How to Install Programs in Windows XP

by Maureen Bruen
External disk drive for CD-ROM installs

External disk drive for CD-ROM installs

cd-rom image by Falk from Fotolia.com

To install programs in Windows XP, insert the installation CD/DVD or download the install software from the Internet. The setup program guides you through the installation process. Follow the setup program installation instructions and the program will be installed in Windows XP. In some cases, the install wizard asks you to restart your computer prior to completing the program installation process.

Step 1

Click the download link of the software you would like to install from the Internet. If you have an installation disc, insert the CD/DVD into the drive attached to your computer.

Step 2

Click the "Save" button if the software was downloaded from the Internet, then double-click the file when it's finished downloading. Most CD/DVD programs will run automatically. For those that don't, click the "My Computer" icon in the "Start" menu and double-click your CD/DVD drive. It may also be necessary to click a setup file in the CD, such as "setup.exe."

Step 3

Follow the installation instruction program prompts to install the software.

Step 4

Click "Finish," "Launch" or "Restart" to complete the installation process. Some software setup programs require you to restart your operating system before the software program installation can be completed.

Step 5

If the install process required a restart, "Launch" the software program after the restart is complete by selecting it from the "Start" menu.

About the Author

Maureen Bruen is a graduate of Williams College with a bachelor's degree in art history and computer science. She has been writing, programming, designing and doing photography for corporations and local governments since 1999. She started publishing technical manuals for software companies using SQL (Structured Query Language) in 1991.

Photo Credits