Install XP from HDD? 1

[TopHat2]

Been using Win98 SE for years, just about to install XP Pro on my new PC.

With Win98 I always used to copy the win98 directory from the install CD on to the HDD, then run setup from the HDD. That way I never needed to insert the Windows install CD when installing new hardware, or adding Windows components.

Can a similar thing be done with XP? What steps would I follow? I tried creating a small FAT32 partition, copying the CD contents to that, and running setup, but it did not want to run from FAT32.

 

[LWComputingMVP]

Unlike 98, in my experience, XP RARELY asks for the CD. You can copy it if you like - it should work fine - if you're having problems, please post the EXACT error message and indicate what program you are running.

 

[undrcovr]

From MS.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316941

 

[linney]

If you have copied all the files to a FAT32 partition you could try the following procedure to start Setup.

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

Ideally you should just install from the XP CD, it should be to a NTFS partition, and it should be a clean install (allowable with a Qualifying Product, such as your 98 CD, and an Upgrade version of XP). Those are just my personal preferences however. You also have XP's Files and Settings Transfer Wizard available to you before you even install XP (it's on the XP CD).

When XP is installed it is easy enough to change the Registry to show the location of the i386 folder (the Source Files) so that XP refers to a location of your choice rather than the CD-ROM and CD you installed from.
Examples of when the Source Files are required, beside what you have mentioned, also include running of the System File Checking program.

Change the souce file path
thread779-362427

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm

HOW TO: Partition and Format a Hard Disk in Windows XP (Q313348)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q313/3/48.asp

Read the paragraph,
"How to Partition and Format Your Hard Disk by Using Windows XP Setup."

More help here.

http://www.petri.co.il/install_windows_xp_pro.htm

 

[TopHat2]

hanks linney. That makes sence, install from CD first, then copy the install files, then hack the registry to point to them.