How to Install Windows Using a CD

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Last Updated: November 8, 2024

Preparing the CD

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Installing Windows

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

Some versions of Microsoft Windows, like Windows XP, can be installed on home and work computers using a CD. To install Windows using a CD, you'll need to insert the setup CD into the CD drive, boot up your computer, then press a key to start the setup process when prompted. From there, continue following the on-screen prompts to finish installation.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing the CD

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If it does not, you need to set the CD-Drive as the First Boot Device in Boot category in your computer's BIOS.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Installing Windows

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Press any key.
will appear. Ignore it this time.
Install basic security software such as a firewall, antivirus program, and an anti-spyware program; the built-in Windows Firewall, AVG Free, and Safer Networking Spybot S&D should work fine.
This should help protect against some viruses and improve stability.
Unlike OEM installs, there can be some issues here. You might want to go to the hardware manufacturers' websites for the latest drivers.

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What does the term "OEM" mean?

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OEM means "original equipment manufacturer." OEMs are manufacturers who resell another company's product under their own name and branding.

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Is this procedure for installing Windows XP the same as for installing Windows 7?

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The process of installing Windows XP and Windows 7 is different. The Windows XP setup is divided into two parts -- the first part is basic, which allows you to operate the keyboard only, and the second part is graphical. You can only use the mouse to make changes in the second part. In the Windows 7 setup, you can use the mouse during whole setup, which makes things easier. The Windows 7 setup is more user-friendly, in my opinion.

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What does NTFS stand for?

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NTFS stands for New Technology File System. Microsoft introduced it with the Windows NT operating system. A version of NTFS is also included in the most recent operating systems developed by Microsoft, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Vista.

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Tips

If Windows doesn't recognize some of your hardware, check the vendor's website for drivers.

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Don't forget to set your boot priority in your BIOS. Most of the time, BIOS is set to read Floppy, HDD, and then CD-ROM. You will need to set your boot priority to load the CD-ROM before Floppy and HDD.

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Set the Partition Size to Maximum, if you don't want any Partition of your Hard Disk (For Low-Storage Hard Disks else making Partitions is Recommended).

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Warnings

This Procedure for Windows Installation is same except Windows 95 and Previous Versions.

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Be sure to Activate Windows within 30 days of installation, otherwise the system will not allow you to log on until Activation is complete. Conversely, do not activate the system before you've tested that the drivers and everything work fine because if you have to reinstall too many times it will refuse to reactivate because you've already done so too recently.

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Make sure you have all the Drivers for the devices, you are going to use with your Windows.

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If you are re-installing Windows make sure you Back up the important data into the Storage Media.

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Installing Windows XP on a computer, which does not meet its minimum requirements will dramatically cut down the performance.

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