How to Install Android SDK on Windows XP

1. Visit the official web site for Android developers at developer.android.com. This site offers widespread information to guide developers through the learning curve of programming for a Google phone. To install the developer kit, click on the 'SKD' tab of the web site.

2. Download the Android SKD for Windows. The kit is provided as ZIP file.

3. Extract the ZIP file. Right-click the downloaded file and choose 'Extract Files.' Follow the on-screen instructions until the Android SDK folder appears.

4. Open the Android SDK folder. Double-click the SDK Setup.exe file to open the installation window.

5. Choose a development platform from the list on the left of installation windows. The platforms are listed under 'Available Packages.' As there are different versions of Android, install the one that applies to the development you are doing. You may also install more than one to see how your applications will function under different versions of Android. Simply click on the desired packages and then press the 'Install Selected Packages' button in the lower right of the window.

6. Install documentation packages to assist in your development. These may be installed simultaneously with the platforms or later if needed.

7. Click on the 'Virtual Devices' section of the installer window to add a software smartphone to the SDK. This allows programs to be tested on a virtual device without the process of transferring code to a real Android phone. The benefit is faster debugging combined with the option of testing your program on a variety of 'devices' to ensure compatibility before its release.