Windows XP: Installing Windows XP

XP merged the best features of its predecessors, and today we can safely say that the attempt to create a Microsoft based on a single line of code, operating systems, and a failure in the near future, the new system will be the most popular.

Windows XP Professional or Nome?

To begin with is not superfluous to deal with some abbreviations. Analysis of large-mail coming to my email address revealed a paradoxical phenomenon associated with the abbreviation NT. As it turned out, this designation scares many home users and keeps them from acquiring the new operating system. I dare say that NT has nothing to do with the word «Network» ( «Network"), as many believe, and by no means represents a server system. NT - just an abbreviation of «New Technology» ( «new technology"). Perhaps this will help many readers to get rid of the so-called «NT-phobia" and the focus is on selecting the version, and not on whether it is necessary to conceive the transition to Windows XP. I will say briefly - worth it!

The choice depends on the client version that is supposed to be on the car. But even if you have no doubts about the future challenges, it is not superfluous to recall that the final decision must be clear differences between the versions. Forgive me, experts from Microsoft, but, in my opinion, Windows XP Professional would have been more appropriate to call a Windows XP, a Windows XP Home - Windows XP Lite. The bottom line is that Windows XP Home - it's the same Professional, deprived of many, sometimes even the right to a home computer functions. Here is a list of what all deprived Home Edition: support for symmetric multiprocessing systems, dynamic disks, the function works with Remote Desktop, Encrypting File System (EFS), to control access to files, the use of offline files and folders, full support for NT-domain administration group, multi-lingual interface. Thus, Nome Edition is not well suited for serious work even on home machines. On the other hand, the price of Home Edition is available for more than Professional, and it can play a decisive role in the choice of operating system for the computer, the problem is confined to games, working with the media and typing.

Methods of Windows XP installation

Immediately it should be noted that the fundamental difference between the methods of installation versions of Home and Professional does not exist. At first, even before running the installation program, it is advisable to carry out some preliminary training. First of all, check whether your computer's recommended configuration. It is not just about the system requirements, but also the hardware compatibility. Of course, you are right to protest, saying that the installation program will check the configuration, and if something does not issue a warning. Yes, of course, but, first, a list of compatible devices is constantly updated: in the Microsoft site you will find the latest information on supported hardware and software. Second, pre-treatment will help to avoid unforeseen difficulties associated with installing drivers. For example, if the machine is installed some exotic soft-modem, it can be after a clean installation of Windows in the device list. If the driver has not been prepared in advance, you just lose the possibility to download the new version. Driver for Windows 9x is not exactly suitable, and the version for Windows 2000 in the best case, will not work correctly. Another thing, if you take care of everything in advance, having on board the old Windows desktop version. And the problems will be less, and the first impression made by the new OS to be positive, which also has the last value for future relationship with the system. It is also necessary to remove the acceleration, if it occurs, and to disable anti-virus software. If you are upgrading a system not too lazy to make backup copies of important files to prevent data loss. In addition, save the configuration file on the case, if you need to return to the old operating system. Once all the preparations are completed successfully, you can proceed directly to the installation.

If you have at least one set Windows 2000, problems with the installation of XP you will not have. As in Windows 2000, there are several installation options.

Updating the current version of Windows

At first glance, this method may seem the most simple and accessible, especially for those who do not like to reinstall the software, because after the upgrade, all programs should work maintaining the same settings. However, this method may lead to frustration, as mentioned above. The fact that with the programs, even if they fully comply with the requirements of compatibility, the new system and pass them to all small and large problems. And an absolute guarantee that these programs will work correctly, no. In most cases the software will still have to reinstall, but the garbage in the registry and the system folder does not disappear. As a result of such situations and there are stories about the legendary "buggy-ness» Windows and insolvency Microsoft programmers, although most do not blame them, and the careless attitude to software users. If this thinking is not made you think, you can continue the installation. Start the current version of Windows, and insert the CD with the distribution in the CD-ROM drive. If the drive will be recognized automatically in the window that appears, select "Install Windows XP». If the Startup disk has not occurred, you can manually trigger the SETUP.EXE file from the root drive or WINNT32.EXE file located in the i386 folder. Immediately run the Windows XP Setup Wizard and are prompted to select one of the installation methods. In this case, select "Update" and follow the wizard's instructions. Will be automatically update Windows with the preservation of all the programs and settings. Prior to Windows XP Professional, you can upgrade from Windows 98 all versions, Windows Me, Windows NT 4 (with Service Pack or later versions used), Windows 2000 and Windows XP Home Edition. I want to draw attention to the fact that Windows 2000 can not upgrade to XP Home. If you select "New Installation", there will be installed a new copy of Windows without storing settings and all programs will need to be reinstalled.

Clean installation

This method is the most reliable and prospects for the future stability of the operating system works. Programs installed in the environment and under the control of the new OS will work with maximum stability. A clean installation is just as easy updates. The distribution is a bootable Windows XP: pre-defining the boot order in the BIOS, you'll be taken directly into the installation program. But it may happen so that booting from CD-ROM for some reason does not happen. What to do in this case? Boot from any bootable floppy disk with CD-ROM support in DOS mode. Perfect boot disk created with Windows 98, but it need extra copy SMARTDRV.EXE file. This program should be run immediately after booting from a floppy disk to speed up the process of copying files. Then, from the i386 directory on the CD you want to run WINNT.EXE file. If done correctly, on the hard disk will be copied to the installation files, and you are prompted to reboot, I draw your attention to the fact that the section for this method of installation must have a file system that is compatible with DOS, ie, pre-it must be formatted in FAT or FAT32 file system . If the partition will be NTFS file system, it simply will not be visible from DOS and further installation will fail. Assume that the initial stage you handled and the process, as the saying went. The installer will first check your computer configuration, will now be prompted to download additional drivers for SCSI and RAID devices, if any, and on the basis of test results will be installed kernel. This point is of paramount importance. The fact is that for Windows XP, as well as Windows 2000, the best is the core of "Computer ACPI». If your motherboard does not have a normal ACPI interface or corresponding functions are disabled in the BIOS, the kernel will be installed "Standard PC". In this case, they will not be involved, many power management functions, and may have problems with the computer shuts down. Replacing the core after Windows installation - it is quite troublesome, and the strength is not all users, so it is better to make sure that the ACPI features have been included. In some cases, you may even have to update the BIOS. For example, Motherboard Microstar MS6330 and MS6340 BIOS update is not just desirable, but necessary, as another opportunity to avoid the mistakes in the ACPI simply does not exist.

Choosing a File System

The next important step in the installation process - select partition and file system. In fact, Windows XP can run on native NTFS, and in FAT or FAT32. Let's see what benefits NTFS for Windows XP: constant reliability; the ability to control access to files; increased safety; OS file compression means; encryption; speed independent of the number of files on the disc. Interestingly, the usual FAT is also quite suitable for use in Windows XP. This file system is less demanding of computer resources, and also faster. When you save the FAT is the possibility of parallel use of OS 9x line, the files are visible from DOS - it means the system easier to recover from failures. After weighing all the "pros" and "cons", select the file system that you like and best suits the task. After the hard disk partition and file system are defined, the installation program will copy the necessary files, and then restart the screen will display the familiar window interface. The most difficult stage of the installation behind. Next, the wizard's hand almost takes us through all the stages of data collection, which, as before, have to be entered manually, responding to numerous questions. The process is accompanied by a number of reboots, while the files are being copied, you, as before, will be able to learn about how Windows has become better and faster. The only difference - this time an advertising slogan is really similar to the truth. Installation should stay on the regional settings. If you purchased Windows XP English version and do not want to contemplate the "kryakozyabliki" instead of native Russian fonts, in all fields choose "Russian" and "Russian". This setting can be made after the completion of the installation, but ... I would like you to get the most positive emotions during the first acquaintance with Windows XP. The next step will be asked to enter an administrator password (for the Professional version), and then the modem settings and network settings, if any, comes the last installation phase: the definition of users, the Internet connection settings and activation system.

If you are installing Windows XP on your hard drive for the first time and are unsure of the full compatibility of iron, it is not necessary to carry out the activation until until all fixed equipment will be installed and tested. Otherwise, if you need to replace a device, the activation must be performed again. This does not affect peripheral devices such as a scanner or printer.

The fact of the need to activate the operating system has caused rough negative reaction in wide circles of the public computer. Still would. After all, in fact, each separate system is tied to specific hardware, and this creates certain inconveniences for users. Especially for those who like to upgrade. But, nevertheless, the fact remains. We can only accept activation, as inevitable, especially since the process is simplified to a limit and does not cause absolutely any difficulties.

A few words about how the activation system. On the basis of the product key that you enter during the Windows installation, the product code is generated. You have often seen it in the properties window of "My Computer" icon. In addition, it creates an alphanumeric identifier of the equipment. Based on these data, one code is generated, namely the setup code. This code is used to activate and Windows. We are required only to run a program of the same name from the group of utilities and follow the wizard's instructions. In the case of the Internet, the installation code will be transmitted automatically. If there is no Internet connection, the wizard will try to connect to Microsoft node directly. If this option is not successful, the wizard displays a message and the code that is required to activate the phone system.

If necessary, install Windows on another machine, for example, as a result of the purchase of a modern computer, without explanations with representatives Microsoft not to manage. This is the "small" inconvenience about which we have spoken with you. By the way, these dialogues can not be called unpleasant. Since you will communicate very cultural and friendly.

Once a lifetime

If you do not have the strength to watch the installation process, and you prefer to spend this time more profitably, create an answer file, and the whole installation will take place without your intervention. This file can be easily created using SETUPMGR program. To do this, find the disk with the distribution file SUP-PORT \ TOOLS \ DEPLOY.CAB, and from it extract the SETUPMGR.EXE. This is a necessary tool. It is a simple wizard, what in Windows set. However, the answer will be in all the same questions as in the installation, but the procedure takes 5-10 minutes rather than 60-90, the entire installation process. As a result, programm will create two files: a script UNATTEN.BAT script to run the installation program and immediately UNATTEN.TXT answer file. All of this will be placed in a separate folder with the distribution files on a local or network drive, you define yourself. For the type of installation from a CD the answer file must be named WINNT.SIF. For more information about how to use this tool and the necessary keys can be read by running DEPLOY.CHM file that is in the same DEPLOY.CAB. Advanced users can write a response file manually. Although the presence of a suitable tool it is not necessary.

Creating a dual boot system

Let us consider the possibility of creating a dual boot system. XP is placed as an additional operating system, and the main left your former default. Is not it strange? Judge: more reliable system is optional, and one that is bound to fly off after some time - main. This option is acceptable only if you installed XP temporarily, for example to study, and continue to work in Windows 9x. If we return to the "old windows" is not expected, then I advise you to install the first Windows XP and all other OS has as additional. In this case, it must be remembered that in the normal installation of any Windows 9x certainly overwrite the XP boot loader with all its consequences. To prevent such trouble, installation Ah must be done using a configuration file MSBATSN installation. INF. In this the following lines must be present file: [Setup] CleanBoot = 0 Run the installation program you need the command line as follows: "Drive: \ put_k_distributivu \ setup.ehe drive: \ put_k_faylu_msbatch \ MSVATSN.INF". Pre-need to take all measures to ensure that in the future to restore the loader, if for some reason yet to be overwritten. No less important is the fact that the parallel file system using multiple operating systems should be one that is supported by each of them, that is FAT or FAT32. In addition, if the OS is installed in one partition can not be correct operation of some programs as Program Files folder, which by default is the vast majority of software will be used by both operating systems. In addition, there is a serious dependence on the location of the system files. If the program is installed under XP, the system files have been recorded in the installer folder of the OS and for Windows 9x is simply not available. Of course, to have two operating systems and one program running under each of them, you need to copy the program files in system directories both OS. However, the normal installation of "copying" can not happen: do not forget that there is also a registry and system files that are changed when you install the software. The choice of OS is best to stay on something specific. So reliable!

Possible problems.

Basically, if you attentively to all the above recommendations and carefully spent all preparatory activities and checked the equipment on compatibility, problems with installation should arise. But, from accidents nobody is insured and trouble can still happen. So I decided to finally give a few common problems and to consider possible causes.

Most often there is a problem with a lack of available disk space. Particularly affected by this upgrade installation method as part of the space is already occupied and programs to deploy the operating system simply is not enough space that you have allocated. I think comments are unnecessary in this case.

Many problems can arise due to the inclusion of anti-virus program. Even if you install XP on a blank disc, do not forget to turn off the antivirus software in the BIOS.

Sometimes a clean install and boot from a floppy disk, a message about the impossibility of record NTLDR. It may be several reasons, but the main - is a memory shortage. Solve the problem can be the use of high memory resolution by adding a line to your CONFIG.SYS file as follows: DEVICE = A: \ HIMEM.SYS. Naturally he HIMEM.SYS file must be present on a diskette in the bud. If you copy the files successfully, but after a reboot it turns out that NTLDR nevertheless is absent, not only as his record is made not on the active partition on the grounds that he was an active partition is not visible in DOS. Make sure that the active partition is formatted with a file system that is compatible with DOS.

And the most unpleasant phenomenon when during installation suddenly there is an error screen, and the system locks up and will not respond to any action. Most often this phenomenon is observed at malfunction or equipment dispersal. If you do not overclock the CPU or memory, it does not mean that the latter must operate in normal mode. The above mentioned does not apply to experienced users thoroughly knowing his technique. But if you have enough experience, but in addition to all the car you bought somewhere in the market or you gathered any homebrew collector, it is possible that your Duron 900 at check will be only 600, and at a frequency of 133 MHz works PC100 memory is of unknown origin. In addition, make sure that your computer does not SCSI or RAID devices that require additional drivers. Perhaps at the beginning of the installation, you just forgot to use the F6 button and download the most additional drivers.

In some cases, the cause of a failed installation may be an outdated BIOS. If you can not download the new version from the motherboard manufacturer's website, try to disable ACPI. This will install the kernel, "Standard PC". It should be recalled that in this case will not be involved, many power management functions and can be additional problems with shutting down the computer (which, however, are easily solved).

Sometimes the error ACPI is shown already after installation. For example, fees for Microstar MS6330, MS6340 and some other, BIOS updates, eliminates the ACPI error, associated with the memory address to the banned sites. If you see this error in the "Event Viewer" that without a new BIOS version you can not do.

But this is extreme. We assume that the installation of new child Microsoft has passed successfully and now you have the right to freely enjoy all the delights of the new interface. I am sure that soon you will certainly get tired of his excessive slowness, and we are with you Let us set up and optimization of the system (or see. IZone575, IZone576).