Windows ME Installation and Procedure

Minimum System Requirements - suggestions in parenthesis.

• 150 Mhz Pentium or equivalent (300 Mhz or higher).
• 32 MBytes of memory (64 MBytes, 128 Mbytes is even better)
• Free Disk Space (now is the time to buy that 7,200 RPM drive)
• Compact install 200 MBytes
• Typical 350 MBytes
• Full 400 MBytes
• If saving system files from prior version of Windows, to allow for uninstalling Win Me, add 150 Mbytes
• On an average system with Office, graphics, etc. I would allow a four Gig (GigaByte) partition for the C: drive; Two Gigs is almost too small for this hog.
• VGA or higher monitor
• CD-ROM or DVD drive
• Mouse

Installing Directly from the CD. No can do. The various versions of the Windows Me CDs are not bootable like Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition.
Copying cab files and Installing from a Hard Disk. Unless there are severe problems in prior installation attempts, there is no need to copy the Windows cab files (cabinet or compressed files containing the Windows files) from the CD to the hard disk and installing from the hard disk (which is done just like it is for Windows 98). Unlike Windows 98 and 98 SE and like Windows 95 OSR2, the Windows Me Setup copies the cab files to the hard disk drive (C:\windows\options\install) and installs Windows from there. Windows will no longer be asking for the Windows CD when you are on the road with your laptop while the CD remains behind in a desk drawer in your office (most annoying).
Before Installing (Upgrades and Clean Installs)... Back-up your critical data. This is advisable for upgrades as well as clean installs. I use Microsoft Backup to back-up critical data to a file server or another computer on a network or to a second drive connected to the computer as a slave. One could also use a Zip, tape, or CD-RW drive as a backup device with this software. My critical data consists of: C:\My Documents, C:\Windows\Cookies, C:\Windows\Favorites, C:\Windows\lbyard.pwl (password file), and few other directories and files specific to me. Of course, you will have to reinstall all of applications if you do a clean install and restore your critical data.
If you are installing a new hard disk, your old hard disk becomes a backup. Be sure it is not connected to the new drive when partitioning, formatting or installing Windows on it.
I always try to have two backups before cleaning a drive. I have seen backup programs fail to make a good backup (especially if tape is used), old disk drives dropped, data on old disk drives wiped-out by human error, and still other disk drives that decided to die at the very moment they were evicted from their beloved homes.
Try to obtain the latest drivers for the motherboard and and expansion boards in your computer.
Flash the motherboard with the latest BIOS, if you feel competent to do so, and test the flash with you existing version of Windows.
If you are installing Windows Me on a newly constructed computer, I recommend installing Windows after the video board is installed and before the rest of the expansion boards are installed.

Windows 98 Installation and Procedure

To install Windows 98, you must have one of the following products:
•
The "Microsoft Windows 98 Upgrade" product. This upgrade product is available on CD-ROM. When you use the Windows 98 Upgrade version, you must have a copy of the previous version of Windows on CD-ROM or on floppy disks for the compliance-check procedure during Setup. Make sure that you have your qualifying version of Windows on CD-ROM or on floppy disks before you run Setup. Note that you must also have a Windows 98 Startup disk to install this product.For additional information about how to create a Windows 98 Startup disk, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
187632 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/187632/EN-US/) How to Create a Windows 98 Startup Disk that Supports FAT32
•
The "Microsoft Windows 98 for PCs Without Windows" product. This version is available on CD-ROM. A Windows 98 Startup disk is included with the product.

Minimum Hardware Requirements to Install Windows 98
loadTOCNode(2, 'moreinformation');
The minimum hardware requirements include:
•
486DX 66-MHz or faster processor (Pentium recommended)
•
16 megabytes (MB) of memory (24 MB recommended)
•
195 MB of free hard disk space (the required space may vary from 120 MB to 295 MB, depending on your computer's configuration and the options you choose to install)
•
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
•
3.5-inch high-density floppy disk drive
•
Video adapter and monitor that support VGA or higher resolution
•
Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

System Updates, Device Drivers, and Other Considerations
loadTOCNode(2, 'moreinformation');
CMOS Antivirus Utility
loadTOCNode(3, 'moreinformation');
It is important to disable any CMOS antivirus utility that is enabled on your computer before you run Setup. If you are not sure if this feature is enabled on your computer, view the documentation that is included with your computer, or contact the computer manufacturer.
Drive Overlay Software
loadTOCNode(3, 'moreinformation');
If your computer uses drive overlay software to enable large hard disk support, the drive overlay software must be installed before you install Windows 98. To install the drive overlay software, view the documentation that is included with the software or contact the software manufacturer.
System Updates and Device Drivers
loadTOCNode(3, 'moreinformation');
To ensure that your hardware and software is compatible with Windows 98, verify that you have the latest drivers, Basic Input Output System (BIOS), or patches for your hardware and software before you run Setup.If your computer uses proprietary hardware and you try to install Windows 98 on a clean hard disk, you may receive error messages. Before you install the retail or upgrade version of Windows 98 on your computer, check with the hardware manufacturer and verify that there are no known issues. Also, if your current version of Windows was preinstalled on your computer and was bundled with a software package that is on a Restore CD-ROM, you may not be able install the programs that are on the Restore CD-ROM. If this is the case, use the hardware manufacturer's Restore CD-ROM to install Windows 95 and the included programs first, and then run Setup from the Windows 98 Upgrade version. View your original hardware documentation if you are not sure how to run the Restore CD-ROM.

Real-Mode CD-ROM Support
loadTOCNode(3, 'moreinformation');
The Windows 98 Startup disk contains generic CD-ROM drivers that work with most CD-ROM drives. The Windows 98 Startup disk contains generic, real-mode ATAPI CD-ROM and small computer system interface (SCSI) drivers that can enable CD-ROM drives after you boot from the Windows 98 Startup disk. These CD-ROM drivers are not guaranteed to work with all CD-ROM drives. They may work as a replacement driver if the real-mode CD-ROM drivers that are included with your CD-ROM drive are not available. If these drivers do not work with your CD-ROM drive, view the documentation that is included with your hardware, or contact your hardware manufacturer. How to Prepare the Hard Disk for the Windows 98 Installation Procedure
loadTOCNode(2, 'moreinformation');

Before you install Windows 98 on an empty hard disk, you must first create a primary partition and then format a file system on that partition. Each allocated space on the hard disk (primary partition or logical drive) is assigned a drive letter. Windows 98 supports the FAT16 and FAT32 file systems. When you run the Fdisk tool on a hard disk that is larger than 512 MB, you are prompted to choose a file system.The FAT16 file system has a maximum of 2 gigabytes (GB) for each allocated space, or drive letter. For example, if you use the FAT16 file system and you have a 6-GB hard disk, you can have three drive letters (C, D, and E), each with 2 GB of allocated space.The FAT32 file system supports drives up to 2 terabytes in size and stores files on smaller sections of the hard disk than does the FAT16 file system. This results in more free space on the hard disk. The FAT32 file system does not support drives that are smaller than 512 MB. For additional information about the FAT32 file system, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: How to Prepare the Hard Disk for the Windows 98 Installation Procedure
loadTOCNode(2, 'moreinformation');
WARNING: The following information applies to preparing an empty hard disk for the installation of Windows 98. If you use the following steps on a hard disk that is not empty, all of the data that is on that hard disk is deleted.Before you install Windows 98 on an empty hard disk, you must first create a primary partition and then format a file system on that partition. Each allocated space on the hard disk (primary partition or logical drive) is assigned a drive letter. Windows 98 supports the FAT16 and FAT32 file systems. When you run the Fdisk tool on a hard disk that is larger than 512 MB, you are prompted to choose a file system.The FAT16 file system has a maximum of 2 gigabytes (GB) for each allocated space, or drive letter. For example, if you use the FAT16 file system and you have a 6-GB hard disk, you can have three drive letters (C, D, and E), each with 2 GB of allocated space.The FAT32 file system supports drives up to 2 terabytes in size and stores files on smaller sections of the hard disk than does the FAT16 file system. This results in more free space on the hard disk. The FAT32 file system does not support drives that are smaller than 512 MB. For additional information about the FAT32 file system, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
154997 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/154997/EN-US/) Description of the FAT32 File System
118335 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/118335/EN-US/) Maximum Partition Size Using FAT16 File System More information about file systems is also available in the "Getting Started" manual that is included with the Windows 98 CD-ROM.For additional information about the Fdisk tool, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
66706 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/66706/EN-US/) The Four Steps Needed to Make a Hard Disk Usable
How to Partition the Hard Disk
loadTOCNode(3, 'moreinformation');
After you decide which file system you want to use, run the Fdisk tool:
1.
Insert the Windows 98 Startup disk in the floppy disk drive, and then restart your computer.
2.
When the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup menu is displayed, choose the Start computer without CD-ROM support option, and then press ENTER.
3.
At a command prompt, type fdisk, and then press ENTER.
4.
If the hard disk is larger than 512 MB, you receive the following prompt:
Your computer has a disk larger than 512 MB. This version of Windows includes improved support for large disks, resulting in more efficient use of disk space on large drives, and allowing disks over 2 GB to be formatted as a single drive.
Do you wish to enable large disk support (Y/N)? If you want to use the FAT32 file system, press Y, and then press ENTER. If you want to use the FAT16 file system, press N, and then press ENTER.
5.
After you press ENTER, the Fdisk Options menu is displayed. Press 1 to select the Create DOS partition or Logical DOS Drive option, and then press ENTER.
6.
Press 1 to select the Create Primary DOS Partition option, and then press ENTER.
7.
After you press ENTER, you receive the following prompt:
Do you wish to use the maximum available size for primary DOS partition?FAT32 File System:
a.
If you chose the FAT32 file system in step 4 and you want all of the space on the hard disk to be assigned to drive C, press Y, and then press ENTER.
b.
Press ESC, and then press ESC to quit the Fdisk tool and return to a command prompt.
c.
Skip to step 10.FAT16 File System:
a.
If you chose the FAT16 file system in step 4, and you want the first 2 GB on the hard disk to be assigned to drive C, press Y, and then press ENTER.
b.
Press ESC to return to the Options menu, and then skip to step i.
c.
If you want to customize the size of the partitions (the logical drives) on the hard disk, press N, and then press ENTER.
d.
A prompt is displayed for you to type the size that you want for the primary partition in megabytes or percent of disk space. Note that for a Windows 98-based computer, Microsoft recommends that you make the primary partition at least 500 MB. Type the size of the partition that you want to create, and then press ENTER.
e.
Press ESC to return to the Options menu.
f.
Press 2 to select the Set active partition option, and then press ENTER.
g.
When you are prompted to type the number of the partition that you want to make the active partition, press 1, and then press ENTER.
h.
Press ESC to return to the Options menu.
i.
To assign drive letters to the additional space on the hard disk:
1.
Press 1, and then press ENTER.
2.
Press 2 to select the Create Extended DOS Partition option, and then press ENTER.
3.
The option that appears displays the maximum space that is available for the extended partition. You can adjust the size of the partition or you can use the default size. Note that the default maximum space is recommended, but the space can be divided between multiple drive letters. Type the amount of space that you want, press ENTER, and then press ESC.
4.
The Create Logical DOS Drive(s) in the Extended DOS Partition menu is displayed. This is the menu that you use to assign the remaining hard disk space to the additional drive letters. Type the amount of space that you want to assign to the next drive letter at the Enter logical drive size in Mbytes or percent of disk space (%) prompt, and then press ENTER.
5.
A table that lists the drive letter that you created and the amount of space that is on that drive is displayed. If there is still free space on the hard disk, it is displayed near the bottom of the table. Repeat steps 1 through 4 until you receive the following message:
All available space in the Extended DOS Partition is assigned to local drives
6.
After you receive this message, press ESC, and then press ESC to quit the Fdisk tool and return to a command prompt.
8.
After you create the partitions, restart you computer with the Windows 98 Startup disk in the floppy disk drive.
9.
When the Windows 98 Startup menu is displayed, choose the Start computer without CD-ROM support option, and then press ENTER.
10.
When a command prompt is displayed, type format c:, and then press ENTER.NOTE: If you receive a "Bad command or file name" message, you may need to extract the Format.com utility to your Startup disk. To do this, type the following command at a command prompt, and then press ENTER:
extract ebd.cab format.comAfter the Format.com utility is extracted to your Startup disk and a command prompt is displayed, type format c:.
11.
When you successfully run the Format.com utility, you receive the following prompt:
WARNING, ALL DATA ON NON-REMOVABLE DISK DRIVE C: WILL BE LOST!Proceed with Format (Y/N)? Press Y, and then press ENTER to format drive C.
12.
After the format procedure is finished, you receive the following prompt:
Volume label (11 characters, ENTER for none)? This is an optional feature that you can use to type a name for the hard disk. Type an 11-character name for the drive, or leave it blank, and then press ENTER.
13.
Repeat steps 10 through 13 for any additional drive letters that you created in step i.
Back to the top
How to Install Windows 98
loadTOCNode(2, 'moreinformation');
After you partition and format your hard disk, you can install Windows 98:
1.
Insert the Windows 98 Startup disk in the floppy disk drive, and then restart your computer.
2.
When the Windows 98 Startup menu is displayed, choose the Start computer with CD-ROM support option, and then press ENTER.
3.
If CD-ROM support is provided by the generic drivers on the Startup disk, you receive one of the following messages, where X is the drive letter that is assigned to your CD-ROM drive:
Drive X: = Driver MSCD001Drive X: = Driver OEMCD001 NOTE: If your CD-ROM drive is not available after you boot from the Windows 98 Startup disk, install the CD-ROM drivers that are included with your CD-ROM drive. For information about how to obtain and install the most current driver for your CD-ROM drive, view the documentation that is included with your device, or contact your hardware manufacturer.
4.
Insert the Windows 98 CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive, type the following command at a command prompt, and then press ENTER
X:\setupwhere X is the drive letter that is assigned to your CD-ROM drive.
5.
When you receive the following message, press ENTER, and then follow the instructions on the screen to complete the Setup procedure:
Please wait while the Setup initializes. Setup is now going to perform a routine check on your system. To continue press Enter.

Installation and Procedure of Windows Vista

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along side Windows XP is a great way to experiment with the new operating system until you get comfortable with it. In this article, I’ve shown you how to how to create a Windows Vista dual-boot configuration.

In order to install Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP, you need to have either a second partition on your existing hard disk or a second hard disk in your system. To give yourself enough room to experiment, you should have at least 20 GB and preferably 40 GB of space available on either the second partition or on the second hard disk.
If you don't have enough available space on your existing hard disk for a second partition, then you'll need to connect a second hard disk to your system. If you do have enough available space on your exiting hard disk for a second partition, then you'll need to obtain a partitioning software package. I recommend, Symantec’s Norton PartitionMagic only because I’ve used PartitionMagic for years. However, there are other partitioning software packages that I’ve heard are just as good, such as Acronis Disk Director or VCOM Partition Commander Professional.

You can approach the dual-boot installation operation in one of two ways -- by cold booting from the Windows Vista DVD or by inserting the Windows Vista DVD while Windows XP is running. As you can imagine, you'll encounter slightly different introductory screens depending on which approach you use, but once you get stared the operation is essentially the same.
While both methods will produce the same result, I prefer the cold booting from the DVD method. The main reason is that you don't have to worry about any interference from antivirus/antispyware/firewall software on your existing Windows XP installation.

Performing the installation

• Once you have your second partition or second hard disk operational, just insert your Windows Vista DVD, restart the system, and boot from the DVD. Once the system boots from the DVD, Windows Vista’s Setup will begin loading.
• On the next screen, you’ll be prompted to begin the installation procedure
• In the next screen, you’ll be prompted to type in your product key for activation. By default, the Automatically Activate Windows When I’m online check box is selected; however, you’ll notice that I’ve cleared it. The main reason that I’ve done so here is that while writing this article, I’ve experimented over and over with this installation procedure and want to conserve on the number of times that I can legitimately activate this copy of Windows Vista before Microsoft locks it down and requires me to call in and manually request a new product key.
• if you just want to temporarily install Vista in a dual-boot configuration while you experiment, but plan on installing it as your main operating system once you’re satisfied with the way that Vista behaves with your hardware and software, you too may want to disable the automatic activation routine. Even though you’ve disabled the automatic activation routine, you can still install Windows Vista and use it as you normally would for 30 days.
  If you want to keep Vista in a dual-boot configuration, you can activate your license online anytime you want. If you decide to make Vista your main operating system, you can repartition your hard disk, reinstall Vista on the main partition and activate the new installation in the process.If you decide to disable the automatic activation routine, you’ll see a confirmation dialog box, which contains a harsh warning and prompts you to reconsider. You can just click No to continue.
• Setup doesn’t know what edition I’ve purchased and prompts me to select one of the seven editions on this disk. Since, I'm working with the Ultimate edition, I selected that edition, checked the box, and clicked Next.
• The Microsoft Software License Terms and are prompted to read through them. However, unless you’re very curious you can just select the I Accept The License Terms check box and click Next.
• Once the installation is complete, you'll see the Windows Boot Manager screen, as shown in Figure K. As you can see, booting either Windows XP (listed as an Earlier Version of Windows) or Windows Vista is a simple menu choice. This menu will appear on the screen for 30 seconds before Windows Boot Manager launches the default operating system, which is Windows Vista.
• Since I described installing Windows Vista without activating it for testing purposes, I wanted to point out that the Windows Vista will indeed keep track of your 30 day trial on the System screen, as shown in Figure K. In addition, it will regularly display.

Installation and Procedure of Windows 2000

1a. If computer is incapable of booting from CDROM, then first prepare four install floppies, using CDROM. Boot from floppy, and it will prompt to load all four into RAM. (This procedure takes about 10 minutes.) Insert Windows 2000 Full Install CDROM.
1b. Otherwise, insert Windows 2000 Full Install CDROM and reboot.
2. Hit ENTER to install Windows 2000.
3. Hit C to continue.
4. Hit the F8 key to agree to license agreement.
5. Hit D to delete any existing disk partitions.
6. Hit C to create new partition.
7. Hit ENTER to accept the default (one big partition.) Note there may be some space left over. That’s OK.
8. ENTER to install windows on this partition.
9. ENTER to format the partition as NTFS.
10. Wait while the drive is formatted, files copied from the CD. The machine will reboot itself.

11. ENTER to accept locale and keyboard settings.
12. Type computer name and school name in the appropriate slots, hit ENTER.
13. Type the computer name. Type the Administrator password TWICE. Password will show as all asterisks. ENTER.
14. Modify the date, time and time zone as needed. ENTER.
15. Click to select “Custom settings”. ENTER.
16. Click to remove the check next to “File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks”. ENTER.
17. Leave “This computer is not on a network or is on a network without a domain” selected (or if a PDC is available, selected the domain option). Type EPAHS in the Workgroup (or Domain) field. ENTER.
18. Remove CD from drive. ENTER. Computer will reboot. ENTER.
19. Select “User must enter a user name and password to use this computer.” ENTER. ENTER again.
20. Log into computer as Administrator, using the password you entered in step 13. ENTER.
21. Disable the WELCOME Screen.
22. Double-click the “Connect to the Internet” icon on the desktop. Select “I want to set up my Internet connection manually, or I want to connect through a local area network (LAN).” OK.
23. Select “I connect through a local area network (LAN).” ENTER. ENTER again.
24. Select NO to setting up email. OK. OK again.
25. Right-click on “My Network Places”. Click Properties.Right-click on “Local area network”. Click Properties.Click on “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)” so that it turns blue. Click Properties.Select “Use the following IP address”.Type in the IP address, subnet mask, gateway and DNS addresses you wrote down before. Click OK.
26. Change the Resolution (by right clicking on the desktop and selecting Properties:24 bit True Color800 x 600Advanced -> Adapter -> Refresh Rate -> 75 HzYES ... OK ... OK ... OK ... (Joe Pesci mode)Now adjust monitor physical wheels as needed.
27. Set the ScreenSaver to show the computer name:Right-click on desktop, select Properties-> Screensaver Tab-> Text = “PC01 Welcome To EPAHS PC01”-> Speed = Medium-> Location = Random-> Font = Terminal-> Size = 72-> Wait = 10 minutes-> Color = your choiceEnergy Saver: Turn off monitor after 30 minutes

Installation and Procedure of Windows XP

Step #1: Plan your installation
When you run the Windows XP Professional Setup program, you must provide information about how to install and configure the operating system. Thorough planning can make your installation of Windows XP Professional more efficient by helping you to avoid potential problems during installation. An understanding of the configuration options will also help to ensure that you have properly configured your system.

• Check System Requirements
• Check Hardware and Software Compatibility
• Determine Disk Partitioning Options
• Choose the Appropriate File System: FAT, FAT32, NTFS
• Decide on a Workgroup or Domain Installation
• Complete a Pre-Installation Checklist

Step #2: Beginning the installation process
You can install Windows XP in several methods - all are valid and good, it all depends upon your needs and your limitations.

• Manual installations usually come in 3 flavors:
• 
  Boot from CD - No existing partition is required.
• 
  Boot from the 6 Setup Boot Disks, then insert the CD - No existing partition is required (see the Create Setup Boot Disks for Windows XP page).
• 
  Boot from an MS-DOS startup floppy, go to the command prompt, create a 4GB FAT32 partition with FDISK, reboot, format the C partition you've created, then go to the CD drive, go into the I386 folder, and run the WINNT.EXE command.
• Run an already installed OS, such as Windows NT 4.0 Server. From within NT 4.0 go to the I386 folder in the W2K installation CD and run the WINNT32.EXE command.
• If you want to upgrade a desktop OS such as Windows 98 into Windows 2000 Professional you can follow the same procedure as above (You cannot upgrade Windows 98 into W2K Server).

There are other non-manual installation methods, such as using an unattended file along with a uniqueness database file, using Sysprep, using RIS or even running unattended installations from within the CD itself, but we won't go into that right now.

Step #3: The text-based portion of the Setup program
The setup process begins loading a blue-looking text screen (not GUI). In that phase you will be asked to accept the EULA and choose a partition on which to install XP, and if that partition is new, you'll be asked to format it by using either FAT, FAT32 or NTFS.

• 1. Start the computer from the CD.
  
  2. You can press F6 if you need to install additional SCSI adapters or other mass-storage devices. If you do you will be asked to supply a floppy disk with the drivers and you CANNOT browse it (or a CD for that matter). Make sure you have one handy.
  
  3. If you want, you can press F2 to run the ASR sequence. For that you need a good backup created by the Windows XP backup program, and the ASR floppy disk. If you plan to install a new copy of XP - don't do anything.
  
  4. Setup will load all the needed files and drivers.
  
  5. Select To Setup Windows XP Professional Now. If you want, and if you have a previous installation of XP, you can try to fix it by pressing R. If not, just press ENTER.
  
  6. Read and accept the licensing agreement and press F8 if you accept it.
  
  7. Select or create the partition on which you will install Windows XP Professional. Depending upon your existing disk configuration choose one of the following:
  If the hard disk is unpartitioned, you can create and size the partition on which you will install Windows XP Professional.
  
• If the hard disk is already partitioned, but has enough unpartitioned disk space, you can create an additional partition in the unpartitioned space.
• If the hard disk already has a partition that is large enough, you can install Windows XP Professional on that partition. If the partition has an existing operating system, you will overwrite that operating system if you accept the default installation path. However, files other than the operating system files, such as program files and data files, will not be overwritten.
• If the hard disk has an existing partition, you can delete it to create more unpartitioned space for the new partition. Deleting an existing partition erases all data on that partition.
  If you select a new partition during Setup, create and size only the partition on which you will install Windows XP Professional. After installation, use Disk Management to partition the remaining space on the hard disk
• 8. Select a file system for the installation partition. After you create the partition on which you will install Windows XP Professional, you can use Setup to select the file system with which to format the partition. Windows XP Professional supports the NTFS file system in addition to the file allocation table (FAT) and FAT32 file systems. Windows Server 2003, Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000, and Windows NT are the only Microsoft operating systems that you can use to gain access to data on a local hard disk that is formatted with NTFS. If you plan to gain access to files that are on a local Windows XP Professional partition with the Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 98 operating systems, you should format the partition with a FAT or FAT32 file system. We will use NTFS.
  
  9. Setup will then begin copying necessary files from the installation point (CD, local I386 or network share).
  10. Note: If you began the installation process from an MS-DOS floppy, make sure you have and run SMARTDRV from the floppy, otherwise the copying process will probably last more than an hour, perhaps even more. With SMARTDRV (or if setup was run by booting from CD) the copying will probably last a few minutes, no more than 5 max.
  
  11. The computer will restart in graphical mode, and the installation will continue.
  
  Step #4: The GUI-based portion of the Setup program
  The setup process reboots and loads a GUI mode phase.
  
  It will then begin to load device drivers based upon what it finds on your computer. You don't need to do anything at this stage.

1. Click Customize to change regional settings, if necessary.

• Current System Locale - Affects how programs display dates, times, currency, and numbers. Choose the locale that matches your location, for example, French (Canada).
  
• Current Keyboard Layout - Accommodates the special characters and symbols used in different languages. Your keyboard layout determines which characters appear when you press keys on the keyboard.
  If you don't need to make any changes just press Next.
  
  If you do need to make changes press Customize and add your System Locale etc.
  
  Note for Hebrew users: Unlike W2K, it is SAFE and it is OK for you to install Hebrew language support at this phase.
  To install Hebrew support:
  After pressing Customize go to the Languages tab and select the "Install files for complex script and right-to-left languages".
  
  A warning message will appear. Press Ok.
  
  Warning: You must now press Apply!!!
  
  Setup will copy the necessary files from the installation point.
  
  You can now go to the Regional Options tab and select Israel in the Location drop-down list, and Hebrew in the Standards and Formats drop-down list. Click Ok.
  
• 2. Type your name and organization.
  
  3. Type the product key.
  
  4. Type the computer name and a password for the local Administrator account. The local Administrator account resides in the SAM of the computer, not in Active Directory. If you will be installing in a domain, you need either a pre-assigned computer name for which a domain account has been created, or the right to create a computer account within the domain.
  
  5. Select the date, time, and time zone settings.
  
  6. Setup will now install the networking components.
  
  After a few seconds you will receive the Networking Settings window. BTW, if you have a NIC that is not in the HCL (see the What's the HCL? page) and XP cannot detect it, or if you don't have a NIC at all, setup will skip this step and you will immediately go to the final phase of the setup process.
  Press Next to accept the Typical settings option if you have one of the following situations:
  
• You have a functional DHCP on your network.
• You have a computer running Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
• You're in a workgroup environment and do not plan to have any other servers or Active

Directory at all, and all other workgroup members are configured in the same manner.

Otherwise select Custom Settings and press Next to customize your network settings.

7. One thing you CAN do (you don't have to do it, it's your call - read more about it on the Increase Internet Connection Speed in Windows XP page) is to uninstall the Qos Packet Scheduler. Click it and press the Uninstall button. If you want to keep it you can simply remove the mark from the QoS check-box. In anyway you can later install or uninstall it if you want.

Keep the TCP/IP, Client for Microsoft Networks and the File and Print Sharing options selected.
8. Highlight the TCP/IP selection and press Properties.

In the General tab enter the required information. You must specify the IP address of the computer, and if you don't know what the Subnet Mask entry should be - you can simply place your mouse pointer over the empty area in the Subnet Mask box and click it. The OS will automatically select the value it thinks is good for the IP address you provided.

If you don't know what these values mean, or if you don't know what to write in them, press cancel and select the Typical Settings option. You can easily change these values later.
9. In the Workgroup or Domain window enter the name of your workgroup or domain.

• A workgroup is a small group of computers on a network that enables users to work together and does not support centralized administration.
  
• A domain is a logical grouping of computers on a network that has a central security database for storing security information. Centralized security and administration are important for computers in a domain because they enable an administrator to easily manage computers that are geographically distant from each other. A domain is administered as a unit with common rules and procedures. Each domain has a unique name, and each computer within a domain has a unique name.
  If you're a stand-alone computer, or if you don't know what to enter, or if you don't have the sufficient rights to join a domain - leave the default entry selected and press Next.
  
  If you want to join a domain (NT 4.0 domain of W2K/2003 Active Directory domain) enter the domain's name in the "Yes, make this computer a member of the following domain" box.
  
  To successfully join a domain you need the following:
  The person performing the installation must have a user account in Active Directory. This account does not need to be the domain Administrator account.
  and
  The computer must have an existing computer account in the Active Directory database of the domain that the computer is joining, and the computer must be named exactly as its domain account is named.
  or
  
• The person performing the installation must have appropriate permission to create a domain account for the computer during installation.
  Also, you need to have connectivity to the domain's domain controllers (only to the PDC if on an NT 4.0 domain) and a fully functional DNS server (only in AD domains). Read the Joining a Domain in Windows XP Pro and Requirements when Joining a Domain pages for more on this issue.
  Enter the Active Directory domain name (in the form of xxx.yyy, for example: DPETRI.NET) or the NetBIOS name of the NT 4.0 domain (in the form of xxx, for example: DPETRI). Press Next.
  Note: If you provide a wrong domain name or do not have the correct connectivity to the domain's DNS server you will get an error message.
  A username/password window will appear. Enter the name and password of the domain's administrator (or your own if you're the administrator on the target domain).
  
  Note: Providing a wrong username or password will cause this phase to fail.
  Next the setup process will finish copying files and configuring the setup. You do not need to do anything.
  
  After the copying and configuring phase is finished, if XP finds that you have a badly configured screen resolution it will advise you to change it and ask you if you see the new settings right.
  
  BTW, the minimum supported screen resolution in XP is 800X600.
  Setup finishes and boots Windows XP.
  
  A Welcome screen is the first thing you see. The computer checks your Internet connectivity (required for the mandatory Activation and voluntary Registration processes).
  
  You will be asked to register your copy of XP. You can decline if you want.
  
  XP will ask you for the default username that will log onto this computer. You can enter as many as 5 users, but you can create more after the installation is finished.
  BTW, the Administrator is not shown as a valid logon option (read more about it on the Add the Administrator's Account to the Welcome Screen in XP Pro page).

Windows NT (New Technology) is a family of operating systems produced by Microsoft, the first version of which was released in July 1993. It was originally designed to be a powerful high-level-language-based, processor-independent, multiprocessing, multiuser operating system with features comparable to Unix. It was intended to complement consumer versions of Windows that were based on MS-DOS. NT was the first fully 32-bit version of Windows, whereas its consumer-oriented counterparts, Windows 3.1x and Windows 9x, were 16-bit/32-bit hybrids. Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 (beta), and Windows Home Server are based upon the Windows NT system, although they are not branded as Windows NT.When development started in November 1988, Windows NT was to be known as OS/2 3.0, the third version of the operating system developed jointly by Microsoft and IBM. In addition to working on three versions of OS/2, Microsoft continued parallel development of the DOS-based and less resource-demanding Windows environment. When Windows 3.0 was released in May 1990, it was eventually so successful that Microsoft decided to change the primary application programming interface for the still unreleased NT OS/2 (as it was then known) from an extended OS/2 API to an extended Windows API. This decision caused tension between Microsoft and IBM and the collaboration ultimately fell apart. IBM continued OS/2 development alone while Microsoft continued work on the newly renamed Windows NT. Though neither operating system would immediately be as popular as Microsoft's DOS or Windows products, Windows NT would eventually be far more successful than OS/2.
Microsoft hired a group of developers from Digital Equipment Corporation led by Dave Cutler to build Windows NT, and many elements of the design reflect earlier DEC experience with Cutler's VMS and RSX-11. The operating system was designed to run on multiple instruction set architectures and multiple hardware platforms within each architecture. The platform dependencies are largely hidden from the rest of the system by a kernel mode module called the HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer).
Windows NT's kernel mode code further distinguishes between the "kernel", whose primary purpose is to implement processor and architecture dependent functions, and the "executive". This has led some writers to refer to the kernel as a microkernel, but the Windows NT kernel no longer meets many of the criteria of a "microkernel", although this was the original goal of chief architect Cutler. Both the kernel and the executive are linked together into the single loaded module ntoskrnl.exe; from outside this module there is little distinction between the kernel and the executive. Routines from each are directly accessible, as for example from kernel-mode device drivers

Windows Operating System

Linux is one of the most prominent examples of free software and open source development; its underlying source code can be freely modified, used, and redistributed by anyone.Linux is now packaged for different uses in Linux distributions, which contain the sometimes modified kernel along with a variety of other software packages tailored to different requirements.
Predominantly known for its use in servers, Linux is supported by corporations such as Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Novell, Oracle Corporation, Red Hat, and Sun Microsystems. It is used as an operating system for a wide variety of computer hardware, including desktop computers, supercomputers,[3] video game systems such as PlayStation 2, 3, several arcade games and embedded devices such as mobile phones and routers.
In 1992, Linus Torvalds explained that he pronounces Linux as /ˈlɪnʊks/,[4] though other variations are common.Linux is now packaged for different uses in Linux distributions, which contain the sometimes modified kernel along with a variety of other software packages tailored to different requirements.
Predominantly known for its use in servers, Linux is supported by corporations such as Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Novell, Oracle Corporation, Red Hat, and Sun Microsystems. It is used as an operating system for a wide variety of computer hardware, including desktop computers, supercomputers,[3] video game systems such as PlayStation 2, 3, several arcade games and embedded devices such as mobile phones and routers.
In 1992, Linus Torvalds explained that he pronounces Linux as /ˈlɪnʊks/,[4] though other variations are common.

Windows Vista (IPA: /ˈvɪs.tə/) is a line of graphical operating systems used on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, Tablet PCs, and media centers. Prior to its announcement on July 22, 2005, Windows Vista was known by its codename "Longhorn".[1] Development was completed on November 8, 2006; over the following three months it was released in stages to computer hardware and software manufacturers, business customers, and retail channels. On January 30, 2007, it was released worldwide to the general public,[2] and was made available for purchase and downloading from Microsoft's web site.[3] The release of Windows Vista comes more than five years after the introduction of its predecessor, Windows XP, making it the longest time span between two releases of Microsoft Windows.
Windows Vista contains hundreds of new and reworked features; some of the most significant include an updated graphical user interface and visual style dubbed Windows Aero, improved searching features, new multimedia creation tools such as Windows DVD Maker, and completely redesigned networking, audio, print, and display sub-systems. Vista also aims to increase the level of communication between machines on a home network using peer-to-peer technology, making it easier to share files and digital media between computers and devices. For developers, Vista includes version 3.0 of the .NET Framework, which aims to make it significantly easier for developers to write applications than with the traditional Windows API.
Microsoft's primary stated objective with Windows Vista, however, has been to improve the state of security in the Windows operating system.[4] One common criticism of Windows XP and its predecessors has been their commonly exploited security vulnerabilities and overall susceptibility to malware, viruses and buffer overflows. In light of this, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates announced in early 2002 a company-wide "Trustworthy Computing initiative" which aims to incorporate security work into every aspect of software development at the company. Microsoft stated that it prioritized improving the security of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 above finishing Windows Vista, thus delaying its completion.[5]
Windows Vista is the target of a number of negative assessments by various groups. Criticisms of Windows Vista include protracted development time, more restrictive licensing terms, the inclusion of a number of new Digital Rights Management technologies aimed at restricting the copying of protected digital media, lack of device drivers for some hardware, and the usability of other new features such as User Account Control.

Windows Me introduced the "System Restore" logging and reversion system, which was meant to simplify troubleshooting and solving problems. It was intended to work as a "safety net" so that if the installation of an application or a driver adversely affected the system, the user could undo the install and return the system to a previously working state. It does this by monitoring changes to Windows system files and the registry (System Restore is not a backup program). System Restore can slow the computer's performance and compromise its stability if it chooses to checkpoint the system while a user is using it. Since its method of keeping track of changes is fairly simplistic, it sometimes ends up restoring a virus which the user had previously removed.Millennium" was the codename for a future version of Windows NT that was expected to be released in 2000 or 2001. In 1998, Microsoft stated that there would be no version of Windows 9x after Windows 98.[3] In 1999, however, Microsoft announced a new version of Windows 9x, that was later revealed to be codenamed Millennium. In 2000, this was released as Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me).[4]Millennium" was the codename for a future version of Windows NT that was expected to be released in 2000 or 2001. In 1998, Microsoft stated that there would be no version of Windows 9x after Windows 98.[3] In 1999, however, Microsoft announced a new version of Windows 9x, that was later revealed to be codenamed Millennium. In 2000, this was released as Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me).[4]Windows Me is a continuation of the Windows 9x model, but with access to real mode MS-DOS restricted in order to speed up system boot time. This was one of the most publicized changes in Windows Me, because applications that needed real mode DOS to run, such as older disk utilities, did not run under Windows Me.
Compared with other releases of Windows, Windows Me had a short shelf-life, of just over a year; it was soon replaced by the NT-based Windows XP, which was launched on October 25, 2001.

Windows NT is a Microsoft Windows personal computer operating system designed for users and businesses needing advanced capability. NT's technology is the base for the Microsoft successor operating system, Windows 2000. Windows NT (which may originally have stood for "New Technology," although Microsoft doesn't say) is actually two products: Microsoft NT Workstation and Microsoft NT Server. The Workstation is designed for users, especially business users, who need faster performance and a system a little more fail-safe than Windows 95 and Windows 98. The Server is designed for business machines that need to provide services for network-attached computers. The Server is required, together with an Internet server such as Microsoft's Internet Information Server (IIS), for a Windows system that plans to serve Web pagesThe NT Server is probably the second most installed network server operating system after Novell's NetWare operating system. Microsoft claims that its NT servers are beginning to replace both NetWare and the various Unix-based systems such as those of Sun Microsystems and Hewlett-Packard. NT Server 5.0. essentially became what was renamed Windows 2000. Notable features of the Windows 2000 products are: Microsoft says that 32-bit applications run 20% faster on this system than on Windows 95 (assuming both have 32 megabytes of RAM). Since older 16-bit applications run in a separate address space, one can crash without crashing other applications or the operating system. Security and management features not available on Windows 95 are provided. The Workstation has the same desktop user interface as Windows 95.

Windows 2000 (W2K) is a est commercial version of Microsoft's evolving Windows operating system. Previously called Windows NT 5.0, Microsoft emphasizes that Windows 2000 is evolutionary and "Built on NT Technology." Windows 2000 is designed to appeal to small business and professional users as well as to the more technical and larger business market for which the NT was designed.
Windows 2000 Professional, aimed at individuals and businesses of all sizes. It includes security and mobile use enhancements. It is the most economical choice.
Windows 2000 Server, aimed at small-to-medium size businesses. It can function as a Web server and/or a workgroup (or branch office) server. It can be part of a two-way symmetric multiprocessing system. NT 4.0 servers can be upgraded to this server.
Windows 2000 Advanced Server, aimed at being a network operating system server and/or an application server, including those involving large databases. This server facilitates clustering and load-balancing. NT 4.0 servers with up to eight-way SMP can upgrade to this product.
Windows 2000 Datacenter Server, designed for large data warehouses, online transaction processing (OLTP), econometric analysis, and other applications requiring high-speed computation and large databases. The Datacenter Server supports up to 16-way SMP and up to 64 gigabytes of physical memory.
Windows 2000 is reported to be more stable (less apt to crash) than Windows 98/NT systems. A significant new feature is Microsoft's Active Directory, which, among other capabilities, enables a company to set up virtual private networks, to encrypt data locally or on the network, and to give users access to shared files in a consistent way from any network computer.

Windows Resource Kits have always been a quasi-definitive source of information for configuring and troubleshooting Windows. Anyone who does it for a living is almost certain to own a copy. But if you've found that past editions of the Resource Kit covered everything under the sun except the problem that you were trying to solve at the moment, you'll be pleased with this edition, which easily surpasses previous Resource Kits in the depth of coverage and the detailed explanations. The book's massive 1,750-page bulk is divided up into seven major sections covering enterprise deployment and installation, system configuration, networking (including remote access and Windows 98's new Point- to-Point Tunneling Protocol virtual private networking features), Internet and telecommunications, system administration, performance tuning, and the architecture of Windows 98. The bundled CD-ROM contains a collection of nifty diagnostic tools, hardware compatibility lists, card troubleshooting info, and the complete e-text of the book. The Resource Kit is clearly aimed at the professional administrator, and many sections are only relevant to Windows deployment on business networks. But advanced computer users will also find invaluable information about many tasks that they'll need to perform.

A major release of the Microsoft Windows operating system released in 1995. Windows 95 represents a significant advance over its precursor, Windows 3.1. In addition to sporting a new user interface, Windows 95 also includes a number of important internal improvements. Perhaps most important, it supports 32-bit applications, which means that applications written specifically for this operating system should run much faster. And although Windows 95 can run older Windows and DOS applications, it has essentially removed DOS as the underlying platform. This has meant removal of many of the old DOS limitations, such as 640K of main memory and 8-character filenames.