How to Install Windows XP with an ISO File | eHow.com

How to Install Windows XP with an ISO File | eHow.com

How to Install Windows XP with an ISO File

By Joshua Benjamin, eHow Contributor

updated: May 7, 2010

ISO files are a common form of the "disk image"--a virtual copy of a physical CD or DVD that has been backed up to a computer's hard drive. Most CDs and DVDs can be backed up to a hard drive as ISOs, including the Windows XP install disk. The process of installing Windows XP from an ISO is almost identical to the one you use to install XP from a physical disk. The one difference is that, because the ISO file is a virtual disk, your computer must have a virtual CD drive installed in order to make use of the ISO file.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 1
   Open your preferred virtual device program. If you do not have one already installed, see Resources for download links. Download one of the programs, then launch the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Reboot your computer when you are prompted.
2. 2
   Right-click the icon that coincides with your virtual device program in the lower-right corner of the taskbar and move your mouse over the "Virtual Devices" option. Select "Device 0" from the pop-out menu, then click "Mount Image."
3. 3
   Navigate to where your Windows XP install disk ISO is located in the new window that pops up. Once you have located it, select it and click "Open." An auto-run window will appear in a moment.
4. 4
   Click "Install Windows XP," then choose either "Upgrade" or "New Install," whichever suits your purpose better. Click "Next."
5. 5
   Accept the End User License Agreement (EULA) on the next screen, then click "Next."
6. 6
   Enter the 25-character Windows XP serial key and click "Next."
7. 7
   Click the "Copy all files to hard drive" option so that the install program will not need the CD to continue, then press "Next." Go through the remaining menus, following the on-screen instructions, until the Windows XP setup program starts the automated installation process.

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