How to do a windows reformat without a CD ROM drive?

Question

My CD rom drive is toast on my laptop...how can I reformat my harddrive? The laptop has no floppy disk either, however it does have a USB...

Could I copy a version of Windows installation CD on the USB and do it that way instead of the CD? If so, how?

I also have a desktop right next to my notebook and they are on a shared network, could I paste the content of the Windows Shared Folder and installed on the laptop from there?

I know I should just buy a new laptop or exernal CD drive but I can't afford it...

Answer 1

Kind of tricky, but possible.

You'll need to format a usb thumb drive (a big one) to be bootable. Copy the cd to a usb thumb drive and boot from it. Install xp from there.

Theoretically it's possible, but could be frustrating getting all the pieces just right (a lot of time with a risk of failure).

It would be worth it to invest in a replacement cd drive. They can be changed out easily and aren't all that expensive ($15), just a tiny bit more for a DVD capable unit. You need one for all the other programs you'll use anyway. And it's sure to work!