Identifying System Requirements (Windows XP) CPU: Pentium 133-megahertz (MHz) or higher microprocessor (or equivalent compatible) Memory:

64 megabytes (MB) recommended minimum. More memory generally improves responsiveness. 4 gigabytes (GB) maximum Hard disk space 2 GB with a minimum of 650 MB of free space 2 GB with a minimum of 1 GB of free space. Determining Disk Partition Options Disk partitioning is a way of dividing your physical disk so that each section functions as a separate unit. Determining Which File System to Select After you create the partition on which you will install Windows, Setup allows you to select the file system with which to format the partition. Windows XP supports the NTFS, FAT, and FAT 32 file systems. NTFS NTFS is the recommended file system for Windows XP. Use NTFS for partitions that require: File- and folder-level security. NTFS allows you to control access to files and folders. File compression. NTFS compresses files to create more storage space. Disk quotas. NTFS allows you to control disk usage on a per-user basis. File encryption. NTFS allows you to transparently encrypt file data. Windows XP and Windows NT are the only operating systems that can access data on a local hard disk that is formatted with NTFS. NTFS provides file-level security, while FAT and FAT32 do not; therefore, it is recommended that you use NTFS as the file system. FAT and FAT32 Normally, you would not format the partition on which Windows XP resides with FAT or FAT32 unless you require a dual boot configuration. Workgroup A workgroup is a small group of networked computers that work together and where centralized administration is not required. A workgroup has the following characteristics: Resources, administration, and authentication of users are performed on each computer in the workgroup. Domain In Windows XP, a domain is a logical grouping of networked computers that share a common security database for storing security information. Characteristics of the Domain A domain has the following characteristics: Resources, administration, and authentication of users are centralized. A user needs only one domain user account in Active Directory to gain access to all shared network resources in the domain.

Basic Windows XP Errors and its solution:

1. Media Errors occur Solution: If you are installing Windows XP from CD-ROM, use a different Windows XP Installation CD 2. CD-ROM drive is not supported Solution: Replace the CD-ROM drive with a supported drive. 3. Computer cannot copy files from the CD-ROM Solution: Test the CD-ROM on another computer. If you cannot copy the files using a different computer then change the CD-ROM Drive. If you get errors for copying a particular file in Windows XP then the problem can actually be a failed RAM module. If you can test the CD and CD-ROM successfully then try to test your Computer Memory. 4. Insufficient disk space Solution: Do one of the following:

Use the setup program to create a partition by using existing free space on the Hard Disk Delete and Create partitions as needed to create a partition that is big enough for installation Re-format an existing partition to create more space.

5. Setup failure during early text mode portion of setup Solution: Verify that Windows XP supports the mass storage devices on the computers. If not then PRESS F6 when prompted and provide the drives through the floppy disk. Note: You can also integrate the mass storage drivers in Windows XP installation disk with the help of Nlite software. Download Nlite 6. Windows XP fails to install or start Solution: Verify the following i. Windows XP is detecting all the hardware ii. All the Hardware is in the Windows Catalog. Try to run winnt32 /checkupgradeonly to verify that the hardware is compatible with windows XP Professional.