Microsoft KB Archive/286463

= Release Notes for Windows XP Setup Contained in the Pro.txt File =

Article ID: 286463

Article Last Modified on 8/6/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional

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This article was previously published under Q286463



SUMMARY


Release Notes for Setup

Microsoft Windows XP Professional



(c) 2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

When installing a new operating system, you need to make several choices. The Windows XP Setup Wizard and this document guide you through these choices. You also learn how to connect your computer to a network.

Important: Before you begin, you should also read the file Read1st.txt, which is on the Windows XP Professional CD. This file contains late-breaking information that was unavailable when these release notes and the product documentation was written, including preinstallation notes vital to the success of your installation.

These release notes describe how to run the Windows XP Setup Wizard and install Windows XP Professional on a single computer.

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CONTENTS

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1.0 Before You Begin

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When you set up Windows XP Professional, you have to provide information about how you want to install the operating system. The procedures in these release notes help you to provide the necessary information. To ensure a successful installation, complete the following tasks, which are described in the sections that follow, before you install Windows XP:


 * Make sure your hardware components meet the minimum requirements.


 * Obtain compatible hardware and software, such as upgrade packs and new drivers.


 * Obtain network information.


 * Back up your current files in case you need to restore your current operating system.


 * Determine whether you want to perform an upgrade or install a new copy of Windows XP Professional.


 * If you're installing a new copy, identify and plan for any advanced setup options you might want.

1.1 Hardware Requirements

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Before you install Windows XP Professional, make sure your computer meets the following minimum hardware requirements:


 * 233 megahertz (MHz) Pentium or higher microprocessor (or equivalent)


 * 128 megabytes (MB) recommended (64 MB of RAM minimum; 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM maximum)


 * 1.5 GB of free space on your hard disk


 * VGA monitor


 * Keyboard


 * Mouse or compatible pointing device


 * CD-ROM or DVD drive

For network installation:


 * Compatible network adapter card and related cable

For more information, see the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) or see &quot;Checking Hardware and Software Compatibility&quot; later in this document.


 * Access to the network share that contains the Setup files

1.2 Checking Hardware and Software Compatibility

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The Windows XP Setup Wizard automatically checks your hardware and software and reports any potential conflicts. To ensure a successful installation, however, you should determine whether your computer hardware is compatible with Windows XP Professional before you start the wizard.

You can view the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) at the Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/default.mspx/

Important: Windows XP Professional supports only those devices listed in the HCL. If your hardware isn't listed, contact the hardware manufacturer and request a Windows XP Professional driver for the component. To ensure that programs using 16-bit drivers function properly afterwards, request 32-bit drivers from the software vendor.

During the setup process, you can use upgrade packs to make your existing software compatible with Windows XP Professional. Upgrade packs are available from the appropriate software manufacturers.

1.3 Obtaining Network Information

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If your computer won't be connected to a network, you can skip this section.

First, you need to decide whether your computer is joining a domain or a workgroup. If you don't know which option to choose, or if your computer won't be connected to a network, select the workgroup option. (You can always join a domain after you install Windows XP Professional.) If you select the domain option, ask your network administrator to create a new computer account in that domain or reset your existing account.

If your computer is currently connected to a network, request the following information from your network administrator before you begin the setup process:


 * Name of your computer


 * Name of the workgroup or domain


 * TCP/IP address (if your network doesn't have a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server)

To connect to a network during the setup process, you must have the correct hardware installed on your computer and be connected by a network cable.

1.4 Backing Up Your Files

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If you're upgrading from an earlier version of Windows, you should back up your current files. You can back up files to a disk, a tape drive, or another computer on your network.

How you back up your files depends on your current operating system. If your computer is running Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 98, you might need to install the Windows Backup program. If you're using Windows NT 4.0, Windows Backup is installed by default. You must have a tape drive installed to use the Backup tool in Windows NT.

For more information about installing or using Windows Backup, see Help and Support Services.

1.5 Upgrading vs. Installing a New Copy

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After you start the Windows XP Setup Wizard, one of the first decisions you have to make is whether to upgrade your current operating system or to perform an entirely new installation. During the setup process, you must choose between upgrading or installing a new copy of Windows (a &quot;clean install&quot;).

During an upgrade, the Windows XP Setup Wizard replaces existing Windows files but preserves your existing settings and applications. Some applications might not be compatible with Windows XP Professional and therefore might not function properly after an upgrade. You can upgrade to Windows XP Professional from the following operating systems:


 * Windows 98 (all versions)


 * Windows Millennium Edition


 * Windows NT 4.0 Workstation (Service Pack 6 and later)


 * Windows 2000 Professional (including service packs)


 * Windows XP Home Edition

If your computer is currently running an unsupported operating system, you must install a new copy. The wizard installs Windows XP Professional in a new folder. After the installation is complete, you will have to reinstall applications and reset your preferences.

You should UPGRADE if all          You should INSTALL a new copy of the following are true:         if any of the following are true:

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You're already using an earlier    Your hard disk is blank. version of Windows that supports upgrading. - and -                            - or -

You want to replace your           Your current operating system Windows operating                  doesn't support an upgrade to system with Windows XP. Windows XP.

- and -                            - or -

You want to keep your existing     You already use an operating files and preferences. system, but you don't want to                                    keep your existing files and preferences, so that you can cleanly install.

If you want to modify the way the wizard installs Windows XP Professional, click Advanced Options, and then perform any of the following tasks:


 * Change the default location of the setup files.


 * Store system files in a folder other than the default folder (\Windows).


 * Copy the installation files from the CD to the hard disk.


 * Select the partition on which to install Windows XP Professional.

Unless you're an advanced user, you should use the default settings.

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2.0 Running Windows XP Setup

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The Windows XP Setup Wizard gathers information, including regional settings, names, and passwords. The wizard then copies the appropriate files to your hard disk, checks the hardware, and configures your installation. When the installation is complete, you're ready to log on to Windows XP Professional. Note that your computer restarts several times during the process.

How you start the Windows XP Setup Wizard depends on whether you're upgrading or installing a new copy of Windows. Determine your installation method, locate the appropriate section in these release notes, and then follow the procedures for your Setup scenario.

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2.1 If You're Installing a New Copy (Clean Install)

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If your computer has a blank hard disk or your current operating system isn't supported, you need to start your computer by using the Windows XP Professional CD. Some newer CD-ROM drives can start the installation from the CD and automatically run the Windows XP Setup Wizard.

>>> To install a new copy by using the CD:

1. Start your computer by running your current operating system, and then insert the Windows XP Professional CD into your CD-ROM drive.

2. If Windows automatically detects the CD, click Install Windows. The Windows XP Setup Wizard appears.

If Windows doesn't automatically detect the CD, click Start, and then click Run. Type the following path to the setup file, replacing 'd' if necessary with the letter of your CD-ROM drive:

d:\setup.exe

3. Press ENTER.

4. When prompted to choose an installation type, select New Installation, and then click Next.

5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

>>> To install a new copy by using a network connection:

1. Using your existing operating system, establish your connection to the shared network folder that contains the Setup files. You can also use an MS-DOS or network installation disk to connect to the network server, if the disk contains network client software.

Your network administrator will be able to provide you with this path.

2. If your computer is currently running Windows 98, Windows Millennium Edition, or an earlier version of Windows NT, then at the command prompt, type the path to the file setup.exe.

3. Press ENTER.

4. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

2.2 If You're Upgrading

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The upgrade process is simple. The Windows XP Setup Wizard detects and installs the appropriate drivers, or it creates a report listing devices that couldn't be upgraded, so you can be sure your hardware and software is compatible with Windows XP Professional.

>>> To upgrade from the CD:

1. Start your computer by running your current operating system, and then insert the Windows XP Professional CD into your CD-ROM drive.

2. If Windows automatically detects the CD, the Windows XP Professional CD dialog box appears. To start your upgrade, click Install Windows.

If Windows doesn't automatically detect the CD, click Start, and then click Run. Then type the path to the setup file, replacing 'd' if necessary with the letter of your CD-ROM drive:

d:\setup.exe

3. Press ENTER.

4. When prompted to choose an installation type, select Upgrade, and then click Next.

5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

>>> To upgrade from a network connection:

1. Using your current operating system, establish a connection to the shared network folder that contains the Setup files. If you have an MS-DOS or network installation disk that contains network client software, you can use that disk to connect to the shared folder.

Your network administrator will be able to provide you with this path.

2. At the command prompt, type the path to the file setup.exe.

3. Press ENTER.

4. Select Upgrade, and then click Next.

5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

2.3 Collecting User and Computer Information

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The Windows XP Setup Wizard helps you gather information about you and your computer. Although much of this installation process is automatic, you might need to provide information or select settings on the following pages, depending on the current configuration of your computer:


 * Licensing Agreement. If you agree with the terms and want to continue the setup process, select I accept this agreement.


 * Select Special Options. Customize the Windows XP installation, language, and accessibility settings for new installations. You can set up Windows XP to use multiple languages and regional settings.


 * Select a File System. Windows XP Professional can automatically convert partitions on your hard disk to NTFS, the recommended file system for Windows XP Professional, or you can choose to keep your existing file systems. If you're upgrading, the wizard uses your current file system.


 * Regional Settings. Change the system and user locale settings for different regions and languages.


 * Personalize Your Software. Type the full name of the person to whom this copy of Windows XP Professional is licensed and, optionally, the organization.


 * Computer Name and Administrator Password. Type a unique computer name that differs from other computer, workgroup, or domain names on your network. The wizard suggests a computer name, but you can change the name.

During the installation, the wizard automatically creates an Administrator account. When you use this account, you have full rights over the computer's settings and can create user accounts on the computer. That is, logging on as an Administrator after you install Windows XP Professional gives you administrative privileges that you need to log on and manage your computer. Type a password for the Administrator account. For security reasons, you should always assign a password to the Administrator account. Take care to remember and protect your password.


 * Date and Time Settings. Verify the date and time for your region, select the appropriate time zone, and then select whether you want Windows XP Professional to automatically adjust for daylight saving time.


 * Networking Settings. Unless you're an advanced user, select the Typical settings option for your network configuration. To manually configure network clients, services, and protocols, select the Custom settings option.


 * Workgroup or Computer Domain. During the setup process, you must choose to join either a workgroup or a domain.

For more information, see &quot;Providing Networking Information&quot; later in this document.


 * Network Identification Wizard. If your computer is connected to a network, this wizard prompts you to identify the users who will be using your computer. If you indicate that you're the only user, you're assigned Administrator rights.

2.4 Providing Networking Information

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During or after the setup process, you need to join either a workgroup or a domain. If you won't be working on a network, choose to join a workgroup.

2.4.1 Joining a Workgroup

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A workgroup is one or more computers with the same workgroup name (for example, a &quot;peer-to-peer&quot; network). Any user can join a workgroup by specifying the workgroup name - you don't need special permissions to join a workgroup. You must provide an existing or new workgroup name, or you can use the workgroup name that the Windows XP Setup Wizard suggests.

2.4.2 Joining a Domain

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A computer account identifies your computer to the domain, and the user account identifies you to your computer.

A domain is a collection of computers defined by a network administrator. Unlike joining a workgroup, which you can do yourself, joining a domain requires permission from the network administrator.

To join a domain during the setup process, you must have a computer account in the domain you want to join. If you're upgrading from Windows NT, the Windows XP Setup Wizard uses your existing computer account. Otherwise, you'll be asked to provide a new computer account.

Before you start the Windows XP Setup Wizard, ask your network administrator to create a computer account. Or, if you have the appropriate privileges, you can create the account during the setup process and join the domain. To join a domain during the setup process, you need to provide your user name and password.

Note: If you have difficulty joining a domain during the setup process, join a workgroup instead, and then join the domain after you finish installing Windows XP Professional.

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3.0 Customizing Setup Using Unattended Setup Mode

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You can customize the installation of Windows XP Professional. By using unattended Setup mode, you can preset information so that you don't have to manually enter it during the setup process.

By using an answer file, network administrators and experienced users can perform a new installation in unattended Setup mode. In unattended Setup mode, no user intervention is required during the setup process, because the answer file contains all of the information that the Windows XP Setup Wizard requires, including acceptance of the license agreement, computer name, and network adapter. Answer files can help you quickly install Windows XP Professional on more than one computer.

A sample answer file, Unattend.txt, is included in the i386 folder on the Windows XP Professional CD. By using the file as a template, you can create your own answer file to customize the setup process.

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4.0 Starting Windows XP Professional

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After gathering the required information, the Windows XP Setup Wizard completes the installation. Your computer restarts several times, and then Windows XP Professional prompts you to log on. After you log on, if you have Administrator rights, you can activate your copy of Windows XP Professional, create user accounts, and reconfigure any settings that you entered during the setup process.

4.1 Logging on to Windows XP Professional

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When you install Windows XP Professional, Setup prompts you to create a user account for yourself and one for each person who regularly uses the computer, whether in an office or home.

Important: If you have Administrator rights, you can assign permissions to each user account. For example, you can determine whether a user may install software, view other users' documents, or operate network resources such as printers and servers.

4.2 Creating a User Account

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Your user account identifies your user name and password, the groups you're a member of, which network resources you have access to, and your personal files and settings. Each person who regularly uses the computer should have a user account. The user account is identified by a user name and a password, both of which the user types when logging on to the computer. You can create individual user accounts after logging on to the computer by using an account with Administrator rights.

>>> To create a user account:

1. Log on to the computer as a user with Administrator rights.

2. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.

3. Click Add.

4. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

Additional query words: Pro.txt &quot;Setup instructions for this version of Windows XP&quot;

Keywords: kbinfo KB286463

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