how to install xp?

Question

I need to install a xp home in a computer and I got to the point I need 6 floppy to make boot up disk or smartdrv.exe
the pc I am going to install windows has not internet to download the floppy or smartdrv.exe
I can download the floppy and smartdrv.exe from another pc, however this pc has no floppy drive.
do I need 6 floppy or just one with a smartdrv.exe on it?
what's the best way to deal with this problem and the reason I am try to use floppy is because the pc I am going to install xp does not boot from the cd rom .Any help will really appreciated

Answer 1

Are you SURE about the computer not being able to boot from CD? ARE YOU SURE. If you haven't been into the BIOS setup and checked, you are not sure! Booting from CD has been the standard in BIOS for the last oh 8 years or so! If that machine really can not boot from CD there is a 99% chance it isn't going to run XP at all either! Just a word of advice from an old timer!

If you really need to install from Floppy here is the directions
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q310994

Answer 2

You will first need to swap your floppy to the other computer, the one that has internet access.

Then go to http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm

Click on the link: Windows 98 Custom, No Ramdrive

Download the program, insert a blank floppy disk and run the program. This will create a basic win98 boot disk. Don't worry, it can work for xp.

After the boot disk has been created, you will need to swap your floppy drive back to the other computer, the one which you want to install XP on.

Start that computer with the floppy disk in the floppy drive.

Choose the "start computer with cd rom support option".

Once your computer starts up you should see a command prompt. It looks like this C:/>

Then you must get SMARTDRV.EXE running.

At the command prompt type: A:/smartdrv

After smartdrv.exe is loaded you must navigate to your i386 folder.

When you see the command prompt C:/> Type in cd E:/i386 (Assuming that E: is your CD rom drive that has windows XP on it.)

Next you should see this: E:/>i386 when you see this type WINNT This will initiate the xp boot drivers which are normally run when you use all six XP boot floppies. Windows install should start running now.

Answer 3

Have you changed the BIOS boot settings so that your CD-ROM comes before all other HD's and peripherals? That is the first thing you should do (and then try the CD again, because that is MUCH easier than the floppy). If this doesn't work, or you have already tried this, then you are right in thinking that you might need to consider an alternate method of installation (Perhaps floppy's). However, this is really much more annoying than the CD. Do one more thing before resorting to this: Find a friend with a computer and ask him if you can barrow his CD-drive (maybe yours is messed up). There are two plugs on the normal CD-Rom in your computer (one to power-supply, and the other to the motherboard). Just yank both of them on your computers CD drive and your friends (just leave the plugs in) and swap them that way to reduce confusion. If this doesn't work, there is likely a hardware issue with your mobo, and you will have to install windows with floppy's. Just find a floppy drive and plug it in (there is only 1 place on the mobo that its cord can fit, so its pretty intuitive. Also you will need to plug it into the Power Supply as well (Likely a 4-pin connector). I hope this helped...

Answer 4

Windows XP Home Edition Utility: Setup Disks for Floppy Boot Install
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e8fe6868-6e4f-471c-b455-bd5afee126d8&DisplayLang=en

An alternative to the 6 floppy Setup disk set is to use the 1 floppy XP Install Disk from here www.bootdisk.com . Boot with it and then run WINNT.EXE from the \i386 directory of your XP CD or your setup files location.

Answer 5

in my years of experience, ive never used floppy disks in installing xp. its already complicated installing xp from a cd if your new at it, so much more from floppies! :lol

your cdrom will boot, you will have to set your cmos setup to prioritize the cdrom before your hard drive.

Answer 6

arey ayar...there is no PC untill now build which does not boot the cd from CD rom untill and unless it is not a bootable CD. just have a try if ur CD is bootable.....

* press DELETE..DELETE when ur system is strating up
*goto boot by pressing -> right arrow 4 times.
* then select boot device priority by pressing DOWN arrow...
* select CD rom as yr first boot priority.
* fress F10 for saving settings..
*restart...then u'll be booting from CD if its a BOOTABLE cd.

********************************
else try getting another CD from ur friend or most recommended is ORIGNAL unlike a copy , which may help u..........

but dont tell blunders that my XP cd wont boot from CD ion my PC..if billgates here's this he may hang up....hey just kidding.

hope this solution may solve ur problem...
bye, take care..
urs praveen B.Tech.,
vizag,
andhra pradesh,
india

Answer 7

if ur cd is bootable ur comp can start with ur xp cd. but may be ur computer bios is not set up. u can press and press and press... Delete Button at the start of ur compter to see bios page, then u can set ur camputer to start with cd room by boot part.

Answer 8

u don't need no floopy disk put the in your windows cd in drive reboot push f-12 key follow inst