Things You'll Need:
- 1.44 MB floppy disk
- Windows XP-based computer with a floppy drive
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Step 1
Open My Computer. Right-click on your floppy drive (usually a:), then choose "Format." Ensure that the disk reads as "1.44 MB." Skip the remaining options until you reach "volume label." Name the disk by altering the volume label, then click on "Start." Choose "OK," and close the format box once the process has ended. Keep My Computer open, as you will be using it soon.
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Step 2
Click on the "Start" button in the lower left corner. Click on "Search."
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Step 3
On the left, you see a prompt that asks, "What do you want to search for?" Choose "All files and folders," then type "I386" into the initial search field ("All or part of the file name:"). Click on "More advanced options" and check both "Search system folders" and "Search hidden files and folders."
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Step 4
Find the most recent folder named "I386." If you've applied service packs, "I386" is most likely located inside the ServicePackFiles folder.
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Step 5
Copy the "Ntldr" and the "Ntdetect.com" to your floppy drive. Do this by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking each file once. Next, click on "Edit" in the Explorer menu. Choose "Copy."
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Step 6
Locate "My Computer" in the taskbar. Left-click on it to bring it to the foreground. Next, right-click on your floppy drive, and choose "Paste."
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Step 7
Click on "Search Results" in the taskbar. Locate and click "Start a new search" in the lower left corner. Click "All files and folders," type "boot.ini," then click the "Search" button.
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Step 8
Follow the instructions in steps 5 and 6 to copy and paste the "boot.ini" file to your floppy disk. You now have a boot disk for Windows XP.
