How to Make a Windows XP Boot Disk

Windows XP is one of the most dominant operating systems on the market today. One of the reasons for its dominance is its relative ease of use and set up. You can install Windows XP directly from the compact disc, without the need for a boot disc. However, this can only be done if your computer is capable of booting with the CD drive. If you cannot boot your computer with the CD drive, you'll need to make a Windows XP boot disk.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP
• Four 1.44MB floppy disks
• Computer

Instructions

Make a Windows XP Boot Disk

1. Determine which version of Microsoft Windows XP you are currently running. You can do this by opening the System menu option in the Control Panel.

2. Head to the Microsoft website (see Resources below). You'll need to access the boot disk resource.

3. Click on the link leading to the bootable disks appropriate for the version of Windows XP you are running. For example if you have, Windows XP Home Edition, you need to click the Home Edition bootable disk link, or if you're using Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2, you have to click on the Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 link.

4. Run the executable file once the download has completed. This file contains the application needed to help you make your Windows XP boot disk.

5. Label each 1.44MB disk in order. This will ensure that you place the correct disk into the drive when prompted to do so later.

6. Insert the floppies into your floppy drive whenever prompted to do so by the boot maker.

7. Test your bootable floppies by restarting your computer and placing the first boot disk in the floppy drive.

8. Make sure you have set your BIOS to check the floppy drive prior to other drives.

Tips & Warnings

• Double check your computer's boot setup before downloading a boot disk. It's usually possible, through the computer's BIOS, to simply change the boot order of your computer, so that it will try to boot from the CD drive before turning to the hard drive.

• There is no way to make a Windows XP boot disk without downloading the necessary files from Microsoft directly. If you find any website or outside service claiming to offer a Windows XP boot disk, it is not legitimate and should be avoided at all costs.

• Be aware that future Microsoft products (Windows Vista and beyond) will not support boot disks. You will need to have your computer set to read CD drives as bootable drives.

Resources

• Boot disk resource at Microsoft.com