Operating System Installation
Upgrade vs Full Versions
For operating system installation, note that some, such as Windows XP, come as a full operating system or as an upgrade from a previous operating system, such as Windows 2000.
Don't confuse the two. An upgrade is not a full operating system, and requires the presence of the previous full operating system before you can install the upgrade.
While upgrade operating system installation is usually not a problem, at times upgrades cause unexpected trouble. If this is the case, you may need to use the full version of the new operating system rather than an upgrade version. As a general rule, 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.
Another General Rule
Unlike earlier operating systems, the latest are designed for easy operating system installation. The basic concept is very simple:
Place the Installation CD in the CD Driver, and Follow the instructions on the screen.
That's it. But of course, especially for the earlier operating system installations, there's more to it than that. Yet another general rule: the earlier the Windows 95 line of operating systems 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.
In this section, this guide has detailed operating system installation instructions for:
Windows 95 Windows 98 Windows 2000 Server Windows XP Windows Server 2003
Now for our installation instructions:
Windows 95 Operating System 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 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 Operating System 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 NT
We do not provide instructions for Windows NT operating system installation of because of its notorious difficulty. Experienced, professional technicians are required to properly install Windows NT. Unless you have a direct need to use Windows NT, we recommend you use Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 instead of Windows NT. These newer operating systems are very stable, much easier to install, have more features, and are much more user-friendly.
Windows 2000 Operating System Installation
Windows 2000 is a newer version of Windows NT; and it is clearly one of the top three Windows operating systems available today. Unfortunately it retains some of the difficulty Win NT has with hardware and software conflict. With some hesitation, we do provide installation instruction for Windows 2000. But, if you are not experienced with Windows 2000 operating system installation issues, we believe it is best to use another operating system, namely Windows XP or Windows Server 2003. It will save you a lot of grief.
If you do intend to perform a Windows 2000 operating system installation, it is highly recommended you make sure all hardware and software as being fully Windows 2000 compatible before installation.
Begin - When setup is started, you will see a "Windows 2000 Setup Wizard". Select either upgrade or full installation. 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. Visit Microsoft - You will be asked if you wish to visit the Microsoft website to check out the Hardware Compatibly list. Ho Hum. Whatever. Upgrade Packs - Then you will be asked if you have an upgrade pack. These are small patches to make certain programs work under Win2000. Most likely, you do not, so continue on to the next step. File System - You will be asked if you want to upgrade your file system to NTFS. In general, I recommend that you not upgrade. Stay with FAT 32, if for no other reason than it allows for increased compatibility. However, if you want to consider NTFS, take the time to learn all the advantages and disadvantages before you change. Upgrade Report - It will hum away for some minutes. After a while it will produce your Upgrade Report. The report may show a few issues that you may wish to look into later. Most likely you should see no major problems.
Then you will be informed that you're ready to install, that it will take between 75 to 90 minutes, and that the computer will reboot three times. Click "Next." Now it's time to wait, meditate, or watch the pretty pictures. That's it, you are done.
Windows XP Operating System 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 Server 2003 Operating System Installation
CD-ROM - Place the O/S installation CD in the CD-ROM. SCSI - If you are installing SCSI adapters or other mass storage devices, press F6. You will be asked to insert a floppy disk with the drivers. You cannot browse to locate the files, so make sure you have the floppy handy. Type of Installation - If this is a fresh installation copy of 2003, don't press F2.
If you're reinstalling 2003, you'll need to have already run the previous Windows Server 2003 backup program and have created a backup and an Automated System Recovery (ASR). If so, press F2 and continue with this procedure.
Welcome - Setup will load all the files and drivers needed. You'll see the " Welcome to Setup" window. Press ENTER. Licensing Agreement - If you have read and agree to accept the Windows Licensing Agreement, press F8. Select Partition - Licensing Agreement You have already partitioned your hard drive in Step 16. Make sure the right partition (C:) is highlighted, then press ENTER. File System - Select a file system for the installation partition. Setup will then copy necessary files, reboot and will restart in graphical mode, then reboot again. Setup will scan your computer devices and will then be load the drivers need for these devices. Settings - Click "Customize" should you need to change location and language settings. When done, press NEXT. Answers - In this and following windows, type in name, organization, product key, licence type, computer name. password for the administrator account (make sure you write it down, put it in a safe place, and do not loose it). Select date, time, time zone settings. Network Settings - Network Settings window will now open. If you have a functional DHCP on your network, a computer running Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), or you're in a workgroup environment with no other servers or Active Directory, then press NEXT to accept typical settings. Otherwise, select "Custom Settings", and press NEXT to customize your network settings. TCP/IP - Highlight the TCP/IP selection and press "Properties." Enter required information, including your IP address. If you don't know what your Subnet Mask should be, place mouse pointer over the box and click. The O/S will automatically select a value for you. Or press CANCEL and select the Typical Settings option. Workgroup or Domain - In the Workgroup or Domain window enter the name of your workgroup or domain. If you don't know what to enter or you have a stand-alone computer, use the default entry and press NEXT. Monitor Screen Resolution - Setup will now finish copying files and configure the setup. When it's done, should Setup dislike your monitor screen resolution, it will bug you to change it. The minimum supported screen resolution is 800 X 600. Done - Setup will then reboot. That's it, the installation is now complete.
Congratulations!
That's it. You have 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 operational.
Benchmark & Burn-In Tests
Experienced computer technicians would now test their new computers to search-out problems and minor bugs. Since the hard drive and other components should be under warranty, if anything fails, you can correct the problem, now. Read about Benchmark & Burn-In Tests here.
[ Step 1: Computer Component Selection ]
|
|
|
