have to partion it and format it first ;;;;;or can i just stick my windows instalation disk in and go from there,,,,i ve got a service pk 1 cd and a service pk 2 instalaton cd ,,,is it better to start from the sp 1 and get the updates
2006-10-20 00:07:53 · 12 answers · asked by daps don 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
You can boot up from your installation CD (make sure you set your BIOS settings to allow you to do this) and the installation will guide you through setting up partitions and formatting the drive.
2006-10-20 00:16:50 · answer #1 · answered by Charlie Brigante 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In your PC BIOS (you'll see on boot up press F2 or Del to enter setup) set the PC to boot from CD-ROM first, then put your Windows disk into CD/DVD drive and save and exit the BIOS. The Windows disk will format the hard-disk for you to what ever size you like. The rest of partitioning you can do from within Windows.
When installation is done, go back into the BIOS and change the boot sequence to
Floppy Drive (if you have one)
Hard Disk
CD-ROM
Don't bother with SP1 as SP2 contains all SP1 updates and all critical and security updates since.
There are lots of partitioning tools out there, but try the steps above first as will be the most straight forward, quickest and easiest.
HTH
2006-10-20 07:31:31 · answer #2 · answered by Conspiracy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have a new pc you should have a partition created automatically. But if u want more than 1 drive, for example 1 drive for windows and an other for your personal things and programs u can make a second partition.
When u done that u can insert your windows cd and install it. After that install SP1 and SP2.
2006-10-20 07:16:10 · answer #3 · answered by _Ace_ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That really depends. If you have a specific partition layout in mind, then you will have to partition it first. Otherwise, Windows will (in theory) partition the disk itself.
(I say in theory, because I have known it to get confused at a completely blank hard disk - you may need to do a basic partition, and then let windows write over it. But try it without first)
As for the question about which service pack to use, that's really up to you. I see no reason not to go straight for service pack two - otherwise, you'll only have to download the updates, and then you have issues if they are corrupted, etc.
Hope that helps!
2006-10-20 07:20:11 · answer #4 · answered by MattyB 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is brand new, so long as you have a cd or dvd drive, insert your win XP installation disc and reboot. Follow instructions and the installation program will format and partition your hd for you. When asked, choose to format it as NTFS and not FAT32. FAT32 was designed for DOS based systems (MS-DOS, Win 3.11, 95, 98, etc) whereas NTFS was designed for Win NT, 2000 and XP. Also, with FAT32, you will lose some of your free space on the hd to make room for the file allocation tables (FAT). NTFS is faster and more reliable / secure.
Hope this helps,
Nigel.
2006-10-20 12:39:52 · answer #5 · answered by Nigel B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can straight away stick ur cd and windows will automatically guide u.. everything frm partioning to formating..
yes u shud better start from sp1 and then get updates..
2006-10-20 07:15:34 · answer #6 · answered by Desotex 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that you can partion the disc after formating before loading windows soft ware.I can give you a link that deals with hard drive problems. Some hard drive problems can be easily fixed yourself by using easily available tools. I found the info at http://fixit.in useful
2006-10-24 05:59:12 · answer #7 · answered by blsruthi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put the xp cd in drive and install. as you go through the process it will ask you how you want to format it ,also partition it if you want
then install sp2 and your system drivers
the bios defaults will be set to floppy cd rom then hard drive
so no need to enter bios
2006-10-24 04:46:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you searched Microsoftw website fot the info? There must be a step by step guide somewhere on the internet! Hopefully one that includes screenshots.
2006-10-20 07:11:54 · answer #9 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if its brand new, you'll need to create a primary partition at least and then format the drive.
2006-10-20 07:14:49 · answer #10 · answered by markhatter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋