Getting Started
for the Preliminary Release of
Microsoft® Windows®
Code Name "Longhorn"

This document provides general information and step-by-step instructions for setting up Microsoft® Windows® Code Name "Longhorn."

Note

The following installation instructions are for a preliminary release of a product that is still in development. Any or all of the following information might change.

Information you must provide during the setup process

During the setup process, you will be asked for the information listed in this section. Be sure to have this information ready so that you can provide it when you are prompted to do so.

Windows Code Name "Longhorn" installation medium.
Product key (25 characters).
Pen or pencil. You might need to write down settings and other important information.
Internet information. If you plan to connect to the Internet, you might need the name of your Internet service provider (ISP) and other information provided by your ISP. You can configure your settings during the setup process, or you can postpone this until after Setup is complete.
Network information. If your computer is currently connected to a network, obtain the following information before you run Setup:

Name of your computer.
Name of the workgroup or domain.
If your computer is a member of a domain, your domain user name and password.
IP address (if your network does not have a DHCP server).

Upgrading to Windows Code Name "Longhorn"

The option to upgrade is not available in this pre-release version of "Longhorn."

Performing a clean installation of Windows Code Name "Longhorn"

You can use the clean installation option to install "Longhorn" on a new hard disk or computer. You can replace an existing Windows installation, removing all of its files and settings. You must reinstall your programs when Setup is done.

You can also use this option to install "Longhorn" on a different drive or partition if you want to have more than one operating system on the same computer. This is called a dual-boot or multi-boot configuration.

Note

Before installing "Longhorn," you should remove virus-protection software. In addition, you might want to run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to test your computer's random access memory (RAM). To use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, follow the instructions at the Microsoft Web site.

To perform a clean installation

With Windows running, insert the Windows Code Name "Longhorn" installation medium into your computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
Restart your computer.
When the message "Press any key to boot from CD" appears, press a key. Setup begins.
On the What do you want to do? page, click Install Longhorn.
On the Welcome to Windows Setup page, click Next.

Next

On the Type your product key page, type the 25-character product key.
On the Review the Microsoft Windows License Agreement page, read the agreement, and if you accept the terms, click Yes, I accept the terms of this agreement.
On the Which type of setup do you want? page, click Clean installation.
On the Setup will use these settings page, change settings as appropriate.
To reconfigure partitions, click Installation location, and then follow the instructions on the screen. To return to the Setup will use these settings page after making changes, click Continue.
Continue to follow the instructions on your screen.