow the instructions and when you are asked for the following option\n\n1. FULL INSTALL\n2. UPGRADE\n\nSelect upgrade , in doing so the computer will upgrade itself from Windows ME to Windows XP, mostly there will not be any data loss. \n\nAs a precaution, if you have any important files please move them to the MY documents folder or to the harddisk drive directly.\n\nYou will also need the serial / product identification key which will be aksed for during the installation.\n\nAnd, during the installation the Setup will automatically check for drivers for the various devices.\n\nAlso during the installation you will be asked to set a PASSWORD FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR ACCOUNT. It is not necessary to do so as this is the safe mode account and I recommend leaving it without a password since this is your first time.\n\nLastly, after the installation some softwares may need to be re-installed. Probably Microsoft Office. I had to re-install it ( so make sure you have a copy of that )\n\nAfter the installation finishes you will be asked to create user accounts which is very easy and you just need to follow the steps as they go on.\n\nOverall its very easy with manly your requiring to click the next button.\n\n\nAll the best .
615872
Copy the XP setup cd onto ur hard drive and then run the setup.. it should run fine then..
193293
hi, its cd's problem just change it\nif u have dvd of xp (home) u can install it. u need a xp home edition bootale wich can run from dos prompt.
497543
well you can ask... I asked for some odd stuff and people fed ex'd me. If you ask nicely and someone has a spare copy they may send you one. I got a few free copies of XP pro because the local college is getting ready to upgrade to vista, and XP64 Pro. So yes, I guess you can get a free copy of XP, I don't know about here, I asked around on alot of boards before I got some contacts that affered me there old copies since they didn't need it anymore. I also got a free video card and a bunch of 1Gb Dimms just by asking people. Although I did explain to them what I needed it for and my situation as to why I couldn't afford it myself back then.
236644
Not quite sure but format hard drive load xp pro.\nIf not try the link below.\nHope this helps.\n\nGood Luck.
684755
Easiest way is to use something called GOTOMYPC. If it's a one-off, use their trial.\n\nIt does give you complete access to the PC
972046
read your motherboard configuration.......or install xpmanager on your operating system
107303
this site might help. it helped me.\n\nhttp://www.budget-computer.com/hardware-installation-guide.htm
396587
Check to see if your computer will support running Windows XP Professional. \nRecommended by Microsoft:\n300 MHz CPU *\n128 MB of RAM *\n1.5 GB of available hard disk space *\nSuper VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter with at least 8 MB of video RAM and monitor\nCD-ROM or DVD drive\nNetwork adapter\nSound card and speakers\nKeyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device\n* I recommend a minimum 450MHz CPU, 8GB HDD, 256MB of RAM\n\nthen Purchase an OEM license of Windows XP and replace your current outdated operating system.\nYou can find stores on eBay who sell windows XP OEM version for under $150.