By Tim Fisher, About.com Guide
Choose the Networking Settings
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 21 of 34
This is the beginning of Part 3 of 4. If you need to, you can go back to the previous step located at the end of Part 2.
The Networking Settings window will appear next with two options for you to choose from – Typical settings or Custom settings.
If you’re installing Windows XP in on a single computer or a computer on a home network, chances are the correct option to choose is Typical settings.
If you’re installing Windows XP in a corporate environment, you may need to choose the Custom settings option but check with your system administrator first. Even in this case, the Typical settings option is probably the right one.
If you’re not sure, choose Typical settings.
Click Next >.
Enter a Workgroup or Domain Name
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 22 of 34
The Workgroup or Computer Domain window will appear next with two options for you to choose from – No, this computer is not on a network, or is on a network without a domain… or Yes, make this computer a member of the following domain:.
If you’re installing Windows XP on a single computer or a computer on a home network, chances are the correct option to choose is No, this computer is not on a network, or is on a network without a domain…. If you’re on a network, enter the workgroup name of that network here. Otherwise, feel free to leave the default workgroup name and continue.
If you’re installing Windows XP in a corporate environment, you may need to choose the Yes, make this computer a member of the following domain: option and enter a domain name but check with your system administrator first.
If you’re not sure, choose No, this computer is not on a network, or is on a network without a domain….
Click Next >.
Wait for the Windows XP Installation to Finalize
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 23 of 34
The Windows XP installation will now finalize. No user intervention is necessary.
Wait for Restart and First Windows XP Boot
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 24 of 34
Your PC will automatically restart and proceed to load Windows XP for the first time.
Accept Automatic Display Settings Adjustment
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 25 of 34
After the Windows XP start up splash screen appeared in the last step, a window titled Display Settings will appear.
Click OK to allow Windows XP to automatically adjust the screen resolution.
Confirm Automatic Display Settings Adjustment
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 26 of 34
The next window is titled Monitor Settings and is asking for confirmation that you can read the text on the screen. This will tell Windows XP that the automatic resolution changes it made in the previous step were successful.
If you can clearly read the text in the window, click OK.
If you can not read the text on the screen, the screen is garbled or not clear, click Cancel if you are able. If you can’t see the Cancel button don’t worry. The screen will automatically revert to the previous setting in 20 seconds.
Begin Final Set Up of Windows XP
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 27 of 34
The Welcome to Microsoft Windows screen appears next, informing you that the next few minutes will be spent setting up your computer.
Click Next ->.
Wait for Internet Connectivity Check
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 28 of 34
The Checking your Internet connectivity screen appears next, informing you that Windows is checking to see if your computer is connected to the Internet.
If you’d like to skip this step, click Skip ->.
Choose an Internet Connection Method
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 29 of 34
In this step, Windows XP wants to know whether your computer connects to the Internet through a network or if it connects to the Internet directly.
If you have a broadband connection, like DSL or a cable or fiber connection, and are using a router (or if you’re on another type of home or business network) then choose Yes, this computer will connect through a local area network or home network.
If your computer connects directly to the Internet via a modem (dial-up or broadband), choose No, this computer will connect directly to the Internet.
Windows XP will see most modern Internet connection setups, even those involving only a single PC, as on a network so the first option is probably the most likely choice for most users. If you’re really not sure though, choose No, this computer will connect directly to the Internet or click Skip ->.
After making a choice, click Next ->.
Optionally Register Windows XP with Microsoft
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 30 of 34
Registration with Microsoft is optional, but if you’d like to do that now, choose Yes, I’d like to register with Microsoft now, click Next -> and follow the instructions to register.
Otherwise, choose No, not at this time and click Next ->.
Create Initial User Accounts
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 31 of 34
In this step, setup wants to know the names of the users who will use Windows XP so it can setup individual accounts for each user. You must enter at least one name but can enter up to 5 here. More users can be entered from within Windows XP after installation is complete.
After entering the account name(s), click Next -> to continue.
Finish Final Setup of Windows XP
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 32 of 34
We’re almost there! All of the necessary files are installed and all of the necessary settings are configured.
Click Finish -> to proceed to Windows XP.
Wait for Windows XP to Start
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 33 of 34
Windows XP is now loading for the first time. This may take a minute or two depending on your computer’s speed.
Windows XP Clean Installation is Complete!
Windows XP Clean Install – Step 34 of 34
This completes the final step of the Windows XP clean installation! Congratulations!
The first step after a clean install of Windows XP is to proceed to Windows Update to install all of the latest updates and fixes from Microsoft. This is a very important step to ensure that your new Windows XP installation is secure and up to date.
Republished from About.com (View original version.)
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