How to Install Windows XP Without a Bootable CD-ROM
Most computer motherboards built since the late 1990s have the ability to boot from a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. However, a few can only boot from the hard drive or floppy drive, which creates a challenge when installing Windows XP. Download the Windows XP setup boot floppy utility to create a set of Windows XP boot floppies for a system that cannot boot from the optical drive.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Internet connection
- 6 blank 3.5-inch 1.44 MB floppy disks
- Windows XP CD
Instructions
-
-
1
Examine your Windows XP CD. The disc will specify whether it contains the "Home" or "Professional" version of the operating system, and will additionally specify whether it contains no Service Pack, Service Pack 1 or Service Pack 2.
-
2
Download the Windows XP setup floppy installation program appropriate for your version of Windows XP from the link in the "Resources" section of this article. Save the file to your desktop.
-
-
3
Insert the first blank floppy disk into your computer and double click the file that you downloaded. Hit the key on your keyboard corresponding with the letter of the floppy drive (usually A:) to begin. The program will tell you when it is time to remove the current disk and insert another. Number each disk as you go.
-
4
Restart your computer with the first floppy setup disk inserted. The computer should boot from the floppy automatically. If it does not, hit the key displayed in the initial monochrome screen when the computer is first turned on to enter the motherboard setup utility. Usually, the key shown is the "Del" key or one of the "F" keys. Once in the motherboard setup, look for an entry labeled "Boot Order" or "First Boot Device." Make sure that your floppy drive is the first device listed. Save your configuration and restart your computer. It will boot from the floppy drive.
-
5
Insert each floppy disk when the Windows XP setup program tells you to do so. This process loads all of the drivers necessary to make your CD-ROM drive and other required system devices function.
-
6
Insert the Windows XP CD when prompted. When the CD loads, hit "Enter" to choose the option "Set up Windows XP now."
-
7
Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to select the hard drive volume with the label "Unpartitioned Space," and hit the "C" key on the keyboard to partition it. The Windows XP installation program will show you the maximum amount of space on the drive that can be devoted to a single partition. If you are not sure how much space to use, enter the maximum amount. If your hard drive is already partitioned and formatted, skip to Step 9.
-
8
Choose a file system for formatting the new hard drive partition. If you do not know whether you should select "FAT" or "NTFS," choose "NTFS."
-
9
Use the arrow keys to select the empty partitioned and formatted hard drive and hit "Enter" to install Windows XP.
-
1
