Look at the installation menu. It offers three main options:

• Install Windows XP
• Perform additional options
• Check system compatibility

Even though it doesn't specifically say "Upgrade to XP" anywhere it is there.

Here's a general roadmap for performing an upgrade to Windows XP:

1. Insert the disk. This should automatically launch the installation menu.
2. Next, click the green arrow or text next to it labeled "Install Windows XP."
   
   This will launch the first process titled "Collecting Information" which quickly identifies if you're eligible for an upgrade.
   
3. Next, you should see a popup window welcoming you to the Windows setup.
4. Make sure the "Installation Type" pull-down menu reads "Upgrade (Recommended)."
5. Click the Next button.
6. Click the radio button next to "I accept this agreement."
7. Click the Next button.
8. Enter your 25-character registration code.
9. Click the Next button.
10. You'll be prompted to display an upgrade report after the installation. Leave the recommended setting alone. Choose one of the other two options if you need to have more complete or no information at all.
11. Click the Next button to proceed to "Dynamic Update."

Dynamic update

The dynamic update will go online and download updated installation files that have been released after your copy of XP was made. Choose to download files from the Internet only if you have a broadband connection. Otherwise, just skip this section and choose to update after your install.

1. Choose the dynamic update option that best suits your needs.
2. Click the Next button to proceed to "Preparing Installation."

Preparing installation

After a few minutes you should receive a read-out of how much time is estimated to complete the installation process. This would be a good time to take a break if you need to, because you're about to be bombarded with all the wonderful new features inside XP.

You'll soon witness the installation beginning to copy all its setup files. When this is completed your computer will automatically restart itself. You'll then be prompted to choose an installation of Windows you'd like to start.

Don't worry. You don't have to choose anything; Windows will automatically proceed with the correct version within a few seconds.

You should now see the beautiful XP logo while your computer is booting up. The installation will finish copying all setup files and then restart itself. After restarting you'll be into the next phase, "Installing Windows."

Installing Windows

You will notice a slight difference in your display properties. The setup will continue copying installation files and other components over to your hard drive. If you're paying attention, you'll notice that your screen may flicker a few times during this process. That's OK and a good indication that the setup is almost ready for you to name your computer.

Next, you'll be asked to come up with a wonderful new name for your computer if the old name doesn't meet the new standards. Pick a name and then click the Next button to continue copying all the Network components.

Finalizing installation

If you've reached this phase you're done. Congratulations on a successful upgrade to Windows XP. You should now see the "Tour Windows" screen. Click the Next button at the bottom to proceed to the activation process.

Windows Product Activation (WPA) is the last step along the XP upgrade path. We recommend holding off on the product activation until you've finished installing any other additional hardware.

This will bypass having to activate your product again after making any changes to your hardware configuration. Click the Finish button to proceed to setting up your user accounts.

Final step

The final step is to name your user accounts. Do this now and then click the Next button to finally see your new desktop.

You're done.