How to Install a New Operating System on Your Computer Colorado

Steps

1. First, back up all of your data that you want to save. Use blank CD's, PIN drives, Floppy disks, external hard disks, backup disks, ect. If your computer is totally screwed up and only boots to a screen claiming that a bootup file is corrupt, you need to CAREFULLY remove the hard disk and hook it up to another computer externally. There is a special kind of USB cable for this.
2. If you have had to remove the hard disk, re-mount it on your computer, and then insert a BOOTABLE operating system disk. To boot up from it, you may need to temporarily change your BIOS settings. Every computer has a different way to do this, you can find out in your owner's manual.
3. Configure the computer to boot from the CD drive if the OS is on CD, Floppy Drive if the OS is on Floppy, etc. (NOTE: If your OS is on Floppy, then you need to enable 'Boot Up Floppy Seek.' You will know when this is enabled, for when you boot up, your floppy drive will make a 2-3 tone buzz.)
4. Wait for the setup to load. When it's loaded, format your C:\ Drive, and start choosing the options. For instance, choose the installation to be full if you are on a desktop computer.
5. Make sure you have your product ID number ready, as it may ask you what it is at any time.
6. When the OS is installation is 'complete,' reboot, and then the real installation begins. Wait a few hours as the files are copied. Once again, have your product ID ready.
7. When you finally have finished the installation for real, you will logon, and be free to change the rest of the settings as you like.

Tips

• Make sure you back up ALL of your pictures and documents that you want to keep!
• I know that this doesn't give much detail on how to install the operating system itself, the choices to do this will have to be made on your own. If you want to get a typical installation, just go with the default settings.

Warnings

• When you format your C:\ drive, you are basically wiping ALL information off of it, so save EVERYTHING!!!
• If you remove the hard disk, be EXTRA CAREFUL! Oh, and don't forget that this may void your warranty, if you have one.
• If you don't feel comfortable doing this, have a friend who is experienced with this kind of stuff help.
• After you install it, change your BIOS settings back to how you had them.
• This article is for installing windows only.
• If you are under 10 years of age, you probably shouldn't do this.

Things You'll Need

• A computer
• An Operating System Disk
• Computer Experience
• A friend or professional's help (if you don't have computer experience)

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Install a New Operating System on Your Computer. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.