Installing XP is fairly simple if you pay attention to the prompts and respond accordingly.
First you need to set the correct boot order so you can boot from the install disc. On my machine, holding down F1 gets me into the BIOS, where I can set an optical drive as first boot device. Then put in the disc and reboot.
I'd strongly advise you to download SP2 and have it ready, rather than trying to update. During that time you'd be more vulnerable than necessary. If you get the network install version, you could create your own "slipstreamed" or fully up-to-date and customised install disc. Here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
In addition, you can get all the security updates in one package, here:
http://www.autopatcher.com/
If you have any other questions, fire away.
