How to Create an MS-DOS Boot Disk for XP

Insert the floppy boot disk prior to starting the computer to into MS-DOS.

Creating an MS-DOS boot disk for Windows XP allows you to boot directly to MS-DOS without a Windows XP installation disk. This may be useful if you have a computer manufacturer's recovery disk but not a stand-alone Windows XP installation disk and wish to perform maintenance and issue commands outside of Windows. Please note that the Windows XP installation disk is a bootable disk. You only need to create a floppy startup disk if you are unable to boot via CD-ROM drive or if you do not have access to a Windows XP disk.

Things You'll Need

• Blank floppy disk
• Floppy disk drive
• Windows XP CD or working installation

Instructions

Create a Boot Disk Without An Installation Disk

1. Insert a blank floppy disk.

2. Click on "Start," then "Run." Type "format a:" (without quotes), and press the "Enter" key.

3. Click on "Start," then "Run." Type "explorer," and press the "Enter" key.

4. Click on "Tools," then "Folder Options." Select the "View" tab.

5. Click on "Show hidden files and folders" in the "Advanced Settings" section. Click "Apply," then "OK."

6. Navigate to the "C:\" root directory. Hold down the "Ctrl" key, and click on "Boot.ini," "Ntldr" and "Ntdetect.com" to highlight them. Click on "Edit," then "Copy."

7. Right-click on your "A:\" drive in the left column of the Explorer window. Left-click on "Paste."

Create a Boot Disk With Installation Disk

1. Insert a blank floppy disk. Insert the Windows XP installation disk. Close the AutoPlay window when it appears.

2. Click on "Start," then "Run." Type "format a:" (without quotes), and press the "Enter" key.

3. Click on "Start," then "Run." Type "explorer," and press the "Enter" key.

4. Navigate to "D:\i386."

5. Hold down the "Ctrl" button, and click on "Ntldr" and "Ntdetect.com" to highlight both files. Click on "Edit," then "Copy."

6. Right-click on your "A:\" drive in the left column. Left-click on "Paste."

7. Click on "Start," then "Run." Type "notepad," and press the "Enter" key.

8. Copy and paste the following information into Notepad:
   [boot loader]
   timeout=30
   Default= multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\windows
   [operating systems]
   multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\windows="<Microsoft Windows XP Home>"

9. Click on "File," then "Save as." Navigate to the "A:\" drive. Type "boot.ini" as the file name.

10. Click "Save."

Tips & Warnings

• Change the operating system name to "Professional" if you intend to use the boot disk on a Windows XP Professional installation.

References

• Microsoft: How to Create a Bootable Floppy
• Tech Republic: How to Create a Boot Disk
• Micrsoft: How to Edit the Boot.ini

Resources

• Microsoft: How to Obtain Windows Setup Disks for a Floppy Installation