How To Build A Computer
Step
18:
Operating System Installation
(&
Downgrading From Windows Vista to Windows
XP)
Upgrading
vs Full Versions
Some operating systems (O/Ss), such as Windows XP, come as
either 1) a full operating system installation, or 2) as an
upgrade installtion.
Don't confuse the two. An upgrade is
not a full operating system installation.
An upgrade requires the presence of an earlier O/S already
fully installed in the computer before the upgrade can be
installed. An an example, if you have Windows 2000 Server as
your O/S, you only need to install a Windows XP Upgrade.
Upgrading an O/S will often work well. However, sometimes an
upgrade will cause unexpected difficulty. If this is the case,
you may need to install the full version of the new
O/S.
General
Rules
1)
There can be no denying that a clean full
installation on a newly reformatted hard
drive is always the best cure for upgrade installation
problems.
2)
Unlike earlier operating systems, the latest are designed for
easy operating system installation. The basic concept is very
simple:
-
Place the Installation CD or DVD in the CD
Drive or DVD Driver, and
-
Follow the instructions on the
screen.
That's it. But of course, especially for the early O/Ss,
there's more to it than that. For example, the earlier the
Windows 95 line of O/Ss you have, the more complicated and
tricky the installation. Some technicians may consider that
statement as unfair. But I guarantee you, others will readily
agree.
The O/S
Installations
In this section, this guide has operating system
installation instructions for:
Note: We do not provide operating system installation
instructions for Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows 2003 Server,
or Windows ME.
Now for our instructions:
Windows 95
O/S Installation
The Windows 95 operating system installation
requires at least some working knowledge of DOS. In general, it
is a tricky installation.
-
Begin - Windows 95 comes with
an O/S Installation Disk, but it does not come with a
System Boot Disk. Therefore the first step is to make a
System Boot Disk using an empty floppy disk.
-
SCANDISK - Setup will now scan
your hard drive. This is done automatically and,
hopefully, without incident.
-
Error? - At times an error message
will be displayed stating that you have "no extended
memory manager". This is normal because you don't have
DOS installed. Simply select "ESC" (escape) and
continue.
-
Welcome - The Welcome screen
will appear.
-
Mouse Working? - Look for the mouse
cursor. Makes sure it's working. If it isn't,
double-check the connections. You can setup Win95
without a mouse, but I wouldn't recommend it. When
ready, click "Continue."
-
License Agreement - The Setup
Wizard will load and the license agreement will be
presented for your approval. Read it if you wish, then
click "Yes."
-
The Phases - Setup will
explain the three phases in the installation process.
When ready, click Next.
-
Directory Selection - Select
the directory to which you want to install Windows. For
most people, the default is C:WINDOWS.
Leave it at this default.
-
Setup Type Selection - Setup
will now run some routine tests on your system. After
this, you will be offered four options for a setup:
"Typical," "Portable," "Compact," and "Custom." While
you may select any option, I recommend you select
"Typical."
-
Authentication Code - Type in
the authentication code, it's the long series of
numbers and letters that proves you purchased this
software. This code will be available with the
Certificate of Authenticity.
-
Hardware Search - Setup will
now analyze your computer to see what components were
installed. When asked if the computer has a MIDI, sound
card, or video capture card, simply check the correct
response. This will take several minutes. Your hard
drive will be very active during this period and is
likely to be noisy.
-
Component Selection - Windows
will ask you which components you would like to
install. Simply click on those you select. I recommend
selecting at least Accessories, Communications,
Multimedia, and Disk Tools.
-
Network Configuration - Even
if you don't have a network, Windows will want to add a
network card. Leave the defaults as they are. You can
change them later.
-
Identification - You will be
asked for your network identification. Just type
something in for each line in order to satisfy Windows.
Write down the names you provide. You can also change
this later.
-
Double-Check Settings - Change
any settings you believe to be incorrect. Some drivers
will have to be installed later.
-
Startup Disk - Windows will
ask you if you want to make a startup disk. It is
recommended you make the disk now.
-
Copy Files - Setup will now
copy all of the files to your computer's hard drive.
This may take awhile depending on the speed of your
system. When complete, click "Finished."
-
Boot - At the bottom it will
say "Getting Ready To Run Windows 95 For The First
Time." It might also take a while, so just relax until
its through.
-
Password - You might be
prompted for a password. Just click "Cancel."
-
Hardware Setup - Windows will
now detect all plug-and-play devices and configure them
automatically.
-
Time Zone - If you are
installing OSR1, you can click on your location on the
world map to set the time zone. In OSR2, chose your
time zone manually.
-
Add the Printer - The Add
Printer Wizard will appear. You may install your
printer now or later. If you'd like to wait, simply
click "Cancel."
-
Setup Complete - A dialog
window will inform you that setup is complete. Click
"OK" and the system will automatically reboot.
-
Check the Settings - After
rebooting, Widows 95 will appear. Right-click on "My
Computer", and select "Properties." Check the CPU, the
amount of RAM, and the list of hardware to make sure it
is correct.
-
Optimize the O/S - Now you may
optimize the system. Follow the instructions in the
section on O/S optimization. This includes optimizing
your swap file, disk cache settings, and integral
performance that Microsoft configured poorly.
-
Additional Drivers - You can
now install the drivers for your video card, sound
card, modem, and other hardware, now. Follow the
instructions in their documentation. You may have to
reboot a few times.
Troubleshooting
Note: Most versions of Windows 95 and
Windows 98 Installation CD's are good, so most installations
will work. However, a few installation CD versions are very
particular in what they expect:
-
Some installation versions will not continue to
install if they find MSCDEX.EXE is not already on C:
Drive.
-
Some expect that MSCDEX.EXE to be already on C:DOS.
(Of course, they don't tell you this! Simply put the
file in a directory named C:DOS and try again.)
-
Some are unable to configure CONFIG.SYS or
AUTOEXEC.BAT.
-
Still others will immediately stop if these files
are not already on C: Drive.
All you can do is be aware of this situation and try to
please the installation program so it will continue to install
your O/S.
Incidentally, make sure you have a copy of EDIT.COM and
MSCDEX.EXE on your CD Installation Disk or on your System Boot
Disk. If it isn't to be found, you will need to either:
-
Copy these files from another computer, or
-
Download a pre-set system boot from the Internet.
The manufacturer should have this on their website.
Copy the download onto a floppy disk or a CD.
Windows 98
O/S Installation
In a new, unused hard drive, a Windows 98 operating system
installation requires at least some working knowledge of DOS.
However, the good news is that DOS is not directly used if you
are upgrading from Windows 95.
While Windows 98 comes with a Installation CD, it does not
contain a System Boot. Windows 98 is the first Windows O/S to
guide you through the System Boot Disk creation procedure.
-
CD-ROM - Place the
Installation CD into the CD Drive. The driver for the
CD drive will automatically be installed, and will boot
the system in DOS mode. You will be in DOS Prompt. Type
in the letter of your CD drive in a setup command, such
as "D:setup" and follow instructions.
-
System Check - Type "Setup" at
the command prompt to start the process. It will warn
you that setup is going to do a routine check on your
system. This is fine. Press Enter.
-
Welcome - In time, the Welcome
screen will appear. This could take from 30-60 minutes.
When the window appears, click "Continue."
-
License Agreement - The Setup
Wizard will load and the license agreement will be
presented for your approval. Read it if you wish, then
click "I accept this Agreement."
-
Enter the Product Key - Type
in the product key into the spaces provided. The key is
found on the CD slip that came with the Windows CD. The
key is a long series of numbers and letters, so when
typing you need to be careful to enter the right
keys.
-
Upgrade Compliance - If you
are upgrading from an earlier Windows O/S, you will
need to demonstrate you actually have the earlier
Windows before upgrading will be permitted. So locate
your old O/S CD's or floppies.
You will be shown the Upgrade Compliance Check
window. Select the drive that contains the old O/S.
Follow the instructions. It will ask you for the disks
or floppies. Once it is happy that you are indeed
upgrading, it will move on.
-
Directory Selection - Select
the directory to which you want to install Windows. For
most people, the default of C:WINDOWS. Leave it at this
default. Setup will "prepare the directory". Just
wait.
-
Setup Type Selection - Setup
will offer you four options: "Typical," "Portable,"
"Compact," and "Custom." While you may select any
option, I recommend you select "Typical."
-
Names - Type in your name and
company name in the provided spaces.
-
Custom Options - If you choose
"Custom" as your setup type, a window will open. Now
you should select the components you wish
installed.
-
Identification - An
Identification window will open so you can enter your
computer's network ID. Even if you won't have a
network, make up a name.
-
Double-Check Settings - Your
settings are most likely correct. However, if they are
not, click "Change" and make corrections.
-
Time Zone - Choose your
location from the Scroll Box and click "Next."
-
Startup Disk - Windows will
ask you if you want to make a startup disk. It is
recommended you make the disk now. In fact, it's hard
to say no to Win98. Simply follow the instructions.
-
Copy Files - Windows will
announce that it is ready to start copying files. Click
"Next."
Most of the activity now is automatic.
-
It's time to rest. Now you can sit back, get
some coffee, and watch the little Microsoft
messages flash across the screen and watch the
estimated time remaining get smaller.
-
When the system needs to re-start, Windows
will do it automatically for you.
-
The hard drive will hum along for a few
minutes while setup continues on its own. When
the blue screen reappears, it will begin
"Setting Up Hardware." Plug-n-play hardware and
other components will be detected and drivers
will be installed. Simply wait. When it's done,
the machine will automatically reboot.
-
Time Zone - After it has
finalized the settings, it will provide a window so you
can set your time zone and date.
It will hum away now for a few minutes longer. At the end of
this period, the machine will automatically reboot, again.
Windows automatically installs hardware drivers for you.
However, these will likely be older versions. It is
recommended you obtain the latest drivers
from manufacturers' websites and install them into your
computer.
Windows XP
O/S Installation
-
CD-ROM - Insert the CD into
the CD-ROM drive. Click "Install Windows." It should
automatically run when inserted. If it doesn't, then
run SETUP.EXE manually on the CD.
(To do this, open up Internet Explorer, click on the CD
Drive, then click on setup.exe".)
-
Begin - Select either
"Upgrade" or "New Installation." Upgrade is recommended
if you just want one O/S on your machine, but New
Installation can be an easier process.
-
License Agreement - The
license agreement will be presented for your approval.
Read it if you wish, then click "I accept this
Agreement."
-
Enter the Product Key - Type
in the product key into the spaces provided. The key is
found on the CD slip that came with the Windows CD. The
key is a long series of numbers and letters, so when
typing you need to be careful to enter the right
keys.
-
Dynamic Update - If you have
an active internet connection and a modem, then you may
select to obtain a Dynamic Update. This is a download
of the latest setup files from Microsoft.
-
Advanced Options - You can
make several important "Advanced Options". The
important items to set are:
-
The location of the setup files,
-
The folder name of Windows (which you might
want to define if you are putting more than one
version of Windows on this machine), and
-
Whether or not to copy the install files to
the hard drive.
If this is an upgrade, with this last selection you
are now finished. Skip 7 through 10.
If this is a full installation, please continue.
-
You will notice that the computer will reboot into a
DOS setup mode.
-
File System - You will be
asked if you want to upgrade your file system to NTFS.
Both FAT 32 and NTFS are good file systems. You may
wish to take the time to learn the advantages and
disadvantages of each system before you change. In
general, I recommend that you upgrade to NTFS.
-
WinXP Location - You will then
be asked to select which partition to install Windows
XP. If this is the only operating system in the
computer, I recommend you install it into C: Drive. But
if you already have another operating system in the
computer (such as Windows 2000), then put Windows XP
into a separate drive.
Now it's time to wait, meditate, or watch the pretty
pictures. When it stops, that's it, you are done.
Windows
Vista O/S Installation
Note: 1) Windows
Vista does not install as an upgrade. Windows XP
must be completely uninstalled before installing Windows
Vista.
2) Before starting, make sure all computer
components will operate under Windows Vista, as many
will not. Check with component manufacturers to see if drivers
are available for Vista compatibility. In many cases
it may be necessary to purchase Vista-compatible
components and other hardware.
As mentioned in Part 4 - Operating Systems in the
Computer Buying Guide, many pre-Vista
games, software programs, and hardware will not operate with
this O/S. Before you begin (preferably before you purchase
the Vista O/S), if you already have
pre-Vista games, software programs, and hardware
that you wish to run under Windows Vista, you
do need to check and see if they will operate with
Vista.
1. Check the manufacturer website for the software you wish
to use. If they have an update for Vista you can use,
then install the software and update it from the website.
2. Check the manufacturer (both your computer maker and the
perpheral maker) website for the peripherals you wish to use.
If they have an update for Vista you can use, then
install the driver and update it from the website. For drivers,
it's more likely that a complete new driver will be posted,
rather than an update for a new driver.
If neither of these work to your satisfaction, you may wish
to keep or use Windows XP.
If you wish to continue with Vista Installation,
look for the Windows Vista Installation
DVD. Place the DVD in the DVD drive and proceed
with their very clear instructions.
~
Downgrading ~
From Windows Vista to Windows XP
If you purchased a new computer with Windows Vista
pre-installed as its operating system, and you wish to change,
or downgrade, to Windows XP, it is not possible for
everyone to do this.
There may be a huge problem. Many (not
all) newer computer systems are designed and configured to
run only with Windows Vista. That
means many of the internal components and parts are
significantly different. The hardware on your system may not be
able to run with Windows XP. You will need to
check.
1. Go the manufacturers' websites for the software you
wish to use with Windows XP. They should tell you if
their software is XP compatible. If it is not, they
may have XP-compatible software you can download from
their website.
2. Check the manufacturers' websites of the computer
components, and the perpherals (such as the printer) and
see if they are compatible with Windows XP.
You may need to replace some components. Other hardware may
have a driver available for download to make it compatible with
Windows XP.
If it seems the components, hardware, and the software is
all Windows XP compatible, before you do anything,
check to see if Vista Recovery Disks came with
your computer. If you have the original Windows Vista
recovery disks, hold on to them. If not, use the Vista utility
to make yourself a set of recovery disks and store them in a
safe place. You just may change your mind later.
You need to locate a legitimate copy of Windows XP.
An OEM version should do you very well. Just
be sure that you're buying from a reputable seller. If you're
not familiar with the seller, check them out on their About Us
information. Also, Google them. You need a legal copy so you
can get Microsoft support. Therefore, avoid those that are too
cheap to believe.
I receommend you get an OEM version of
Windows XP Professional
with SP2. You may find a choice between
Windows XP Home, Windows XP Pro, and
64-bit Windows XP. You do not want 64-bit XP unless
you specifically need to operate in 64-bit mode, few do.
Windows XP Home is acceptable, but most people
prefer Windows XP Pro.
Make sure you backup all the information on
your computer. Everything on the computer will be lost so you
must have a good back-up.
As you install Windows XP, you will be asked
if the installation should reformat the disk. I suggest you
reformat the hard drive before you install Windows XP.
As a general rule, there can be no denying that a clean
full installation on a newly reformatted
hard drive is always the best way to go.
Continue with the CD instructions, and refer to XP
Installation section, above.
 With the O/S installed, you are now ready to
receive...
Congratulations!
You have now come to the end of the process of building a
computer. While you may want to install other programs and even
some hardware, your basic computer should now be fully
operational.
Tutorial Table of Contents •
Introduction
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