Windows install CD - requirements

Locating drivers
You’ve probably got a good idea of what drivers you have, but if you’re not sure, use a tool like Belarc Advisor (get it here) to glean more information about them. Then visit the hardware manufacturer’s Web site to download the latest version of those drivers. Alternatively, check your PC manufacturer's Web site - look in the support or downloads section and you should find a list of drivers for your product.
If you’re using Windows XP look for signed drivers if possible - these have been rigorously tested and shouldn’t cause your system any trouble. Even if you don’t want to bother downloading drivers for every hardware device on your PC, you should ensure you have drivers for your network or modem - with these you can then go online to get the rest if you need to.

Service Packs
You’ll also need the latest Service Pack for Windows - that’s Service Pack 4 for Windows 2000, and SP3 for Windows XP. We’re talking about the full install here too - so you’re looking at a 316MB download for Windows XP SP3, and 129MB for Windows 2000 SP4.
If you've got a broadband connection, you can download Windows XP Service Pack 3 here. Failing that, you can order the CD from Microsoft for a small charge here - it's £5.98 + VAT for UK users, for example. Windows 2000 SP4 can be downloaded from here - sadly there's no CD available from Microsoft, so find a friend with a broadband connection and ask them to put it on CD or USB flash drive for you. We also recommend you download the Update Rollup 1 package for Win2000 (32MB) - this includes most updates released since SP4, and you’ll find it at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/891861. You can’t slipstream this into your Windows 2000 CD, but it’s there for immediate installation after you’ve installed Windows 2000 SP4.

Finding your Windows product key

1 CHECK PC DOCUMENTATION
Start by looking through your PC’s documentation - in most cases, you’ll find the product key listed on the recovery disc sleeve or one of the user manuals. If not, you should be directed elsewhere to the correct location.

2 CHECK PC CASING
If you can’t find the product key among your documentation, expand your search to the case of your desktop or laptop. Many manufacturers place a sticker containing the required key on to the case itself for ease of reference.

3 USE BELARC ADVISOR
If all else fails, download the Belarc Advisor from here. Once downloaded, install the program and scroll to the Software Licenses section - you’ll find the Windows Product key here, which you should make a note of.