How to Make a Windows XP Boot CD

Most computers require a re-installation of the operating system (OS) from time to time, as it results in a smoother running PC that is not bogged down with all the things that can accumulate with months or years of consistent use. While many PC manufacturers include a Windows XP boot disc, some don't, and even if yours did, it's possible you've lost the disc or the data is damaged on it. In which case, making a Windows XP Boot CD is something you'll want to do.

Instructions

1. Insert your CD-R into your DVD/CD-RW drive. Click the "X" when asked if you'd like to burn a disc.

2. Double-click the "My Computer" icon on your Desktop. Then double-click the "C:\" drive icon located within "My Computer."

3. Right-click the "I386" folder located within "C:\". Select "Copy."

4. Right-click on your Desktop and select "New Folder". Right-click the folder and select "Rename." Type in "WinXP" and hit "Enter."

5. Right-click the folder you just created and select "Paste." All the "I386" folders will then be copied over to this folder.

6. Download and install IMGBurn to burn the boot CD. You can do this by clicking the link in the "Resources" section and then by double-clicking the executable file that is downloaded and following the prompts to install the program.

7. Click the "Add Files" button and select the folder you created.

8. Type in "WXHOEM_EN" into the ISO 9660 field. Then click "Write." The CD-R will start to burn and will complete the process within a half hour.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't do anything while the CD is burning. The CD-R contains a lot of files and the more files there are, the greater the chance that data can be corrupted in the process of burning the CD, so it's best to just let the CD-R burn without any other programs open.