Welcome to Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) Parallel install guide. This guide
is step by step and should be used when you either run two operating
systems, or to access, repair or retrieve Data from a damaged operating
system.
This is a dirty install of windows (Which leaves damaged
files and possible virus/spyware infection on drive). Parallel installs are
usually only advised for backing up, data retrieval and running multiple
operating systems and is best done on a separate had drive or partition, but
is possible to do on the same drive/partition as long as you change the
install folder.
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Special Notes:
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Use a different username if performing task is
for data recovery.
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Windows should
see the hard drive during setup, if not then use this guide:
See here
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Your Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) CD's
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Windows XP COA, or serial number.
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Your computer Plugged into Mains Power
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A Computer, with the usual accessories (Mouse,
monitor, keyboard etc)
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CD-ROM/DVD Drive.
To start this Windows install. First check that the first boot
device in your system BIOS is set to the CD-ROM Drive.
( To find out how to access the BIOS please refer to your
motherboard manual or the manufacturer of your Computer. (The system bios can
usually be entered on boot, usually by pressing the F1, F2, F8, F10 or DEL key.
Make sure you save the settings before exiting))
If you are unsure or don't want to enter the BIOS then just test
the computer by putting the CD-ROM in the drive and reboot your computer. This is the recommended way to
install windows.
Special Notes:
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Also if you have difficulty getting Windows to boot of the CD
then check out
CD-Rom
Support Guide, Change
CD-Rom in Bios and Boot
Disks to get bootable floppy disks to install Windows from.
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If you get this error message "Setup did not find any
hard disk drives installed in your computer" then use the following
link to guide you through that problem. -
Click
here for hard Disk cannot be found guide
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Parallel installs for different operating
systems are not advised on the same partition or drive, use a
separated partition of hard drive for running multiple operating
systems as common files in Program Files, C: drive, user directories
can clash and cause multiple errors and issues.
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To begin insert your Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) CD 1 and reboot you
computer. A message "Press any key to boot from CD....." will appear,
press the space bar to continue.
Setup will now inspect your computer hardware and
configuration.
Setup now prepares your computer for install.
From this menu press "ENTER" to begin the install.
Windows XP License agreement, read, and if you agree press
"F8" to continue, press "ESC" if you disagree. If you
disagree setup will finish.
Your previous install will be located, press "ESC"
to continue the parallel install.
Now use the up and down arrow keys to select the partition you
want to install into. Press "ENTER" once selected to continue. You
can use the same partition as the previous operating system.
Windows will now ask you to confirm the install. If you are
satisfied with your decision then press "C". You can return to the
previous menu by pressing "ESC".
Now you will be asked if you wish to format the drive, select
"Leave the current file system intact (no changes)" and press
"ENTER"
Windows will now warn you that the Windows directory already
has an operating system, press "ESC" to select a different folder.
You will now be asked to change the folder that Windows
installs into.
You can change this to whatever you want, in the example we
used WINXP. Press enter once changes have been made to continue.
Setup will begin to copy files.
Setup now initializes the Windows XP configuration.
It is now time to restart Windows XP, 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 is now booting.
The install process continues.
Now your regional and language options. Your mouse should now
be active, so click on "CUSTOMIZE".
Now select your Standards and Formats, plus your location,
then click "OK".
Now click on "DETAILS".
Next select your default language, click "OK" when
done.
Now that you have made all necessary changes click on
"NEXT".
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 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 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".
Unless you want to manually setup your network then leave
the "Network Settings" option selected and press "Next"
Now change workgroup name and press "Next" to continue.
Windows will then continue installing.
you will now be prompted for "Windows XP Professional CD2",
insert Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) CD2 disk and press "OK" to continue
When prompted for ‘Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2
CD’ place the Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) CD1 in the drive. Click OK to
continue
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 Media Center Edition (MCE) network or directly using the network card, or is on a network then
select "Yes", otherwise select "No".
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.
"Help protect my PC" screen now appears, click top option to
enable Microsoft's Firewall, Automatic updates and virus checker warning. It
is recommended to do this even if you wish to put your own firewall on
later. Only select "Not Right Now" if you not intend to use the internet.
Once you select your option, press "Next".
Internet connection option is next. If your computer
connects to a Media Center Edition (MCE) 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 MCE 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.
It is very important that you install all required hardware
drivers before proceeding.
Once the drivers are installed, run Windows update and get
all latest patches and upgrades. This may take a while.
To continue with the
Media Center setup click here
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