Clean installation of Windows XP.

Start the Installation:

Insert your Windows XP Installation CD.

If Windows automatically detects the Installation CD, you will soon be prompted with a "Press any key to boot from CD" message. You will have 5 seconds to hit any key. If you've delayed too long, your computer will continue to start from the hard disk.
Once you have pressed any key, files will begin to load from the installation CD. You will soon be asked what type of installation you wish to perform:

    * New Installation
    * Repair an existing installation

Now choose "New Installation"
You will then be prompted to agree to the End User License Agreement (EULA). You cannot continue without accepting. Press F8 to continue. Feel free to read the EULA if you want, but make sure you take breaks every hour or so.

The next screen will show the available partitions where you can install XP. Here you have the ability to create/delete partitions or just allocate the available space to one partition. If you choose to create multiple partition for whatever purpose, be sure to create them with sufficient size. I recommend partitions between 4-10 GB of size depending on what your plans are. If you plan to install a second Operating System, then an 8 to 10 GB partition would be best, but if your plans are merely to use a partition for backup purposes, then 4 to 6 GB may work fine.
Once your have chosen the partition you wish to install XP on, you will now need to format it to a file system. The choices are:

    * Fat32:
    * NTFS:

Short for New Technology File System, one of the file system for the Windows NT  operating system (Windows NT also supports the FAT file system). NTFS has features to improve reliability, such as transaction logs to help recover from disk failures. To control access to files, you can set permissions for directories and/or individual files. NTFS files are not accessible from other operating such as DOS
You will need to make a choice of the different formatting options. I recommend that you perform a FULL format of whichever file system that you've chosen. Once the format is complete, the installation will continue.
You will now see all of the files loading to your hard drive from the installation CD. Once the files are loaded, Windows will automatically reboot your system. When you are given the "Press any key to boot from CD" message, do not hit any key. Just let your system continue loading to your hard drive.

You will be prompted from time to time to enter in specific setup information such as:

    * Region and Language
    * Name and Organization
    * Product License Key
    * Date and Time
    * User Name and Password

Note: Be sure to write down and save your user name and password.

Eventually, Windows will reboot your system again. It will take you directly to the Windows Activation screen. You will be given the option to activate now or within a 30 day period. I recommend you take the time to activate your copy now. If you don't, you will be bothered by on-screen reminders.
Congratulations! Your Windows XP Installation is complete! Enjoy.