Load Operating System on New Machine

[chgo29]

I want to build me a computer. XP Home operating system. This will be my first "Build". I like to have a pretty good feel for things before I start, and the one thing I DON'T have a good feel for is - how do I load the operating system on a brand new machine? I've never loaded an OPERATING SYSTEM. I've always bought pre-loaded computers. I read that "the computer must be configured to boot from the CD-ROM drive". And then I read somewhere else that you must "download boot disks from Micrsoft and change the BIOS to boot from the floppy drive". Well, I don't know how to do either one of those. And which one is correct? Or is there an easier way? When I buy the XP Operating System are there instructions for how to load it included in the package? Any good books or tutorials on the subject? Any advice? Cliff

[bigandy]

The easiest way is to boot from the XP CD. To do this you enter the BIOS, I can't tell you exactly what key(s) to press since I don't know what type of BIOS your computer will use. But it often times is the Delete key. This is where once again your MB manual comes in handy because it will explain not only how to get into the BIOS, but should also give you a decent description of where the different settings are. So, once you're in the BIOS, you set the CDROM as the first boot item. Then exit the BIOS and save the changes, and pop in your XP CD.

Now you just go through the process of the install which will include partitioning and formatting your HD(s), and then onto the installation of the OS itself.

If you are looking for a guide, I suggest you check out Black Viper's Site, and take a look at the OS install guides there. He has guides for both the Home and Pro editions.

[chgo29]

Thanks BIGANDY for your response. It was very helpful. Cliff