To start the DirectX Diagnostic, open the Run dialog (press WinKey+R simultaneously), type dxdiag, and click OK. Minimum System Requirements for 32-Bit 300 MHz Intel or AMD CPU 128 megabytes (MB) of system RAM 1. 5 gigabytes (GB) of available drive space Super VGA (800x600) or higher display adapter CD or DVD-ROM Keyboard and mouse, or other pointing devices Network Interface Adapter required for Internet and Network Connectivity Sound card and speakers or headphones

300 MHz Intel or AMD CPU 128 megabytes (MB) of system RAM 1. 5 gigabytes (GB) of available drive space Super VGA (800x600) or higher display adapter CD or DVD-ROM Keyboard and mouse, or other pointing devices Network Interface Adapter required for Internet and Network Connectivity Sound card and speakers or headphones

To enter the BIOS of your computer, you usually press F9 or DEL when your computer starts or notifies you that you can enter “setup”. Click the green “BIOS” link for more information. [1] X Research source In the BOOT menu, set the order so that your CD/DVD-ROM drive is set as the 1st Boot Device. If you are installing Windows XP from a USB drive, make sure that the USB drive is set as the 1st Boot Device. You may need to have the USB drive inserted for it to appear as an option.

Setup will load files necessary to begin the installation, which may take a few moments. Once the loading is complete, you will be taken to the Welcome screen.

Installing Windows XP will erase all of the data on the partition that you choose. Select a partition that is empty or that contains data that you do not care to lose. You can delete your partitions with the “D” key. This will return them to “Unpartitioned space”. Any data on the partition will be lost when it is deleted.

By default, the partition will be set to the maximum amount of available space. Unless you plan on creating multiple partitions, you can usually leave this at its default. Windows XP requires at least 1. 5 gigabytes (1536 MB) for its installation files, but you will want more than this for programs, documents, downloads, and other files. 5 gigabytes (5120 MB) is a good baseline amount for Windows XP, with more if you plan on installing a lot of programs. You can create multiple partitions on a single drive. This can allow you to separate your programs from your movies and music, or to install another operating system. Windows XP can only be installed on one discrete partition.

If your partition size is larger than 32 GB, you will not be given the option to choose FAT. It is highly recommended to avoid Quick Format, as this skips an important process that checks the hard drive for errors or bad sectors. This scan is what consumes the majority of the time taken when performing a full format. If there are errors on a disk at the physical level, it’s best to catch them now rather than later.

It is normal for the screen to flicker, turn on and off, or resize during this process.

Enter your full name if you want. This will be set as the “owner” of Windows, and will be attached to certain things, such as Document creation.

Some versions of Windows will not ask for the Product Key until installation is complete.

In the next window, nearly all users can select “No, this computer is not on a network, or is on a network without a domain. ” If you are in a corporate setting, ask your system administrator which you should choose. You can typically leave the workgroup name set to default.

Install any drivers that you need to for your computer’s hardware. Install an antivirus program if you are connected to the internet. Set your BIOS to boot from the hard drive again instead of the CD.