how do you install windows xp from dos? 1

[Jacklivedhere]

ok i have no choice at the time other than to reinstall windows from ms-dos, but i got a list of problems, first one been i dont know the first thing about ms-dos syntax and cannont acess my own os cause all my input devices to work in it, so how do i get dos to recgonise my cd drive and reinstall windows without losing data?
i have a startup disk

 

[linney]

Have you got an old Windows 9x start up disk? Use that and select the option for CD ROM support.

HOW TO: Start Setup from MS-DOS in Windows XP (Q307848)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q307/8/48.asp

 

[AndrewBillits]

if you don't have a 9x boot disk goto

http://www.bootdisk.com

 

[rwise2112]

The XP CD-ROM is bootable, so if your system supports booting from CD-ROM, just start up the system with the XP CD in the drive. It will autorun, and bring you right into the installation.

 

[Shaith]

Assuming your BIOS supports it, set it to boot the CDROM first, then just boot from the install CD.

If that doesn't work for whatever reason, or you're simply set on the boot floppy/cd method, boot up the floppy. Once it's done, change to the CD ROM drive. Go to the I386 directory, and run the winnt.exe located there.

 

[Jacklivedhere]

thanks for the help, just one more thing will reinstalling windows xp from dos make me lose any of my existing files?
thanks again

 

[linney]

If windows detects a previous intallation it will ask you if you want to repair it. If you select this option your files will be safe. You will however have to replace any windows updates you have downloaded.

Have a look at method 2 in this article.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[Shaith]

Doing anything other than an upgrade in place will obliterate your previous settings and preferences, as well as all software installs you've done being negated and requiring re-installation.