Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Impove your slow computer performance with Windows Xp Pro Lite

If you are have an older, slower pc you can learn how to tweak settings and remove some programs or functions. Another option I suggest is to reformat your desktop or laptop and install Windows Xp Lite. Windows Xp Lite is a slim-down version of Microsoft Windows Xp Pro. This mini version has all the major components, functionality and features essential to a average, basic user. One noticeable modification in this light weight operating system is that you can only use the plain Windows Classic theme. Windows Xp Lite is strip down to the core necessities. If your computer is old and lacks the processor speed and memory, then it is wise to sacrifice the awesome graphics and operating system appearance, which is all, looks anyways. System performance is the main priority if you desire an accelerated user experience when having a slow or old machine as your only option. This article will go in full detail on how to install Windows Xp Lite on your pc. I was motivated to write this article because I had to install Windows Xp Lite on my antique pc and it was hard to find instructions that a basic user like me would need in order to understand the reformatting (installing) process. So here is How to Install Windows Xp Pro Lite...


What You Need

  • 30 Minutes of free time
  • Internet Access
  • Bit Torrent
  • A blank CD
  • CD burner/software
Step 1

First you need to download Bit Torrent, which is a free, peer to peer open source file-sharing application effective for distributing very large software and media on the internet. You can't download torrent files without it. Bit Torrent can be downloaded at bittorent.com or download.com for the low price of - free.


Step 2
So once you download and install Bit Torrent, visit: http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/3516657/Windows_Xp_Pro_Lite to download the Windows Xp Pro Lite torrent file. It shouldn't take too long
to download; it only took me 15-20 minutes, but that all depends on how fast your internet connection is. Windows Xp Pro Lite is only around 236 MB, which to me, isn't that big of a file. Try to remember to save the file on your desktop so you can easily locate and see the file when it is finished downloading.


Step 3

After you are finished downloading the Windows Xp Pro Lite torrent file, you will notice that it is an ISO image file. An ISO image file contains all the file system metadata including boot code, structures, and attributes needed in order to create a boot disk similar to the original Microsoft Windows Xp setup disk that comes with every pc or laptop when you purchase it. You will need to create your own Windows Xp Pro Lite boot cd.

Burn the Windows Xp Pro Lite ISO image on a blank cd. You will need a cd burner and software that has ISO image burning features such as Nero or Roxio. If not you can visit: download.com and download Cheetah CD Burner. Cheetah CD Burner burns cd's pretty fast and can burn ISO image files on cd for you. A lot of the basic, free burning software do not have ISO image file capabilities.


Step 4

If you have important data or media on your computer, now is the time to save it or transfer it to an external hard drive. You can also back up your system if you have back up software, but Ii usually don't do this because I'm not too familiar with using back up programs, I'm pretty sure it is simple to do, but I just never really had to go that route. Also have your original drivers ready, they should be included int the software package that came with your computer when you purchased it. If you lost it or don't have it, just google it, and download the drivers from your particular computer brand's website. You will need to install your PC's drivers after you are finished install Windows Xp Pro Lite.


Step 5

So now that you created your own Windows Xp Pro Lite boot disk/cd, that you have the Windows Xp Pro Lite boot disk/cd and saved your important data, it is time to reformat your pc and install Windows Xp Pro Lite.

Insert the cd into your computers cd drive and restart your computer.


Step 6
Right when your computer shuts down, press F12 to show the boot menu when it first starts up again. Usually you will see a splash screen with the logo of whatever brand computer you have that usually pops up for a
couple of seconds. So press F12 quickly before your computer fully loads up as it normally does when restarting it. Once you see the boot menu select cd drive. This basically means you are booting or starting up your computer with the cd drive, which is your Windows Xp Pro Lite boot disk.


Step 7

It will say: Press any key to boot from CD... (On the top of the screen) Press any key and then it will go to a blue screen that says: Windows Setup on the top left corner. Just let Windows setup, it will probably take several minutes.


Step 8

The next screen that appears will show you a list of the existing partitions where Windows Xp Pro Lite can be installed. Delete all the files on the partition with the existing Xp setup files you had installed in your system by pressing "D", then hit "Enter", then hit "L" to continue with the delete.


Step 9

Follow the instructions and select the drive you want to install Windows Xp Pro Lite on, which will be the C: drive.


Step 10

It will ask you what format you would like to use, select NTSF quick, which is the most recommended because of its security features and speed. Just follow the on screen instructions to continue with the format/install. This may take a while depending on your machine.


Step 11

As soon as it is finished reformatting and installing, it will restart and you now have fresh install of Windows Xp Pro Lite on your computer. One last thing you need to do is to install your drivers which should have come in a setup cd when you purchased your computer. If you don't have the original setup disk for your particular computer brand and model type, You will need to go on another computer and visit your particular computer brand website, for example: Dell.com and download the needed drivers to a USB flash data storage device or any other storage device and install it on your computer with Windows Xp Pro Lite. After that you should probably install the most recent Service Pack through a secondary site, not Microsoft.com. Now your all set, enjoy using your computer with a lightening fast Windows Xp Pro Lite.

Tip:

Alternatively, you can also avail online tech support services to make this procedure extremely easy.

When installing Windows Xp Pro Lite, there will be on screen instructions to follow, so don't worry if you are not familiar with installing operating systems through bios mode.

Make sure you save any important data or media.

Make sure you have all your drivers ready to install once you are finished reformatting your computer with Windows Xp Pro Lite, so your system can function properly.

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