Windows XP Cookbook

Chapter 2. Operating System Installation and Maintenance

Introduction

Windows installations have matured over the years and have become the gold standard for user-friendly setup procedures across all different platforms. Most users will encounter the installation process only once—when they first purchase Windows XP—and those who buy computers with Windows XP pre-installed are subjected to even less of the installation procedure. Thus, the majority of advice in this book will be about using and administering Windows XP after it is installed.

However, there are always some things to remember when preparing for a Windows XP deployment, creating customized installations of multiple operating systems, and keeping those deployments up to date, and that is the focus of this chapter. You’ll find recipes that include very generic solutions, as sometimes there is only one way to do it, but you’ll also find other recipes including both GUI and command line methods, and some recipes on updating Windows XP that include Group Policy methods.

2.1. Preparing to Install Windows XP

Problem

You want to get ready to install Windows XP on your machine.

Solution

You’ll need the following items handy to complete the installation:

• The XP professional installation CD, if you’re using this type of medium for the installation

• The product key for your version, which can be found on the back of the CD jewel case for retail versions. For network installations and other volume editions, you’ll need to check with the ...