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Install Windows XP without Floppy, CD-ROM, USB devices on a Laptop

I have a client with a pretty busted Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop. The CD-ROM is broken, all of the USB ports are broken except one. I have an external CD-ROM (usb) but it doesn't get picked up in the BIOS to boot from it and in Windows it never fully installs. I have a laptop IDE to USB converter that i am using to backup the original data on the drive. What is the best method to get a clean install of Windows XP on this laptop? I have never had any luck with installing Windows XP from a USB drive, and i don't particularly trust the 1 remaining USB port. I am thinking there has to be a way to store the installation files from the Windows CD on the hard drive itself. Ideas?

Thanks.

MISOperations

Use Roxio or any imaging program, make a copy of the windows xp disc, then load it to a usb drive and boot from that.

wantabe2

It looks like the USB option is your only option.

jstohel

if you formated the drive with your adapter to fat32, then copied the files to the hdd; you should then be able to use a dos boot disk to run the setup from that drive. you might need to make multiple partitions but hsould work. after setup is complete then you could convert the hdd from fat32 to ntfs if you would like.

wantabe2

Or create a installation file & boot to the NIC

or

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cd_dvd_drive_problems

santoshmotwani

http://www.syschat.com/install-windows-xp-without-floppy-cd-463.html

Hope this tutorial helps

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Tom Scott

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zeotech

ASKER

I still have 2 hours left on the drive imaging.

I'm trying out FlashBoot now to take my Windows XP install CD to a bootable USB drive.

TomRScott: sounds good, i'll try that out after flashboot.

Tom Scott

When I can, I prefer installing from the hard drive for workstations anyway.
Good Luck,

Tom

zeotech

ASKER

I should be able to test out FlashBoot before the drive imaging completes. I will at least be able to tell if it will boot from USB. I am not quite convinced since the laptop is 5 years old (latest BIOS at least).

TomRScott: when you install from the same drive are you able to do a clean install when initiating the setup from Windows?

Tom Scott

Clean install from Windows: Yes, you just have to designate a NEW directory for Windows. So check what directory your Windows is already installed into and pick another name. If Windows, WinXP, if already WinXP, Windows or WinXP2.
Of course, do NOT format the C drive during installation!!!
- Tom

SOLUTION

Gary Case

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