1. Disable any antivirus programs running on your PC before attempting to install Windows XP. Note that antivirus software should only be disabled under very specific conditions due to the security risk that this creates. However, antivirus programs can sometimes conflict with the Windows XP setup program and create installation errors.
2. Follow the standard Windows XP installation instructions that came with your Windows XP installation disc and are available on the Microsoft website (link in the Resources section). Ensure that you follow these steps closely, as skipping or modifying an installation step may create installation problems when trying to run Windows XP for the first time.

3. Check that the Windows XP installation CD is clean and not scratched or dirty. A dirty or scratched installation CD is the main cause of most file copy errors encountered while the Windows XP Setup program is running. Clean the installation CD with a soft cloth such as the type used to clean prescription eyeglasses. Reinsert the CD into your PC CD-ROM drive and click the OK button on the Setup screen.
4. Wait 15 minutes if the Windows XP Installation Setup program stalls, freezes, stops responding or turns into a blank black screen. Occasionally, such installation problems occur when the PC processor becomes overloaded with the work of installing the new operating system. After waiting, restart the PC and retry the installation process.
5. Track when the Windows XP Setup program encounters a problem and stops responding. The setup program sometimes goes further into the installation process than the last time that it stopped responding. If this is the case, continue restarting the computer and retrying the installation until the installation finishes.
6. Check that a piece of computer hardware is not conflicting with Windows XP and causing the installation errors. Restart the computer and hold down the F6 key on your keyboard, then press F7 to disable internal hardware. Disconnect any external computer hardware including printers, USB devices and sound cards. Retry the Windows XP installation.
7. Write down any error codes that appear in the Windows XP installation window. Enter the error code into the search box in the Microsoft Help and Support database (link in the Resources section). Search the database for the specific error code and follow any troubleshooting advice that Microsoft suggests for that specific installation issue.