Microsoft's Windows XP Home upgrade Install step by step

Welcome to Microsoft's Windows XP Home upgrade install guide for earlier versions released without a pre-installed service pack or service pack1. This guide is step by step and should be used when to XP Home from a previous operating system.

Special Notes: This version of Windows XP Home does not support large hard drives, and if you are using one that is bigger than 137 GB then you will not be able to access any of the space above that number during install. You could consider slipstreaming the service pack onto your disk. See here XP home can only upgrade full installs of Windows 98, Windows 95 or Windows NT.

 

1. Your Windows XP Home CD

2. Windows XP COA, or serial number.

3. Your computer Plugged into Mains Power

4. A Computer, with the usual accessories (Mouse, monitor, keyboard etc)

5. CD-ROM/DVD Drive.

6. A Compatible/upgradable previous operating system.

To start this Windows install insert the CD from the desktop. The CD will autorun, else go to My Computer, the CD-ROM drive and double click on the "SETUP.EXE" file. The install will begin.

 Remember to backup all important information before performing this task.

 

Special Notes: XP home can only upgrade full installs of Windows 98, Windows 95 or Windows NT.

 

 

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The "WELCOME" screen will appear first, select "INSTALL WINDOWS XP" by clicking on it with the mouse.

Windows will now gather some information from your computer.

Now you will be asked which type of install you want. Select "UPGRADE" and click on "NEXT" to continue.

Now the License Agreement, read it and click on "I ACCEPT" or "I DON'T ACCEPT", and click on "NEXT" to continue. 

Now it is time for your product key. The product key will be on the packaging that XP was supplied with. It is 25 digits long. Some OEM computers will have a sticker on the side or back with your product key. Input the key and press "NEXT".

Now the windows upgrade report. To speed up install select "Do not show me report" and click next to continue. Of course select "Show me" if you wish to see a list of hardware that will cause problems, but if you are determined press "Do not show".

Now you have the option to download Updated Setup files, if you want to and you are connected to the net, then click "YES" and press "NEXT". This is not necessary, so if you want to cut the install time, then click "NO" and press "NEXT". 

If you selected to update setup files, then setup will now connect to the web and update, this may take some time.

Now setup prepares the install.

After some time, Setup will wish to reboot. You can stop this by pressing "ESC" and do it yourself, otherwise let this continue.

Now it is time to personalize Windows. File in your name and if you wish you can also file in the Organization section. Click "NEXT" when ready.

Now select your computer name and your admin password. Confirm the Admin password and press "NEXT".

Date and Time settings are next, change as need be, then press "NEXT".

Windows will then continue installing.

If a network card has been detected then you will get the following menu. Select "TYPICAL SETTINGS" and press next. This configured later in Windows.

More network configuration, change workgroup name if need be and click  "NEXT".

Windows will continue installing.

Windows install will now finalize.

It is now time to restart Windows XP again, press "ENTER" to speed up process, otherwise Windows will do it itself in 15 seconds.

Boot will recognize that the XP CD is in the drive, DO NOT press any keys, let setup bypass the CD boot.

Windows will continue loading.

Windows will now adjust your resolution, click "OK" to continue.

If you are happy with the changes, click "OK" otherwise press "Cancel" to return to the old settings

"Welcome to Microsoft Windows" screen now appears, press "Next" to continue.

Internet connection option is next. If your computer connects to a home network or directly using the network card, or is on a network then select "Yes", otherwise select "No".

Activate Windows option appears next, we recommend that you select "No, remind me every few days", that will allow you to make sure everything is correct and running OK before you use up one of your activate attempts. It also allows you to setup your security options and internet connection correctly. Click "Next to continue"

Windows now thanks you, click "Finish" to continue.

Windows will now apply your settings...

Now Windows "WELCOME" screen.

and finally the Windows XP Desktop. Windows is now installed.

If you are lucky you will have no drivers to install, but chances are the next step will be to install them. Check out device manager for unknown devices, likely items are Network Cards, Sound Cards, Printers, Scanners, Graphics Cards, Digital Cameras, etc.

As you done an upgrade you may want to download the latest drivers for all your hardware, and check your programs also as some may not work or require updates.