How to make a installation HD

[se2000]

How do I create a hd that will install XP onto itself?
I have an old Dell laptop that does not have an internal cd. The HD died and I have a replacement. The problem is I do not have the external cd cable to use the the cd to install XP pro from cd. I have a dos usb bootable floppy and usb cdrw. The oem cd will not work this way as it says it will not work in dos. I have an adapter to install the laptop hd into a desktop. Dell shipped their pc's that had xp install on it that automatically started when it was first booted.

 

[linney]

307848 - HOW TO: Start Setup from MS-DOS in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307848&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Can you adapt or use any of the above instructions if you are able to get the I386 folder copied on to the hard drive?

 

[se2000]

That looks like it would work. While playing around looking for answers, I found a link to a MS page where you run a program and it will make 6 floppy disks that you can use to boot up the machine. You can use this on a pc that doesn't support cdrom boot or if you are loading from a USB device. It supports USB natively and went to the cd and loaded XP, no problem. I finally broke down and asked for help after trying for months to figure this out and wouldn't you know it, I find a solution. I would like to thank you for your help.

 

[linney]

Is this the article you are referring to?

How to obtain Windows XP Setup boot disks

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994/

 

[se2000]

That was it. I made one set for pro and 1 for home. It is a lot easier