Does the Home or Pro version include IIS?
Only the Pro version has it.
I installed the Pro version but I can't find IIS.
The Pro installation doesn't install IIS by default. Go to Start->Control Panels->Add/Remove Programs, and click on "Add Windows Components". IIS will be listed in there.
How many computers can I install XP on?
Microsoft allows you to install XP on only one computer. Technically, it's been like this all along except there's been no way to enforce it. Microsoft's new Authentication System forces XP installations to link the PC, the CD Key, and an ID number that identifies your computer's components together, which means that you can't install XP from the same CD on another PC. You can read more about Windows XP Activation if you click here.
Will my programs work under Windows XP?
That's a complicated issue. Most modern programs have been written to work on Windows 95 and above, all the way to Windows XP using an API called Win32. By using this API, it guarantees that the application will work on any Win32 supported platform, so long as the application was properly written to Microsoft's guidelines. If an application wasn't written properly, it has the potential to break under not only XP, but any future OS. Now, programs that ran under DOS might not work at all due to a whole slew of reasons. Any popular DOS applications and games are sure to have a support forum, so check them out if you can.
Just in case your application doesn't work properly under Windows XP, there's a "Compatability Mode" in which your application will run in an environment similar to a previous operating system. Currently, the operating system choices are:
Windows 95
Windows 98/ME
Windows NT (Service Pack 5)
Windows 2000
So if you're having trouble with a particular application or game under XP, right click on the application's icon and click on the "Compatability" tab. You can also set a forced resolution of 640x480, force 256 (8-bit) color, and force the system to disable themes.
If I upgrade from Windows 98 or ME to Windows XP, can I revert back?
Yes, but I haven't done it myself so I don't know what the consequences are from upgrading, and then downgrading again. If you upgraded, there should be an item in "Add/Remove Programs" that allows you to uninstall XP. Note: if you upgraded to XP, and then changed your file system to NTFS, you cannot go back to 98 or ME since those operating systems don't understand how NTFS works.
Will my games work under Windows XP?
This is even more complicated than the application issue. Games are supposed to be written to not only the Win32 API, but any one of many different graphics APIs such as Direct 3D or OpenGL. Sometimes games take a "short cut" to gain better performance. Since Windows XP is built on a different core than Windows 95, 98, and ME, it's possible that some games won't work. You can read more about games under XP by clicking here.
Can I watch DVDs on Windows XP?
Not "out of the box", unfortunately. Microsoft is forcing consumers to buy a "DVD Decoder Pack" to allow playback of DVDs. You can read more about that by clicking here.
Can I listen to MP3s with Windows XP?
Yes. Windows Media Player will playback MP3s. If you're Yes. Windows Media Player will playback MP3s. If you're having trouble playing MP3s with Windows Media Player, make sure you have the latest update.
Can I rip MP3s with Windows XP?
Just like the DVD issue, you cannot rip MP3s with XP "out of the box". You'll have to buy the "MP3 Pack" which allows you to add MP3 ripping capabilities to Windows Media Player. However, you can use Music Match Jukebox and other third-party rippers as you have before, so long as they work under XP (chances are they do, but check the web pages of the applications to be sure). You can read more about music under XP by clicking here.
Can I have multiple operating systems installed on the same computer alongside Windows XP?
Yes. There's a procedure that's involved in order to do it properly. If you're installing Windows XP on a machine that already has another Windows OS, you have to make sure that you can install XP on a seperate partition, or a seperate hard drive. You cannot install XP on the same hard drive or partition that already has another operating system on it, meaning two OS's can't share the same space at the same time. The key is to install Windows XP last, this way the NT boot loader, which allows you to choose which OS to load at boot time, is installed by the XP installer. Microsoft has an article about multibooting.
What are the requirements for running Windows XP?
The minimum requirements can be found by clicking here.
If I'm buying the XP upgrade version, do I have to install over my old OS, or can I install fresh?
You can most certainly install fresh. When installing XP, you'll be prompted for your previous OS's CD. Once XP sees that it's a valid CD, you switch CDs again and the XP installer continues on its merry way.
What are the upgrade paths for Windows XP? Do I need to buy the full version?
All the valid upgrade paths for the Home and Pro versions can be found by clicking here.
I got a PC from with a restore CD instead of an actual Windows installer CD, is it considered valid for an upgrade?
This is tricky. Some PC manufacturers give the user a "Restore CD" which, although has a version of Windows on it, is nothing more than a "snapshot" of the hard drive when the user opened the box for the first time. Chances are, when the XP upgrade asks for the previous Windows OS CD, it will reject the Restore CD since it wasn't made by Microsoft. Your best bet would be to check with the manufacturer of your PC and see if you have an upgrade option. I'm still looking on Microsoft's site for a definitive answer on this.
Will Windows 2000 drivers run under XP? I heard that XP is just Windows 2000 with a new face.
There's no guarantee that Win2k drivers will work under XP. I wouldn't suggest even trying since it might make your system unstable. The best you can do is to check with your device's manufacturer first and see if they already have XP drivers ready for you to download from their web site.
I see there are two versions of XP - Home and Professional. Which one should I get?
Microsoft did a very good job of splitting the two versions, and making sure that one group doesn't need the features of the other flavor of XP. The only issue I can see i Microsoft did a very good job of splitting the two versions, and making sure that one group doesn't need the features of the other flavor of XP. The only issue I can see is the multi-processor support you get from the Pro version, and if it will affect gaming. Click here to read Microsoft's comparison of the two
Why clean install?
While a clean install is not always necessary, slightly better stability and performance can be expected when XP is installed to a clean hard drive or partition.
The XP upgrade is a vast improvement over previous Windows upgrades, and is usually the best choice when transitioning from a previous Windows version to XP. I recommend the clean install approach as a last resort, not the first option.
What are the positives
Slightly better performance, a smaller footprint on the hard drive, knowledge that nothing is carried over from a previous OS. There really isn't that much more than the issues in the link I included below.
Known Issues for XP Upgrades
What are the negatives?
You will need to reinstall all your programs, backup and restore your data and files along with custom tweaks.
There are exceptions where a clean install can impair the performance over a well prepared upgrade. The exceptions being systems with proprietary hardware and system utilities like laptops and some OEM desktops.
Preparation
Does your system meet the minimum requirements?
Run the Upgrade Advisor from the XP CD, or download from Microsoft.
Upgrade Advisor
Even though XP will recognize most of the hardware and peripherals the clean install does NOT furnish all the latest drivers. For instance, without downloading the appropriate drivers from the card manufacturer's web site; Graphics cards will not be enabled for OpenGL.
Does your system allow booting from the CD? Check your BIOS by noting during boot up the Key Commands needed to access the BIOS, this will be a text message usually at the bottom of the screen. If your system has a splash screen with the OEM logo hiding the boot up screen, press ESC as soon as you start boot up. When you get to the BIOS, access the screen that allows you to change the boot sequence. Set it to boot from CD before hard drive in the boot sequence. Some systems can change the boot sequence without accessing the BIOS, laptops for the most part do not need to access the BIOS.
If your computer does not support booting from the CD, check your OEM or Motherboard makers web site for updated BIOS. If the system is old enough it doesn't support booting from CD, you should carefully evaluate your options. Sometimes the complete replacement of the system will be a better investment than the likely need to upgrade hardware and software to run XP.
If booting from CD is impossible, you have the options below.
Download the XP floppy boot disk set from Microsoft. Home and Pro plus the SP1 version of Home and Pro can be downloaded from the link below.
XP Boot Floppy Set
Another option to the floppy disk set
from
Dr. D's
Windows XP System Setup Disk click on boot disks
Allows you to boot from a single floppy disk, partition and format the drive and then begin the XP installation from CD
Note:
A lot of people appear to be unaware of the fact that you do NOT need the 4 or 5 setup disks in order to install Windows 2000 and XP. A common Win98 boot disk such as the Boot Disk Essentials diskette below can be used to install these OS's. This is what the Win XP System Setup Disk above does.
Here's how to do it:
Start the computer with your chosen boot disk.
Change to the cdrom drive.
Go into the \i386 directory on the cdrom.
Run WINNT.EXE to begin the install process.
The above was copied from Dr. D's web site.
If the system you have files and setting on the drive is the one you are clean installing, you should run the Files and Settings Transfer wizard* on the XP CD before running setup. Also backup anything you do not have other media to restore from. This also includes software downloaded from the internet that is only accessed from the hard drive. Make sure you have all passwords and serial numbers backed up. If possible it would be a good idea to use an Imaging software like Ghost or Disk Image to create and image of the partition before clean installing. The two mentioned have the ability to restore individual files from the images.
*See the link below for the ultimate user friendly illustrated guide on the valuable XP transition tool F.A.S.T by MS-MVP Gary Woodruff
http://aumha.org/a/fast.htm
You will need to have a qualifying Win98/Me/2000 CD to insert if you are using an upgrade version of XP to clean install. OEM restore disks will usually not fulfill the qualifying requirement. If the restore disk has a i386 folder, it will usually work.
Steps to Clean Install XP
If the above instructions for configuring your system to boot from CD or you have acquired the necessary boot floppy/floppies; you can now boot the computer and follow the on screen prompts.
Have your Product Key available, typical install is around 30 minutes. If setup seems to hang, wait at least 10 minutes + before restarting system. You should experience momentary screen blackouts.
1. Power on the computer.
2. Insert XP CD into CD drive to boot from the XP CD (BIOS must support booting from CD and boot order must be set so CD boots before hard drive. If computer does not support booting from CD go to 2a for floppy install).
2a. Floppy install: Boot from Win98/Me/Special XP install floppy disk with smartdrv.exe added to the boot disk; or the Win XP set of 6 floppy disks.
3. Look for message "booting from CD" usually located at the bottom of the screen. If you have a factory splash screen, press ESC to unload it.
3a. Floppy install: From the A Prompt; A:\type: smartdrv.exe. then press ENTER. If you are using the XP boot floppy setup disks skip to step #5.
4. Press any Key when you see the prompt to 'Press Any Key"
4a. Floppy install: CD to the location of the CD-ROM drive with the XP setup files; CD to the i386 folder where you will type: winnt.exe to start setup.
5. Setup will start copying files, if you need to install any third-party or RAID drivers press F6 at this time. the copying of files can take awhile.
6. Next you will get the option to repair or enter setup, choose to enter setup. Press ENTER.
To see images full size, place mouse cursor over image and click/double click or press the left button and open.
7. Press F8 if you agree to the license.
8. Setup will scan for previous Windows installations
9. If you are using the upgrade version of XP on a computer without any version of Windows currently installed, this is where you will replace the XP CD with your qualifying CD, XP setup will scan the qualifying CD and instruct you to replace it with the XP CD to continue XP setup; otherwise, you will not see this screen. Clean install qualifying media can be any of the following Win NT3.51, 4.0, 2000, Win 95, 98, Me.
10. Choose the location to install.
10a If this is a clean hard drive, you can choose to create a partition in the un-partitioned space. At this point, you can allow Setup to use all the space or set a size for the partition.
10b If the hard drive or partition has a previous installation of XP you want to remove, choose to delete the partition by pressing "D". You will then be prompted to create a new partition in the empty space. This will remove all data from the deleted space.
10c If you intend to use multiple partitions, or dual boot, this is where you specify the size of the boot partition and or setup location for XP. If you are planning to dual boot XP, I would create a small 100 meg DOS partition for the first primary partition, then an 8 to 10 gig partition for XP. You can partition and format the remaining space after XP is setup from Disk Manager. If you do not intend to dual boot, you can either use all the un-partitioned space, or create an 8 to 10 gig partition for XP and leave the rest free to partition later.
If a fat32 partition larger than 32 gigabyte is desired, the hard drive or partition will need to be created before running XP setup. XP will not create a fat 32 partition larger than 32 gig, but will support one previously created.
11. Choose the file system from this screen. If dual booting and you created the small 100 meg partition, make it a fat partition. NTFS is configured at the optimal file size during the initial setup. See this link for more on NTFS
12. If you have more that one partition or hard drive on your system, make sure you are formatting the correct partition/drive.
13. Select F to continue.
14. Setup will show a progress box and reboot when copying files is complete.
15. When you see the "Press any Key to Reboot" do not Press any Key. If CD boots anyway, remove CD and reboot.
16. From this point, you will follow the on screen prompts.
17. If you live outside the US, you will probably need to modify the default settings.
18. Personalize your XP Enter your Name and Organization.
19. Enter the Product Key. The Key is located on the back of the CD folder in the Retail versions, and on a holographic label with the OEM versions purchased with a piece of hardware. Write this key down and secure it in a safe place in case the original is misplaced destroyed through natural causes or stupidity. 8-)
20. Choose a name for the computer, this should be a unique name for the computer, especially if it is to be connected to a network. In Pro, you are given the option of creating a password or leaving it blank.
21. Set your Time Zone and Time and Date.
22. Setup will scan for network.
23. If detected you will have the choice to choose a typical configuration or custom. Choose typical if you are unsure.
24. For home you will choose your workgroup, if a network is already established and you intend to connect to it, use the existing workgroup name, otherwise, I suggest using the default.
25. For Pro, the same goes for Pro as suggested for Home, but you will have the choice to join a Domain, if you do not have a Domain or do not know leave blank.
26. Setup will continue and reboot when completed ignore the "Press Any Key".
27. The loading XP window will now display after reboot.
28. You will see a change display settings, say yes, and accept the setting if you can see the screen after accepting.
29. You will see a welcome screen, press next and unfortunately you have to wait for the dialog to finish.
30. Set up you internet or network connection.
31. This is the Activate, Register screen. You must activate within 30 days of installing XP, but you do not ever have to register, Registration is completely optional and if you do not register, no personal information will be transmitted during activation. If you register, then activation will transmit that information along with the activation. The first Activation is usually done over the internet if the computer is connected to the internet, otherwise, it can be accomplished by copying the alphanumeric string from the activation screen and make a phone call to the on screen supplied phone number. The activation center will then give you a slightly longer number to input into for activation. I suggest you do not activate immediately in case you need to make hard ware changes, or install to a different system within the thirty days, and you will be reminded on boot up until you do.
Blaster worm warning: Do not immediately activate over the internet when asked, enable the XP firewall before connecting to the internet. You can activate after the firewall is enabled. Control Panel - Network Connections. Right click the connection you use, Properties, and there is a check box on the Advanced page.
32. Setup users screen. Set at least one user for yourself or the person that will be using the computer.
33. Thank You
34. Logon to XP and apply Service Pack and Critical updates from Windows Update before installing any software or hardware.
35. Install your anti-virus software.
36. Install all applications and setup your email.
37. Restore from Files and Settings transfer after reinstalling all applications