How to Create a Boot Disk for an NTFS Partition in Windows XP SP2

A boot disk is a floppy disk or a CDROM that is used to boot the computer when files become corrupted on the hard drive. The installation CDROM for Windows XP is a boot disc. However, some people prefer to have a floppy disk handy in case the CDROM is lost or broken. Creating a boot disk for Windows XP is accomplished using an internal process included with the Windows XP operating system.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blank floppy disk

1. Insert the floppy disk into the computer. Double-click the "My Computer" icon on the desktop. Double-click the "A:" drive. Check that there are no important documents or files needed. When creating a boot disk, all the information is deleted. If important documents are on the floppy, copy them to the computer's hard drive.

2. Right-click the "My Computer" icon on the desktop. Select "Format" from the menu. This opens a new window.

3. Click the "Create an MS-DOS startup disk" button. Click the "Start" button. The Windows XP operating system automatically creates a boot disk with the necessary files to load Windows XP.

4. Test the boot disk by rebooting the machine with the disk still in the floppy drive. If Windows is able to boot, then the files were copied successfully.

References

• computerhope.com