How to prevent getting computer viruses

1. Always run an up-to-date anti-virus program and use it's real-time protection.

 Up-To-Date means that you update the program weekly to make sure the virus definition files are current. You can set up most software to check for updates automatically. Check your software and make sure the virus definitions are current at least once a week. Real-time protection means that your anti-virus program checks all incoming and outgoing files for viruses and stops the transfer of files if it finds one.

2. Never open e-mail attachment unless you know what it is and who sent it.

Make sure the person that is showing as the sender is the one who sent it. Many viruses will send copies of itself to everyone in the infected users address book. For example, if I had your e-mail in my address book and I opened an infected file and started the virus, it would send you a copy of the virus with me as the sender and it will probably have a subject line you would be interested in. So even if you get an e-mail from me with an attachment, don't open it until you contact me and asked if I sent it to you.

3. Make sure your system is set to view the entire file name of attachments.

To do that, In Windows Explorer, select Tools, Folder Options, View. In the dialog box, click the “Hide extensions for know file types” box to uncheck it.
Many viruses attempt to hide their identity by adding an additional period and 3 digit extension to the file name. For example, picture.jpg.vbs may appear on your computer as picture.jpg. You think it is a picture file and you open it -- you just started a Visual Basic Script (vbs) virus. Never open a file with the .vbs extension unless you know what it does. Normally, you are a high level user (programmer) if you need to use .vbs files.

4. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

There are a lot of legitimate files out there with an extension of .exe. There are also a lot of viruses out there with an extension of .exe. Is it worth taking a chance? If no, delete the e-mail and move on.

5. If you open an e-mail with an attachment and your computer seems to "take off", then shut it down immediately.

By "take off", I mean unusual hard drive activity and maybe even a slowing down of the computer. This can be an indication that the virus is sending itself to the people in your address book or damaging files on your hard drive - even formatting it.

6. If you contract a virus, seek help.

Go to any anti virus sites for information on the virus and how to remove it. Be aware that some viruses have programming in them that prevents your browser from going to these sites. Also some viruses can literally destroy your computer, so you may have to use another computer for your investigation.

7. E-mails are the number one way of contracting a virus, but are not the only way.

You can also get a virus by downloading files from the internet, or even visiting a malicious web site. The key to survival here is "Use Caution". If you download files from the internet be sure to scan them for viruses before opening them. If you go to a known hacker site you can expect to get Viruses, Trojans, and be attacked by hackers.

8. The Internet is the number one way of contracting a virus (through e-mails, downloads, and malicious web sites), but is not the only way.

You can also get viruses by inserting and reading infected floppy disks and CD-Rom disks. Before you do anything else, scan these for viruses.

9. Don't propagate HOAX viruses.

These are not really viruses, but are fictitious e-mails that wander around the internet warning of gloom, doom, and falling skies. They usually tell the reader to "pass this on to everyone you know!" I would estimate that 95% or more of these viruses alerts are a HOAX. Don't send it to anyone unless and until you know for sure that it is legitimate. Why not? These e-mails cause several detrimental effects that may be as bad as an actual virus. First, they cause people to delete and not read what may be legitimate e-mails. One that is going around is "A Virtual Card for You!" warning. After reading this, a person may delete legitimate cards from family and friends. Second, they de-sensitize the public to the problem of viruses. After seeing so many of these, people tend to not heed them anymore. Then a real warning comes out which they ignore and they get infected by a virus. Third, they cause massive traffic to certain websites like Microsoft, Symantec, and McAfee. You can check out the legitimacy of a virus by going to any anti virus website and looking up the suspected virus. It will say HOAX if it is not real.

10. Even if you do everything right, you may still get a virus.

When a new virus comes out, it usually takes at least 24 hours before a virus definition is released for it. You may get the virus before your anti-virus system is updated. Authors of these viruses are usually people that think it is a game. Their objective is to write a virus that gets around all of your protection. If they are successful, you may contract a virus. What to do? Make sure you have backups to the extent possible. For home computers, this may mean storing critical data on floppies, USB memory devices or CD-R/CD-RW (These are relatively cheap by the way.) If you get a nasty virus, and there are some out there that will cause you to replace your computer, then backups may be the only hope you have of restoring critical and irreplaceable data.

How to fix a computer that won't start

A computer that won't start is frustrating, but the problem is often easy to fix. The steps you take to troubleshoot the problem depend on your symptoms.

How to troubleshoot logon problems

After you click your user account or type your password, immediately press the SHIFT key and hold it until your desktop and taskbar are visible. Holding down the SHIFT key stops programs from loading automatically, and it is probably one of these programs that is causing your problem. Once you are able to log on successfully, you can change the programs that run automatically and remove the program that is causing the problem.

How to troubleshoot Windows startup problems

Sometimes Windows begins to load but then stops responding during the startup process. In most cases, the problem is a new piece of hardware, a new program, or a corrupted system file. Follow the instructions below to troubleshoot the problem. Try to start your computer after each step. Continue to the next step only if Windows continues to fail during startup.

To troubleshoot startup problems

1.	Restart your computer. Immediately after the screen goes blank for the first time, press the F8 key repeatedly. The Windows Advanced Options menu appears. If the menu does not appear, restart your computer and try again. Use the cursor keys on your keyboard (your mouse will not work) to select Last Known Good Configuration, and then press ENTER. Windows XP attempts to start.
2.	If you recently installed new hardware, shut down your computer and disconnect the hardware. Then, restart Windows XP and troubleshoot your hardware to get it working properly.
3.	Restart your computer and press F8 again. This time, choose Safe Mode and press ENTER. Windows XP attempts to start in Safe Mode, which does not automatically start programs and hardware, and displays very primitive graphics. If Windows XP starts successfully in Safe Mode, you can remove any programs or updates you have recently installed. Then, restart your computer normally.
4.	Additional troubleshooting is possible, but it can be complicated and may require reinstalling Windows XP. Contact technical support for further troubleshooting assistance. Alternatively, you can perform a repair installation of Windows XP. It might solve your problem. However, you will lose some settings and need to reinstall updates.

How to troubleshoot disk errors

The "Non-system disk or disk error" message means that your computer could not find Windows. Follow the steps below and try starting your computer after each step. Continue to the next step only if Windows continues to fail during the startup process.

To troubleshoot disk errors

1.	Your computer might be trying to load Windows from removable media rather than from the hard disk inside your computer. Remove any floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, USB flash drives, digital cameras, and memory cards.
2.	A portion of your hard disk may be corrupted. You might be able to fix the problem by performing a repair installation of Windows XP.
3.	Your hard disk may have failed. Contact technical support for further troubleshooting assistance. If your hard disk has failed, it will need to be replaced. After you have replaced your hard disk, you should restore your files from a backup.

How to troubleshoot hardware problems

If your computer displays an error message within a few seconds of starting, you probably have a hardware configuration problem. If you see the Windows logo, you need to troubleshoot startup problems. If you see a "Non-system disk or disk error" message, you need to troubleshoot disk errors. If you don't even see the startup screen, you likely have a hardware problem.

Follow these steps to troubleshoot a hardware problem that prevents your computer from starting to load Windows. After each step, restart your computer and attempt to load Windows. Continue to the next step only if Windows continues to fail to load.

To troubleshoot hardware problems

1.	If your computer beeps when you start it but does not display anything on your monitor: a. Disconnect and reconnect your monitor from your computer. b. Verify that your monitor's power cord is connected and that your monitor is turned on. c. If possible, connect your monitor to a different computer to make sure that your monitor works properly. d. If your monitor works but your computer beeps and displays nothing, your video adapter has probably failed. If your computer is under warranty, contact your computer manufacturer for support. If your computer is not under warranty, and you are comfortable opening your computer's case and replacing internal hardware, purchase and install a compatible replacement video adapter. Otherwise, contact a service center for assistance. While replacing a part is a nuisance and may be costly, your documents, pictures, and e-mail should be safe and will be available when your computer is fixed.
2.	If you see an error message that indicates that a keyboard is not present or a key is stuck, turn off your computer and reconnect your keyboard. If the problem continues, replace your keyboard.
3.	Sometimes your computer won't start because your computer is not compatible with a hardware accessory. If you have recently added a new hardware accessory, turn your computer off, remove the accessory, and restart your computer.
4.	Remove all hardware accessories except your keyboard, mouse, and monitor. If your computer starts successfully, shut down Windows, turn off your computer, and add one hardware accessory. Then, restart your computer. If your computer fails to start, the hardware accessory you most recently added is causing a problem. Remove the hardware and contact the hardware vendor for support. You can reconnect other hardware accessories.
5.	You may have a loose connector. Turn off your computer, remove all connectors from the outside of your computer, and then carefully push the connectors back in. Look for stray wires, bent pins, and loosely fitting connectors.
6.	If you are comfortable opening your computer's case, shut down your computer, unplug the power, and open your computer’s case. Remove and reconnect all cables. Remove and reconnect all cards inside your computer, including your computer’s memory chips. Reassemble your computer before attempting to start it again.
7.	If your computer still doesn't start, your motherboard, processor, memory, or graphics card may have developed a problem. Contact technical support for further troubleshooting assistance. While failed hardware can be frustrating, your documents, pictures, and e-mail should be safe and will be there when your computer is fixed.

How to troubleshoot a computer that won't turn on

If your computer does not turn on—you press the power button and no lights appear, and there are no beeps or other sounds—you should:

1.	Verify that your computer's power cord is connected.
2.	Unplug your computer and connect a different electrical device (such as a lamp, a fan, or a radio) into the same electrical outlet. If the device does not work, the problem is the electrical outlet, not the computer.
3.	Contact technical support for further troubleshooting assistance. Most likely, the computer's power supply has failed. While replacing a part is a nuisance and may be costly, your documents, pictures, and e-mail should be safe and will be there when your computer is fixed.

How to perform a repair installation of Windows XP

Performing a repair installation of Windows XP can fix many serious startup problems. While you should not lose any of your important documents, you might lose settings, and you will need to reinstall many updates.
Before performing a repair installation of Windows XP, you should have both your Windows XP CD and your product key available.

To perform a repair installation of Windows XP

1.	Insert your Windows XP CD into your computer.
2.	Restart your computer. If prompted, press a key to start from the CD-ROM.
3.	When the Welcome to Setup page appears, press ENTER on your keyboard.
4.	On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement page, read the licensing agreement. Press the PAGE DOWN key to scroll to the bottom of the agreement. Then, press F8.
5.	When prompted, press R to have Windows XP attempt to repair Windows by reinstalling important Windows components.

The repair and reinstallation process might take more than an hour. Eventually, Setup prompts you to answer questions just as if you were installing Windows XP for the first time.

Computer stops responding with a black screen when you start Windows XP

Problem :
Computer stops responding with a black screen when you start Windows XP

When you try to start Windows XP, the computer may appear to stop responding (hang) with an empty, black screen immediately after the power-on self test (POST) is complete and before the Windows XP logo typically appears on the screen.

Causes :
This issue may occur if one of the following conditions is true:

Cause 1 :
This issue may occur if you have a CD, a DVD or a floppy disk in your CD, DVD, or floppy drive when you start the computer

Solution :
To resolve this issue, remove the media in your CD, DVD, or floppy drive and then restart the computer.

Cause 2:
This issue occurs if one or more of the following elements are corrupted and will not load during the boot sequence of the computer:

• Master boot record
• Partition tables
• Boot sector
• NTLDR file

Solution:
To resolve this issue, you must have the Windows XP CD-ROM. If you do not have the Windows XP CD-ROM available, you have to call your computer manufacturer to troubleshoot the issue.

If you have the Windows XP CD-ROM, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Troubleshoot the specific element that causes Windows not to load

Note This option requires that you perform multiple steps to determine the exact element that causes the issue. This option may allow for you to keep customizations in Windows.

1. Restart your computer in safe mode. To do this, press the F8 key while Windows is starting. Then, create a Windows XP boot disk to start the computer. If you can start the computer from the boot disk without receiving an error message, the damage is limited to the master boot record, the boot sector, or the NTLDR file. After Windows XP is running, immediately back up all data before you try to fix the boot sector.
   Use Disk Management to view the partition information and to verify that the disk partition (or partitions) is correct. To use Disk Management, follow these steps:
   1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
   2. Expand Storage, and then click Disk Management.
   If invalid partitions are present or you cannot start your computer by using a boot disk, consider reinstalling Windows XP on your computer and restoring your data and configuration information from a recent backup.
   If you do not have a current backup copy of the data on the computer, contact a computer specialist to determine the best method of data recovery and configuration.
2. Run a current virus scanning program to verify that no virus is present.
3. Repair the master boot record by using the FIXMBR command from the Windows XP Recovery Console.
   Warning If your computer is infected with a virus and you use the FIXMBR command, you may be unable to start the computer. Before you use this command, make sure that the computer is not infected with a virus.
4. If the primary boot partition is a FAT partition, use the FIXBOOT command from the Windows XP Recovery Console to write a new boot sector on the system partition, and then use the FIXMBR command to repair the master boot record.

Method 2: Repair your Windows installation

Note Repairing your Windows installation may change the configuration of Windows. You may also have to follow this step if you complete all the troubleshooting in steps option 1 and the problem is not resolved.

1. Use the Windows XP CD-ROM to start your computer. On the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to set up Windows XP.
2. Press F8 to agree to the license agreement.
3. Use the ARROW keys to select the Windows XP installation you want to repair, and then press R.
   Windows XP Setup repairs the installation files, Windows XP automatically restarts, and then the Setup program finishes the repair of your Windows XP installation.
4. Follow the remaining steps to set up Windows.
   Note You must have your 25-character product key to complete these steps

How to install Windows 7

Planning the Installation

The following are Microsoft's minimum recommended specs for Windows 7:

• 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
• 1 GB of system memory
• 16 GB of available disk space
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (to enable the Aero theme)
• DVD-R/W Drive
• Internet access (to activate and get updates)

32-bit or 64-bit Version

The Windows 7 installation disc package includes both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7. Basically, the 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system. So if you plan on using Windows 7 on a computer with more than 3 GB or RAM, it is recommended to use the 64-bit version. Most programs designed for the 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows, and if they don't, you can always use Windows XP Mode.
Note: Either way, you cannot use an existing 32-bit version of a previous OS to perform an in-place upgrade to a 64-bit version of Windows 7, and you'll need to format and install a fresh copy. Also, you cannot use an existing 64-bit version of a previous OS to perform an in-place upgrade to a 32-bit version of Windows 7.

Type of Installation

There are 2 approaches to installing Windows 7:

1. Upgrade (In-place upgrade) - This option replaces your current version of Windows with Windows 7, and keeps your files, settings, and programs in place on your computer.
2. Custom ("fresh" installation) - This option replaces your current version of Windows with Windows 7, but doesn't preserve your files, settings, and programs. It's sometimes referred to as a clean installation for that reason.

A fresh installation is always better. Even if you've got an existing Windows XP/Vista OS on your computer, it is recommended that you format it and install a fresh copy of the OS.

Prepare The Boot Sequence
Windows 7 DVD is bootable. In order to boot from the DVD you need to set the boot sequence. Look for the boot sequence under your BIOS setup and make sure that the first boot device is set to CD-ROM/DVD-ROM.
Ggo to the BIOS by hitting “DEL” or “F12″ when your system is starting up. Then Go to Boot order and make sure cdrom is on the first place. The boot sequence should look like this in your bios :

Step 1 - Starting the Installation

Insert your Windows 7 DVD media into your DVD drive and reboot your computer. If you're asked to press a key to boot from DVD or CD, press any key. A black window will appear momentarily while the DVD content is read.

Step 2 - Windows starting screen
Next, a Starting Windows screen will appear to show the installation is starting

Step 3 - Set the language, time and curreny formats, and keyboard or input method

The next screen allows you to setup your language, time and currency format, keyboard or input method. Choose your required settings and click next to continue.

Step 4 - Start the install or repair process

The next screen allows you to install or repair Windows Vista. Since we are doing a fresh install we will click on "install now".

Step 5 - Accept the license terms

Click the "I accept the licence terms" box and press next.

Step 6 - Choose the installation type

Next, unless you're upgrading an existing Windows installation, press the Custom (Advanced) installation type button. Note that in this case, the Upgrade button is disabled because this specific installation if performed on a new computer without any previous operating system on it.

Step 7 - Choose the location to install

The next phase is to pick the installation partition. Since this computer has a new hard disk that hasn't been formatted before, you will only have the option to create a new partition on it.

If you don't want to specify a specific partition to install Windows on, or create partitions on your hard disk, click Next to begin the installation. If you already have another existing partition with enough free space and want to install the Windows 7 on that partition to create a multiboot configuration, select the partition you want to use, and then click Next to begin the installation. If you want to create, extend, delete, or format a partition, click Drive options (advanced), click the option you want, and then follow the instructions.
If you don't need to perform any additional task, just click on the "Next" button. The installation process will then create a partition on all the available disk space, and format it.

Step 8 - Copying Windows 7 files

Windows starts the installation process and starts copying all the necessary files to your hard drive as shown on the image below. It will go through various stages of the setup and will reboot your system few times. When your PC reboots it attempts to boot from DVD as its the first boot device. Do not press any key during the boot prompt so Windows 7 will continue with the installation by booting from your hard drive.

Step 9 - Choose a user name and computer name

Now, set the user name and computer name. By default, the computer's name will be username-PC, where username is the username you've entered. Click next to continue.

Step 10 - Choose the user password

Now, enter the user's password. Remember this password, as it will be the ONLY user on the system, and unless you create an additional user or enable the built-in administrator account, if you forget this password you'll need to crack it to gain access to the system. The best option would be to choose a complex password made of at least 7 characters or more (something like Pssw0rd or MYpa$$w0rd). You must also enter a password hint. Click on "Next" to continue.

Step 11 - Enter the product key

Next, type in your product key. If you do not have the product key at hand you can still click "Next", and proceed with the installation. You will be asked to enter the product key after Windows is installed.

Step 12 - Choose the Windows protection settings
Choose what sort of protection your computer gets. The recommended settings are best for someone that doesn't plan to hide their computer behind a corporate firewall (and even then, in some cases, this would be the best option). If you plan to install a 3rd-party firewall later you can opt to be prompted later. Note that this setting will also have effect on how the computer uses the Microsoft Windows Update (Automatic Updates) features.

Step 13 - Set the time zone, time and date

Select your time zone, correct the date and time and click next to continue.

Step 14 - Choose your network location type

Now, select your network location type. This setting can be changed later, but do note that choosing a profile will have effect on the Windows Firewall and sharing settings. Click on "Next".

Step 15 - Completing installation

Windows will finalize the settings and your desktop will appear.

This concludes the Windows 7 installation. Next, you should update your computer with the latest hotfixes and/or patches from Microsoft.

How to install Windows Vista

Prepare The Boot Sequence
Windows Vista DVD is bootable. In order to boot from the DVD you need to set the boot sequence. Look for the boot sequence under your BIOS setup and make sure that the first boot device is set to CD-ROM/DVD-ROM.
First, insert the Windows Vista DVD in your dvd drive. Then go to the BIOS by hitting “DEL” or “F12″ when your system in starting up. Then Go to Boot order and make sure cdrom is on the first place. The boot sequence should look like this in your bios :

Step 1 - Starting the installation

Place Windows Vista DVD in your dvd-rom drive and start your PC. Windows Vista will start to boot up and you will get the following progress bar.

Step 2 - Set the language, time and curreny formats, and keyboard or input method

The next screen allows you to setup your language, time and currency format, keyboard or input method. Choose your required settings and click next to continue.

Step 3 - Start the install or repair process

The next screen allows you to install or repair Windows Vista. Since we are doing a fresh install we will click on "install now".

Step 4 - Enter the product key

You can now type the product key that came with your Windows vista.

Step 5 - Choose the Windows Vista Version
 If you do not enter the product key you can still proceed with the installation in which case Windows will ask you which version of Vista you have purchased. Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, Business etc. Select the version you have purchased and click next.

Please note, although you can select any version of Windows and proceed to next stage. It is not good idea to select a different version to the one you have purchased because you will not be able to activate Windows at a later stage. Windows Vista can detect which version you have purchased once you enter your product key.

Step 6 - Accept the license terms

Click the "I accept the licence terms" box and press next.

Step 7 - Choose the installation type

Choose the type of installation you want to perform. You will notice that upgrade option is disabled as we have booted from the DVD-R. Therefore we can only select Custom (advanced) option which basically installs a clean copy of Windows from scratch.

Step 8 - Choose the location to install

Choose where you would like to install Windows Vista. If you have a new unpartitioned hard drive you would get your hard drive listed as shown on the image below. If have have an old hard drive with data or other partitions it will show up as logical drives. You can select the drive options (advanced) to format, delete, or create new partitions. If your are using a single new hard drive, you will select next to continue. Windows will create a partition and format it using NTFS files system.

Step 9 - Copying Windows Vista files

Windows starts the installation process and starts copying all the necessary files to your hard drive as shown on the image below. It will go through various stages of the setup and will reboot your system few times. When your PC reboots it attempts to boot from CD as its the first boot device. Do not press any key during the boot prompt so Windows Vista will continue with the installation by booting from your hard drive.

Step 10 - Choose a user name, password and picture
After installation copy process is complete you are presented with the Setup Windows dialogue box as show below. At this stage you need to choose a user name, password and a picture for your user account. The account you create here is the Administrator account which is the main account for your Windows Vista that has all the privileges. Click next continue.

Step 11 - Set the computer name and desktop background
Now you need to choose your computer name and desktop background. Click next to continue.

Step 12 - Set the Windows update settings
Choose whether your want to Help protect Windows automatically. Select "Use recommenced settings" to continue.

Step 13 - Set the time zone, time and date

Review your time and date settings. Select your time zone, correct the date and time and click next to continue.

Step 14 - Set the computer's current location
Next screen presents you to select your computers current location. You can choose between home, work, public location. Choose home to continue.

Step 15 -  Installation complete
Now you will get "Thank you" screen which confirms the end of the interactive installation process. This is not the end of the setup process. There are still many after installation configuration to be done. Click "Start" to continue.

Step 16 - Checking your computer's performance

Windows now runs a benchmark type of application which checks the performance of your system. You will see a status bar at bottom which shows the progress. Once the process is complete you will be presented with the logon screen.

Step 17 - Login to Windows Vista

Finally you will get the logon screen. Just type your password and press enter or click on the arrow to logon to Windows Vista for the first time.

Step 18 - Configure your Windows Vista
Once you logon, you will be presented with welcome center. You can use the welcome center to configure, customize, and update Windows vista.

How to install Windows XP

Installing Windows XP

When your Pc has problems starting up Windows XP due to various reasons and you have failed to solve it, then the next best solution will be to re-install Windows XP. A brand new hard drive also needs to install a clean Windows XP. A clean install means formatting the hard drive (Drive C) and reinstalling the operating system, puts the system back in the state in which you first got the machine.

Before You Start The Installation
Backup your important data before you begin this process! (If you have multiple partitions on your hard drive, data on partitions other than the system partition “except C drive” will not be affected with the following steps, but a backup is still recommended to be on the safe side). You will also have to re install all the softwares you were using in your previous XP.

Prepare The Boot Sequence
Windows XP cd is bootable. In order to boot from the cd you need to set the boot sequence. Look for the boot sequence under your BIOS setup and make sure that the first boot device is set to CD-ROM/DVD-ROM.
First, insert the Windows XP into the cdrom drive. Then go to the BIOS by hitting “DEL” or “F12″ when your system in starting up. Then Go to Boot order and make sure cdrom is on the first place. The boot sequence should look like this in your bios :

Save the settings and restart your computer.

Step 1 : Starting the installation

Once you have successfully booted from the CD, you will see the Windows XP “Welcome to Setup” screen. Press ENTER to begin the setup process.

Step 2: Accept the license agreement

When you see the Windows XP license agreement press F8 to accept it and proceed.

Step 3: Searching for Previous Versions of Windows XP

Setup will search for existing Windows installations. You will see the next “repair or install fresh copy” screen appear only if a Windows installation currently exists on your machine. If you’re installing on a brand-new hard drive, skip to Step 5.

Step 4:Continue Installing a Fresh Copy

Press ESC. You will be given a list of partitions available on your hard drive.

Step 5: Partitions

If there are multiple partitions on your hard drive, or you have multiple hard drives in the computer, use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to choose your install partition. Please note that your system partition needs to be a primary partition (usually the first partition that shows up in the list), not a logical partition.
The partition should be at least 10 GB in size. Make sure that all the data you need from this partition is copied elsewhere, because it will be deleted.
Once you have selected the right partition selected, press ENTER. You will see the next “you already have a system installed” screen only if you already have Windows installed on this partition. If you are installing on a brand-new hard drive, skip to Step 7.

Step 6: Continue Installing On The Selected Drive

Press C to continue. You will be given a list of install options

Step 7: Format The Selected Partition

Select the option to “Format the partition using the NTFS file system (quick) and press ENTER.You will receive a warning about formatting the drive unless the drive is brand-new.

Step 8: Continue With The Format

Press F to continue formatting selected partition. If you still haven’t backed up, this is the last change to backup your important data, after this step you will not to able to go back and restore your data.

Step 9: Copying Files

After the format setup will automatically copy files and restart your computer. Go to BIOS and remove cdrom from first boot device. Start your computer.

Step 10: Automatic Installation After Restart

Setup will continue to install after the restart. it will ask you for the product key and user name etc. Fill the forms yourself.

After The Installation

Install the missing drivers because windows XP will install a limited set of drivers,you’ll have to find the rest. To see which drivers you’re missing, go to the Control Panel > System > Hardware tab > Device Manager. Things next to a Yellow exclamation is a missing driver. You’ll need to reinstall these drivers from a system CD that came with your computer or download them from the manufacture’s website.