How to Get an XP Startup Disk
A start-up or bootable disk (diskette) allows you to start your computer if the operating system cannot be booted from your hard drive because of corrupted system files or a physical hard-drive failure. The boot disk contains software tools needed for system troubleshooting and maintenance. Windows Explorer in the Windows XP operating system has a special command to create a boot diskette.
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Things You'll Need
- PC with internal or external 3.5-inch floppy drive
- Blank 3.5-inch diskette (floppy)
Instructions
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Making an XP Startup Disk
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1
Log in to a user account in Windows XP and insert the diskette into the floppy drive.
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2
Click "Start" in the lower-left corner of the screen and select "My Computer" to open Windows Explorer.
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3
Right-click the "A" drive icon in Windows Explorer and select "Format" from the context menu.
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4
Check the box "Create an MS-DOS Startup Disk." Click "Start." The creation of the start-up disk may take three to five minutes.
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5
Press the button on the floppy drive to release the diskette.
Booting From the Floppy
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6
Consult your computer/motherboard manual or online resources (see Resources) to determine the key to access the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). Typically, it is a "Del," "F1," "F2" or "F10" key.
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7
Insert the diskette created in Section 1 into the floppy drive and press the reset button to restart your computer.
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8
Press the key identified in Step 1 as soon as the computer or motherboard manufacturer's logo appears on the screen in order to enter the BIOS setup.
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9
Navigate to the BIOS menu "Boot" using arrow keys on the keyboard. Then choose "Floppy" from the list of boot devices and press "Enter."
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10
Press the "F10" key to save BIOS changes. The computer will restart automatically and will boot from the floppy now. Finally, a command prompt "A:\" will appear on the screen.
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1
References
- "Windows XP Home Edition: The Missing Manual;" David Pogue; 2004
- Creating a Windows XP Boot Disk
