Many users believe that installing operating systems on a computer is the prerogative of specialists. But is this really so? We learn to install and reinstall Windows XP on our own.

It's no secret that communication between a person and a computer is carried out using the operating system installed on your PC. This is a primary and fundamental software component, without which it is impossible to imagine a modern computer. Unfortunately, like any other program, the operating system is imperfect, and over time, almost any user encounters a violation of its normal functionality. This can be expressed in a significant increase in the time it takes to boot the computer and open applications, freezes during operation, the occurrence of various types of errors when performing certain actions, or even a complete failure of the system. Such consequences can lead to: incorrect actions the user himself, as well as the impact of various malware, available in abundance in global network Internet.

According to statistics, even if you operated your OS carefully enough and reliably protected it from viral infections, after 3-4 years, 80% of users have significant reasons to reinstall the system. And if you still decide to do it yourself, without contacting all sorts of paid technical services, this article is for you. In it we will not only look at full installation operating room Windows systems XPSP3, and we will try to analyze all the main nuances that arise during the installation process. This approach will not only allow you to more flexibly configure the new OS at the reinstallation stage, but also avoid possible loss of important data.

Naturally, before starting the installation you need to have installation disk with the system. Moreover, this disk must be bootable, i.e. the computer must be able to boot from it. As a rule, everything original wheels with the system or their images are bootable by default. In general, the installation of WindowsXP can be started in two ways - directly from an already installed system or by booting from disk. The second method is preferable, but if your old system does not boot or you are installing on new computer, then the only possible one.

In order for the computer to start booting from the installation disk, you may need to make simple settings in the BIOS. The point is that your optical drive should be first in the list of boot devices, which is not always configured this way. To check this, you need to insert the Windows CD into the drive and restart the computer. If during the boot process you see the message: “Press any key to boot,” then everything is in order and you can proceed with the installation. Otherwise, you need to go to the BIOS settings.

SETTING UP YOUR COMPUTER TO BOOT FROM CD

When you turn on the computer, it usually appears short message, indicating the key with which you can enter the BIOS settings menu. Be careful, as this inscription disappears from the screen quite quickly, especially on laptops. If you couldn’t see it the first time, immediately restart your computer using Reset buttons and try again. When loading starts, a large screen may appear on the screen. graphic image, covering service inscriptions on the screen. To remove it, press the Esc key.

List of most commonly used keys:

• Desktops - Del (almost always), F1
• Laptops - F1, F2, F3, Del, Ctrl + Alt + Esc. In the case of laptops, keyboard shortcuts can be very varied, depending on its model. You can find this information either via the Internet or by calling the service technical support.

Having found out the key responsible for calling up the BIOS settings menu, restart the computer again and at the very beginning of boot press it several times (once is enough, but to definitely catch right moment, pressing multiple times won’t hurt). If everything is done correctly, the settings window should open.

As a rule, the most common two types of BIOS are:

If your window looks like this, then you need to select a section here Advanced BIOS Features, and in it the paragraph First Boot Device assign the value CDROM. Then press the F10 key and select Yes in the dialog box that appears.

American Megatrends BIOS

Or if your window has Gray background, as in this screenshot, then select the section at the top Boot and in the subsection BootDevicePriority in point 1stBootDevice Set the name of your optical drive. Then press the F10 key and select Yes in the dialog box that appears.

U mobile devices(laptops), BIOS programs can vary greatly, and it is not possible to list all their possible options within the framework of this article. In any case, you should find an item in the settings window whose name is associated with boot (Boot) and in it set the optical drive (CDROM) as the first device.

STARTING INSTALLATION

After turning on/restarting the computer, if any Windows operating system is already installed on your computer at this moment, then after some time you will see the message “Press any key to boot from CD” on the screen. CD) which is what you should do.

Be careful as you will only have 5 seconds to enter the system installation. If the current operating system starts loading, it means that the opportunity to start the installation was missed and you should restart the computer again for the next attempt.

The basic installation screen will then appear. software Windows XP, which requires your intervention only if you plan to install the system on an array hard drives(RAID) or high-grade SCSI disk.

This is where you should press the key to install additional drivers for these devices, following the messages on the bottom line of the screen. In most cases, such intervention is not required and you should simply wait for the welcome screen.

On the welcome screen you will be asked to:

• Install Windows XP. Should be selected by pressing ENTER in case new installation or restoring a previous copy of Windows using a graphical interface.
• Windows Recovery using the recovery console. Should be chosen by experienced users to restore the system using DOS commands run from command line. Allows you to eliminate minor system errors without going through the full installation procedure. Most often used for recovery boot sector file system and main boot entry(MBR); spot copying, renaming or deleting operating system folders and files; creating and formatting partitions on disks. The Recovery Console is called up with the R key.
• Exit. If you refuse to install, press the F3 key.

Select the first item “Proceed with installing Windows XP” (even if you are going to reinstall the system) by pressing ENTER, after which a window with a license agreement will appear, which you must accept in order to continue the installation by pressing F8.

If any are found, you will see a screen with a list of these systems and a menu that will offer:

• Restore the found copy of Windows by pressing the R key. Once you select this item, you will have to go through full procedure installation of the system, during which all system files of the old copy will be replaced with new ones from the CD. All your data, settings and installed programs will be saved. Recovery helps in case of damage, deletion or replacement of infected files, system files Windows.
• Install a new copy of Windows by pressing the ESC key.

List box installed systems you will not see if you are installing the system on a new computer/hard drive, or if the previous copy of Windows has a different edition or service pack.

The next step in installation is distribution disk space under the operating system. This is very important point and you should treat it carefully, and perform all actions very carefully.

RULES FOR HARD DISK DISTRIBUTION

At this point I would like to make a small digression and give some useful recommendations by partitioning the hard drive:

• Don't allocate all of your hard drive space to one single partition. This is considered bad manners and can cause you a lot of trouble in the future.
• Modern hard disks have quite large capacities for storing data and therefore it is advisable to divide them into several thematic sections.
• It is recommended to allocate space for installing the operating system and necessary software. separate section and do not fill it with your personal data.
• Choose size system partition should be done with reserve, taking into account that for correct Windows operation, 15% of the space in this section should be left free.
• Don't create too many sections. This will make navigation difficult and reduce the efficiency of distributing large files and folders.

DEFINITION OF SYSTEM PARTITION

Now, let's get back to the installation. From this point on, the installation can proceed in two ways:

Option 1: You have a new computer and the hard drive has never been allocated. In this case, the following window will appear in front of you:

The size of the unallocated area is the volume of your hard drive and, of course, it absolutely should not coincide with that indicated in the screenshot. To continue the installation, you must create a partition on the disk (system partition) into which the OS will be installed in the future, and specify its size. As a rule, for Windows XP and related software, 40 - 60 GB is enough, but not less than 20 GB. By pressing the C key in the window that appears, enter the required size of the partition to be created.

The size must be specified in megabytes. Calculate it based on the fact that 1 GB = 1024 MB. Thus, if you want to allocate 60 GB for the system partition, you must enter the number 61440 in the size field.

By pressing the ENTER key you will return to the hard disk partition window, where the created partition will be highlighted in a separate line indicating the assigned letter from the Latin alphabet (usually “C”), the file system - in our case “new (unformatted)” and its size. Below there will be a line with the remaining unallocated area, which you can divide in exactly the same way into the number of sections you need. True, it is not at all necessary to do this here, since after installation it can be done using Windows tools.

Once you have created the system partition, select it using the arrow keys on your keyboard and press ENTER, after which you will see a final dialog box asking you to format it.

Feel free to choose the option quick formatting by pressing ENTER, since in the second case there is a check physical surface disk, which takes quite a long time, especially if the partition is large.

After selecting the file system, the installation of Windows will begin.

Option 2 - If the system was installed on your computer. Then your hard drive has already been distributed into logical areas, and you will see a window listing all found partitions.

Attention! All further manipulations with the found partitions may lead to the loss of your data, so be very careful in your actions. If current splitting hard If you are not satisfied with the disk, you can delete existing partitions completely or partially by pressing the D key. Choice the desired section done using the up and down arrow keys. After deleting a partition, the area it occupied becomes unallocated, and all data located on it logical drive are deleted. When you delete several sections, they turn into a single unallocated area, which you can later distribute as you wish. The principle of distributing an unallocated area of ​​a hard disk is described above.

After all the redistributions or if the existing hard drive structure suits you, all you have to do is select the desired partition in which you plan to install the system and press ENTER.

If you chose a pre-existing hard drive partition with data existing on it to install the OS, you will be given several options to choose from on what to do next. Be careful, formatting a partition in any file system will lead to the loss of the data contained in it! The FAT system is outdated and it makes sense to format only in NTFS (fast is preferable). Once you have made your selection, press ENTER to begin formatting and copying system files.

If for some reason you still want to save the information located in the section you have selected, then you should select the “Keep current file system without changes". In this case, all the data located on it will not be touched. Moreover, if it was in this partition that the previous copy of Windows was installed (the most likely option), then the installer will warn you that the “Windows” folder already exists, suggesting that you either erase the existing copy by clicking, or select new folder for installation. Definitely click here, because it doesn’t matter old folder with the system will be renamed automatically and saved.

It should be noted that after such an installation, it is strongly recommended to manually clean your system partition, namely delete large quantity duplicate files. The fact is that Windows installer, will not only save old copy system, but also all the files of the accounts that existed in it. Of all this goodness, the “My Documents”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders may be useful for you. Everything else will turn out to be useless garbage, taking up gigabytes of hard drive space. That is why it is preferable to take care of saving your data in advance, and new system install to a clean partition, pre-formatted.

This is where the installer branches end, and further installation proceeds linearly. After selection hard section disk for installing a new operating system, copying of the main Windows system files begins.

Upon completion of the copying, the computer will restart, where you do not need to do anything, but just wait for the installer screen to appear with a graphical shell.

DETERMINING INITIAL WINDOWS PARAMETERS

In this window you can change regional settings and input language. By default, the location is already set to Russia and the Russian language. So you don’t need to change anything unnecessarily, click “Next”.

In the next window, you must enter your username (your name) and organization (optional). Click “Next”.

To continue the installation in the key entry window, you must enter serial number Windows license sticker.

In the window for setting the time and date, most likely you won’t have to change anything either, since the correct data will be entered automatically, and all you have to do is click on the “Next” button.

You will see the next two windows only if the WindowsXP distribution contains a driver for your network card.

You should not change anything here, leaving the “Normal settings” option selected, however, just like in the next one, where it is more advisable to select the name of the workgroup/domain after installation.

After clicking the “Next” button, the final installation phase will begin, and all you have to do is wait for it to finish. After a few minutes, the computer will automatically reboot, after which the first launch of the new operating system will begin.

COMPLETING THE INSTALLATION

When you initially start Windows, you will see a few more dialog boxes. The first one will be “Display Options”, where you just need to click “OK”.

After automatic settings screen resolution, Windows will ask you to confirm them, which you should do by clicking “OK”:

There is nothing to configure on the welcome screen, so just click “Next”:

The next step is to be able to select parameters automatic update Windows, designed to regularly check via the Internet for all kinds of system security patches, critical updates and service packs on the official technical support website. Enabling automatic updates is desirable, but not required at this stage, since you can configure this setting more flexibly after installation from the control panel.

If network card drivers were installed during installation, then you will see two more windows: the first is checking and setting up your Internet connection, which should be skipped, and the second is registering the system, which is also better left for later.

The last parameter you will have to enter for the final Windows boot, there will be a name account the user under which you will work in the system.

Finally, you will see a window informing you that the installation of the operating system is complete.

A complete installation of Windows XP can take from 15 to 35 minutes and depends on the power of your computer. Immediately after its completion, you should install everything necessary drivers installed devices, after which you can begin installing the software.

Hello, dear guests and readers of the blog site. Today we have a topic: Many novice Computer users often encounter this problem. This problem, of course, arises because they do not know the basics of working on a computer. They delete, scatter system files, clog the system unnecessary programs and so on. As a result, the operating system begins to slow down, freeze, generate errors, or refuse to start at all. Of course, it is not always possible to fix these errors; the remaining option is to restore the system or reinstall the operating system.

When faced with such a problem, users at the novice or even novice level are convinced that the computer is broken or something is not working in it. Running in different services for PC maintenance, and shell out considerable amounts of money. Thinking that only a master with the appropriate education can cope with this problem. In fact, installing the Windows XP operating system is not that difficult. Any person who has the desire can cope with this task.

Computer technology is improving every day, and modern computer, no one can cause irreparable harm from the software unless they act on it purely physically. Therefore, I recommend that you not be afraid and try to reinstall Windows yourself.

Preparing to install the Windows XP operating system

1 - Installation disk (Installation disk). In order to install the Windows XP operating system on a computer, you must have a disk with operating system or make a bootable USB flash drive. You can buy or borrow it or download it from the Internet. In any case, it is not difficult to find such a disk if you have the desire. registration code, which is needed when installing the Windows XP operating system, must be on the installation disk. Without this key, you will not be able to install the Windows XP operating system. It is also very important that the CD drive on your computer works well. If the CD drive is not working well, it may happen that old system you will delete it, and you will not be able to install a new one, since your CD drive will not be able to read the information it needs.

2 – Drivers. Also, to install the Windows XP operating system on your computer, you must have drivers for the equipment installed on your computer. Typically, such a disk is included when purchasing a computer. If it is not there, then the drivers are on the computer itself, that is, on the hard drive. If they are in partition (C), you need to move them to another local partition.

Installing the Windows XP operating system

In order to begin installing the Windows XP Operating System, you need to insert the Windows XP installation disc into the CD drive. And after you restart the computer, a line will appear on the monitor that asks you to confirm loading from the CD. Now, press any key, and the installation of the operating system will automatically begin.

If this line does not appear, then the drive start function is disabled, this is usually the case, you need to enable it. This is what becomes the most difficult task for beginners. But, in fact, it is not so difficult, try to enable this function using one of the following methods.

First way – Restart the computer, immediately press the “F8” key several times » (if it doesn’t start, read about setting Bios to boot from disk), a menu appears on the screen to select a boot device. Set the value to DVD/CD_ROM to start loading from the CD drive.

Second way - We restart the computer, immediately press the “Delete” key several times » and get into “Bios”. By controlling the arrow keys up (?), down (?), left (?), right (?), we need to indicate that first boot device computer became a CD-ROM. To do this you need to find in Bios menu"Boot" item

Click on "1st Boot Device Priority" (First Boot Device), set it to "CDROM". Save changes and exit using the F10 key, or return to the main Bios menu and select the Exit & Save menu item.

After rebooting, a line will appear saying “Press any key to boot from CD…..” please confirm loading from CD. Now press any key and the Windows setup program will launch.

You no longer need to interfere with the installation process until the Windows Setup program asks you to do so.

The first thing you will see after running the installer is the prompt to accept license agreement Windows XP. Of course, you should agree and accept the terms by pressing the F8 key.

Then there will be a proposal to restore the old Operating System. Press the key « Esc », and thus we refuse . Next, select the partition on which the installation program will install Windows, and press the “Enter” key.

After we have selected the desired partition for the future operating system, we will be offered four options for formatting it. Choose « Format partition to NTFS system» (FAT system- already outdated) and press "Enter".

After this, the computer will reboot and continue its work; you do not need to do anything.

After some time, the installation program will ask you to select the language and country where your computer is located, "Language and regional standards" select and click “OK”.

As you continue with your installation, the installation wizard will ask you to enter your username and organization name, please enter at least a name. Click "Next".

Next, the installation program will ask for “Product Key”, you need to enter the code of the Windows being installed, where to get the product code is described in the section (Installation disk). Enter the product code, (you can change the keyboard language by holding down the Alt key and pressing Shift) . Click “Next”.

Then a window will appear “Computer name and administrator password”. We give it a name and a password to protect access to the computer; if you don’t want to set it, don’t change anything, leave it blank. Click "Next".

The long process of installing the Windows XP operating system on a computer is approaching its completion, and we are asked to intervene again and set the date, time, and select the time zone, having done this, click “Next”.

- Well, that’s all, the long installation process is over, all that remains is to wait for the Windows installation to complete.

Once the installation is complete, the computer will automatically restart. After starting the operating system, remove the installation disk. Congratulations, the installation of the Windows XP operating system on your computer has been completed.

Don't forget to go to "Bios" and change the value back “1st Boot Device Priority” on “HDD”.

I would be grateful if you express your opinion in the comments about installing the Windows Xp operating system on your computer.

Good luck to you!.

Watch the video tutorial. Windows installation Xp

Part 2.

Immediately after installation clean system, needs to be optimized and executed easy setup Windows XP. Setting up XP will allow you to feel comfort and ease of use and will also decorate your desktop.

Disable automatic updates

Automatic update Windows can be disabled by clicking START - CONTROL PANEL - SECURITY CENTER - AUTOMATIC UPDATES. It is recommended to refuse these updates altogether. If you need an update, you can always run it manually. Or configure the date and time for automatic updates according to a schedule.

Installing drivers

Methods for installing drivers are described in the special article “Installing drivers on a computer”.

Performance settings

Adjusting performance in Windows XP occurs in several stages:

Stage 1: increase computer speed


Select " options" performance, in order to configure visual effects. Select " provide best performance " Now check the boxes next to the following 4 functions:

• Menu fades out after calling a command
• Using Display Styles for Windows and Buttons
• Using common folder tasks
• Casting shadows on desktop icons.

Stage 2:remove all unnecessary things from startup
This will increase the speed and loading of your computer. Click START - RUN. Enter the command msconfig, find the “” tab.

We remove everything that requires a lot of resources. Leave only the antivirus; other programs can be started manually.

By deleting programs from startup, you DO NOT delete the programs themselves!!!

Remove system alerts

Remove annoying notifications you can do it in 2 simple steps:

• Click on the “my computer” icon right click mice. Select SYSTEM PROPERTIES – ADVANCED tab as shown in the figure below

Click disable

• Go to START – CONTROL PANEL – SECURITY CENTER. On the left select “ change notification method" We remove the checkmarks from all three positions.

Change desktop picture

Set wallpaper on your desktop Just:
1. Open the picture you like
2. Right-click on the picture
3. Select "make" background image desktop"

You can download desktop wallpapers on our website.

Add panel quick launch Just:
Right-click on the bottom line (where the "START" button is located), select "TOOLBAR - QUICK LAUNCH"

Most often on the Internet you can find instructions on how you can install Windows 7, 8 or 10 as a second system when Windows XP is already installed on your computer. It's relative easy task, which even an inexperienced user can solve, since a newer operating system always saves the bootloader of the old one and automatically creates a menu in which the user, when booting, can choose which system to boot - the new one or the previous one. In this article we will look at the opposite situation - when Windows 7, 8, 10 is installed on the computer, and the user wants to install Windows XP in parallel. The piquancy of the situation is that after installing Windows XP, the previously installed Windows 10/8/7 will stop loading and its bootloader will have to be restored.

Installing Windows XP as a second system after Windows 7/8.1/10

If you have a desktop computer, then it would be even better to use an SSD for modern Windows 7/8.1, and classic HDD- for XP. In this case, you can temporarily disable the SSD with Windows 7-10 so as not to accidentally erase anything from it, calmly install XP and then proceed to configure the boot order.

METHOD 1. Installing Windows XP with a connected hard drive with Windows 7/8.1/10 or installing Windows XP on another partition of the same physical disk

This ordinary situation which most users encounter. In addition, this method is suitable for inexperienced users who have several physical drives, but do not want or cannot disconnect the hard drive with Windows 7/8.1.

Attention! This method not suitable for SSD. If you want to install XP and 7/8.1 on solid state drive, you will need to first prepare the disk for XP using the Alignment Tool, then install XP, and only then can you install Windows 7/8.1.

Step 1 Prepare the partition for the second operating system.

Create a partition on your hard drive where you will subsequently install XP. If you need to partition a disk or redistribute space between existing sections, use free program MiniTool Partition Wizard Home (Download from the official website).

Important! Prepare sections EXCLUSIVELY on Windows 7/8.1/10 BEFORE installing XP! We strongly DO NOT recommend partitioning the disk in the XP installer! All you have to do in the XP installer regarding partitions is select the partition you want and quickly format it!

Let's say you have three partitions on your disk:

1. Bootable (capacity 100MB for Windows 7 or 350MB for Windows 8/10)
2. System, where Windows 7/8./10 is installed.

For Windows XP, you create a fourth partition. Where it will be placed and from which section to cut off the area is up to you. Of course, it is more logical to arrange the sections like this:

1. Bootable
2. System, where Windows 7/8/8.1 is installed.
3. Windows XP installation section
4. Disk with user data.

Although you will format the partition in Windows XP Setup, you can format it in Windows 7/8/10 so that you can set a label. And the label will help you not to make a mistake in choosing the right partition in the XP installation program.

Step 2 Install Windows XP

Boot from the installation CD or bootable flash drive and install Windows XP on the prepared partition. Be extremely careful when choosing a section. Be guided by its size.

Select a section and click Enter:

Select an item Format partition in NTFS system (fast):

Further steps for installing Windows XP do not differ from its usual installation as the only operating system.

After installation is complete, boot into XP and install all necessary device drivers. Set up your network and internet (if necessary).

Step 3 Restore the boot loader of the first operating system and add an entry for the second previous generation system to it

A. Preparatory stage. Downloading support software

Click Register at the bottom of the page:

To download, just like it on behalf of your Facebook account or subscribe by email:

The program requires Microsoft .NET 2.0 SP2 Framework. You can download from the Microsoft website http://www.microsoft.com/ru-RU/download/details.aspx?id=1639:

1. Install Microsoft .Net 2.0 SP2 Framework.
2. Install EasyBCD.

B. Restoring the Windows 7/8/10 bootloader

During XP installation Windows boot loader 7/8/10 got lost. Therefore, the first thing we need to do is restore it.

Launch EasyBCD.

1. Go to section BCD installation.
2. Select the partition where the Windows 7\8 bootloader was located before installing XP.
   In most cases, this is the very first partition, 100MB in size for Windows 7 or 350MB if your first system was Windows 8\8.1.
3. Select bootloader type - Windows Vista/7/8 in MBR
4. Click the button Rewrite MBR

After this, the Windows XP bootloader will be erased, and a new type of bootloader will be installed in its place.

Restart your computer. Now, instead of XP, your copy of Windows 7/10 should boot again.

Now our task is to add a second entry to the bootloader - to boot XP.

B. Adding XP boot entry to Windows 7/8/10 boot loader

Install EasyBCD in the same way again - now on Windows 7/8/10.

Launch EasyBCD.

1. Click Add a note
2. Select OS type Windows NT/2k/XP/2k3
3. Select a system name.
   This is the name that will appear in the menu when loading. We recommend removing the word Microsoft.
4. Click the button Add:

Now go to the section Current settings and check that the second boot entry is added:

After this you can click the button Edit boot menu, select the time for displaying the menu with a choice of operating systems at boot and rename the OS names. If you make changes, don't forget to click the button at the end Save:

METHOD 2. Installing Windows XP when the hard drive with Windows 7/8.1/10 is disconnected

This method, as we wrote above, is more suitable for desktop computers and only some laptops where it is possible to connect multiple data storage devices. The advantages of this method:

1. You don't risk accidentally erasing already installed Windows 7/8.1/10 during XP installation.
2. If you disable any of physical disks, you will be able to boot from the remaining disk, since in this method the boot loaders are located on different physical disks. You may only need to adjust the boot order in the BIOS.

Step 1 Turn off your computer. Disconnect the data cable from hard drive, on which Windows 7/8.1/10 is installed

Step 2 Turn on your computer and install XP on the remaining hard drive. in the usual way- as if this Windows will be the only one. Install all necessary drivers.

Step 3 Turn off the computer and connect the hard drive with Windows 7/8.1/10 back to the previous SATA port.

Step 4 Download Windows 7/8/10.
If you haven't changed the boot priority in the BIOS, by default you should boot from the same drive into your old Windows 7/8/8.1.

A.Installing software for editing bootloaders

Install Microsoft program.Net Framework 2.0 SP2 and EasyBCD (described in Method 1).

Now the only thing we need to do is add an entry to the Windows 7/8/8.1 bootloader about XP installed on another drive.

B.Adding the Windows XP boot entry to the Windows 7/8.1/10 bootloader

Follow these steps:

• go to the tab Add a note;
• select OS Windows;
• select type Windows XP;
• specify the desired system name in the OS selection menu;
• click the button Add for adding.

After this, restart your computer, select Windows XP from the menu and make sure that it boots from its hard drive.

Each operating system is installed, by default, with its own set of settings, which are far from optimal for ordinary users. This set is more aimed at people who were getting acquainted with an operating system such as Windows for the first time. If you don’t know how to set up Windows xp, then read on. In turn, I’ll tell you how, in my opinion, setup and optimization should look like.

I think many people have come across a window with a notification that some kind of error has occurred and with the question “Send” or “Do not send” a report describing the error, doubting that anyone has sent at least one such report to Microsoft :). I’ll tell you a secret, no one there is even waiting for your report, this was relevant at a time when Windows XP had just come out and, using them, the developers refined the bugs and errors that were made and released new updates with all the fixes. But the majority got used to such a message, and out of habit they clicked “Do not send”, not knowing that the appearance of this window can simply be turned off.

Also, at startup it loads standard set services that many users do not even use, as a result they take up some of the resources, such as RAM, while reducing the speed and performance of your computer. Or when launching an application that is connected to the Internet, it was blocked by the firewall, as a result of which this application was simply abandoned.

To avoid such unpleasant moments, in this article, you will learn how to optimize and configure Windows XP for fast and comfortable work with a computer.

Setting up Windows XP SP3

1.Disable automatic updates.

The first step in setting this up is to disable updates, because Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows XP, so you don’t have to wait for new updates.

2. Disable Windows Firewall.

To avoid blocking any programs, disable Windows Firewall

3.Setting Date and Time.

We exhibit correct date and time and on the next tab we select the time zone we need. In the “Internet Time” tab, uncheck the box to synchronize time with the Internet.

4. “Taskbar and Start Menu.”

By right-clicking on “Start” and selecting “Properties”, check and uncheck the boxes as shown below. But whoever likes this item is a setting appearance“Start”, this is just the optimal setting for me.

5.Internet properties.

In the “General” tab in the “Address” line we can indicate our home page for the browser or just write “about:blank” to display a blank window. For temporary files we set small size so that the “C:\” drive does not become clogged in the future

Go to “Contents” by clicking on the “Autofill” button and uncheck the “username and passwords” box.

In the “Advanced” tab, check the boxes as indicated in the screenshot.

In general, check the box to use regular Windows folders As a result, the graphic menu on the right will be removed when opening any folders, but if you are comfortable working with it, we leave everything as is. Go to the “View” tab and check and uncheck the selected items.

7. “Network connections.”

IN network connections turn off the scheduler QoS packets, you won't need it for your home computer. And put a checkmark at the bottom of the window to display the connection status. By clicking on “Properties” we set the IP address to be received automatically ( Some providers give their users static IP addresses, in which case you will need to configure the settings provided by your provider manually).

8.Setting System Properties.

We customize visual effects depending on the quantity random access memory. Below are recommendations for computers with 256MB of memory.

Going to “Advanced”, click “Options” where we uncheck the boxes for sending administrative alerts and performing an automatic reboot in case of failure or blue screen error. In the “Error Reporting” menu, disable it.

I think that it is unlikely that anyone will connect to you remotely, so we simply disable this item.

To restore the system, we set only the “C:\” drive for monitoring and set about 10% of the reserve space on the disk ( if your system is located on the “D:\” drive, then select only it accordingly).

We turn off all notifications from the security center, which constantly shouts that the antivirus is not installed and the computer is in danger.

10. "Screen"

Go to desktop settings where we disable automatic cleaning every 60 days. Next, we remove the screen saver by indicating in the “No” field, and go to the “Power Options” item - for stationary machines we disable “sleep mode”, and on the “Options” tab we configure optimal resolution screen.

11. “Language and regional standards”

IN this menu set the location and language standards, and on the “Advanced” tab set the language to “Russian”.

12."Services"

To speed up your computer and turn it on, you must configure Windows services xp, to do this, set the following services to “Disabled”:

• Machine Debug Manager (will appear after installing the MS Office package);
• Automatic update (due to lack of Windows support XP);
• Wireless setup (for laptops, leave it on);
• Source uninterruptible power supply(if there is no UPS);
• Smart Card Helper module;
• Smart cards;
• Service remote control registry (it is unlikely that someone will tinker with your registry remotely);
• Compatibility fast switching users;
• Help and support (The service is always on but is usually never used);

Here is approximately the main list of services that can be disabled on home computer. Of course, for each computer you can choose a couple more, depending on how it will be used.

I also forgot to describe one point, after installation, the “Get to know Windows” window constantly appears in the lower right corner, just click on it and wait until the browser opens with a description of XP, but if you close it with a cross, the next time you reboot it will appear again. Also, if you have not yet installed necessary drivers I recommend reading the article installing drivers for Windows XP. That's the main point Windows setup xp ends, in my opinion the OS should look like this after installation. What would you add or remove from the guide described above?