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Sep 30, 2008

Reload OS without a Bootable Disc

by GlueTooth / General

H-Desk.com Forum Index > Articles archive > General

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What if you need to reload your OS, presumable Windows XP, but you don’t have bootable disc available. Here are some instructions how to do that without a disc.

Before we proceed, I must issue the warning that following instructions delete ALL data on the HDD.

Also, using DOS requires that the hard drive be formatted in FAT32. It is possible to convert to NTFS later on.
And one more thing: Your system must bet set to boot from the floppy drive.

*A Note: You can avoid installation from DOS by using the bootable floppy diskettes provided by Microsoft. You can find them here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=83f53be9-28fa-40e8-8ec2-631504ef5e26&DisplayLang=en


The information given will help you to:
  1. Install Windows XP if you do not have a bootable CD-ROM.
  2. Install Windows XP from DOS
  3. Install Windows XP if you have a swappable floppy / CD-ROM laptop, but cannot boot from a CD

So let’s go.

How to install Windows XP from DOS without a bootable CDROM

1) Obtain a Windows 98SE startup / emergency boot diskette

Download this self-extracting image and insert a blank floppy disk into your disk drive
http://bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm

OR

Alternative ways to make boot disks in Windows and DOS:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;296532&Product=w98 

2) Preparing for your Windows XP installation - Make the hard drive bootable and add CD-ROM support

  • Insert your Windows 98 startup diskette and start/restart your computer
  • Your computer will boot into DOS. When prompted for CD-ROM support, this is not necessary. Please continue.
  • Command prompt will appear.
  • Enter the command fdisk followed by [ENTER] key. Use this utility to delete all partitions on the disk drive.
  • The following link provides more information on how to use the FDISK utility: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;255867&Product=w98
  • Use the FDISK utility to partition the drive (You must create at least one Primary partition. FDISK will ask if you would like to make this partition active)
  • Restart the computer with the floppy disk inserted.
  • The computer will boot into DOS again.
  • Select "Enable CD-ROM support" when available
  • At the prompt, type format C: /s . This will format the new system partition and copy the necessary system files to make the drive bootable without the need of a floppy or CD-ROM
  • Enter the command copy D:mscdex.exe C: .
  • Enter the command copy A:oakcdrom.sys C:
  • Enter edit C:autoexec.bat. A blank, blue window should appear.
  • Type C:MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD001
  • Press ALT and F keys at the same time to bring up a menu and use the arrows keys to select save. Repeat the ALT and F keys again to bring up the File menu, but this time exit.
  • Enter the command edit C:config.sys
  • Type the following: DEVICE=C:OAKCDROM.SYS /D:MSCD001
  • Save and exit as you did before
  • Remove your floppy disk, insert the Windows CD and restart the computer. If you have a swappable floppy/CD-ROM, exchange the floppy for the CD drive and insert the Windows XP CD. Restart. In order for DOS to detect the CD-ROM, it is very important that you have the CD in before your computer boots next time.
  • Your hard drive is now bootable and will now have CD-ROM support

3) Getting the Windows XP setup started

  • The Windows 98 logo will appear. Your computer should now boot into DOS at command prompt again. (C:)
  • You will now have CD-ROM access (D:)
  • Enter the command D:i386winnt.exe


Now Windows XP setup will begin.. It will also perhaps ask you about smartdrive not being installed. Just ignore it and continue setup.
Windows XP setup may also ask you about the location of the setup files. The default path is D:, which should be correct. Simply press [ENTER] if it asks.

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