1

Chapter Overview Preparing to Install Windows XP

Professional Installing Windows XP Professional from

a CD-ROM Installing Windows XP Professional over

the Network Upgrading Earlier Versions of Windows

to Windows XP Professional Troubleshooting Windows XP

Professional Setup

2

Preinstallation Tasks Ensure that hardware requirements are

met. Verify that all hardware is on the Hardware

Compatibility List (HCL). Decide how you will partition the hard disk. Choose a file system for the installation

partition. Determine the domain or workgroup

environment. Complete a preinstallation checklist.

3

Hardware Requirements CPU: Pentium 233 MHz or equivalent Memory: 64 MB minimum, 128 MB recommended;

4 GB random access memory (RAM) maximum Hard disk space: 1.5 GB on a 2-GB drive minimum Networking: network adapter card and related cable Display: video display adapter and monitor (VGA

minimum) Other drives: CD-ROM (12x or faster recommended)

or DVD drive and a high-density, 3.5-inch disk drive Accessories: keyboard and mouse or other pointing

device

4

Hardware Compatibility List

The HCL lists hardware that has passed compatibility testing.

Microsoft provides tested drivers for the listed devices.

Hardware that is not listed can cause problems.

5

Disk Partitions

Use a new or existing partition. Use Setup to create and size only the

installation partition. Use Disk Management to create all

other partitions.

6

File Systems

7

Domain or Workgroup Membership

8

Preinstallation Checklist Verify that your hardware components meet the

minimum requirements. Verify that all your hardware is listed on the HCL. Verify that the hard disk contains a minimum of

1.5 GB free space. Select the file system and format the Microsoft

Windows XP Professional partition. Determine the domain or workgroup name. Determine the computer name. Create a computer account for a computer that will

join a domain. Determine the Administrator account password.

9

Installing Microsoft Windows XP Professional from a CD-ROM

Consists of four stages: Running the Setup program Running the Setup Wizard Installing Windows XP Professional

networking components Completing the installation

10

Running the Setup Program

11

Running the Setup Wizard

Setup gathers the following information: Regional settings Person and organization for software license Computer name Password for Administrator account Time and date

12

Installing Networking Components

13

Completing the Installation The Setup Wizard does the following:

Copies files and sets up shortcuts that will appear on the Start menu

Applies the configuration settings that you specified earlier

Saves your configuration settings to the local hard disk

Deletes any files that are used for installation only

Restarts the computer, completing the installation

14

Preparing for a Network Installation

15

Installing over the Network

Boot the network client. Connect to the shared folder that

contains the installation files. Run WINNT.EXE or WINNT32.EXE to

start the Setup program. Install Windows XP Professional.

16

Modifying the Setup Process when You Use WINNT.EXE

/a /r[:folder] /rx[:folder] /s[:sourcepath] /t[:tempdrive] /u[:script_file] /udf:id[,UDB_file]

17

Modifying the Setup Process when You Use WINNT32.EXE

/checkupgradeonly /cmd:command_line /cmdcons /copydir:foldername /copysource:foldername /debug[level]:

[file_name] /dudisable /dushare:pathname /duprepare:pathname

/m:foldername /makelocalsource /noreboot /s:sourcepath /syspart:[drive_letter] /tempdrive:drive_letter /unattend [number]:

[answer_file] /udf:id[,UDB_file]

18

Identifying Client Upgrade Paths Microsoft Windows 98 Microsoft Windows Me Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4 Microsoft Windows 95 (must be

upgraded to Windows 98 first) Microsoft Windows NT 3.1, 3.5, or 3.51

(must be upgraded to Windows NT Workstation 4.0 first)

19

Generating a Hardware Compatibility Report

Use the Windows XP Compatibility tool. Run <drive letter>:\i386\winnt32

/checkupgradeonly. Review the report for incompatibilities

and recommended system changes.

20

Upgrading Compatible Client Computers

Insert the Microsoft Windows XP Professional CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive.

Run d:\i386\winnt32 /switch.

21

Resolving Common Problems Media errors occur. The CD-ROM drive is not supported. The computer is unable to copy files from

the CD-ROM. There is insufficient disk space. The dependency service fails to start. Setup cannot connect to the domain

controller. Windows XP Professional fails to install or

start.

22

Setup Logs

Action log Error log Additional logs

23

Chapter Summary Performing preinstallation tasks helps to ensure

your installation will go smoothly. Preinstallation tasks include

Verifying that your hardware meets the hardware requirements for installing Windows XP Professional

Ensuring that all hardware components are on the HCL

To install Windows XP Professional from a CD-ROM, insert the Windows XP Professional installation CD-ROM in your CD-ROM drive and start your computer.

The main difference between installing Windows XP Professional from a CD-ROM and over the network is the location of the installation files.

24

Chapter Summary (Cont.) You can upgrade many earlier versions of

Microsoft Windows operating systems directly to Windows XP Professional.

Use the Windows XP Compatibility tool to generate a hardware and software compatibility report.

During Setup, Windows XP Professional generates a number of log files, including SETUPACT.LOG SETUPERR.LOG