about to install w2k

[roy67ss]

Hi guys,

Will be installing win2k soon. I have one question. When installing win98se, I would copy the entire disk to a folder on the hdd. Should I do the same with w2k or should I just copy the i386 folder?
Any other files that I should include from the original cd ?
This is to make future installations/changes easier than using the original cd when asked to insert it.

[Paul Komski]

It works very well - just that i386 folder.

Faster installation and, as you say, it's there for the future. In fact the position of the installation files is usually remembered in the registry.

[roy67ss]

Thanks Paul,

Just thought of something. How does one do this copying on a clean install to a ntfs partition? Should it be done to a fat32 partition ? (Maybe even a small one that is just over the size of the i386 folder along with the dos system commands using fdisk and format from my win98se boot disc.)

[Paul Komski]

If you need to have it on NTFS then the easiest would be to slave it to a pc running a WinNT-based OS on the Master. Alternatively use FAT and convert to NTFS, when you think the need arises.

Remember that if you are not using the four Win2K floppies (ie just an ordinary boot diskette) that you should run the i386\winnt.exe file and not use setup.exe. Obviously if you are using a DOS diskette it would have to be a FAT partition at this stage.

[roy67ss]

I thought I read somewhere that some pre-configured systems that are sold with windows already installed had the i386 folder in a small hidden partition.(kind of what I was thinking of doing)

Do you think that w2k needs to be installed from that copy for it to remember where it is, or, will directing it there, at the time of some future install of something requiring it, be enough to create that memory?

[Paul Komski]

The OS should remember where it was installed from (be it from CD, network or HDD) and create a registry entry to that effect.

If at a later stage the OS needs any installation files it will look there "first of all" to find the files. If the files have been deleted or moved to another location in the interim, then the OS may not allow you to point to a new location without a tweak to the registry.

I wouldn't put them on a hidden partition just in case the OS or you can't find the folder as the need arises - though as long as you can unhide it when needed there should be no problem. Maybe it would have no problems but having it visible shouln't produce any problems.

BTW, the relevant registry key is:-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion

Then look at the SourcePath Key-Name for that path.

[roy67ss]

Thanks Paul.

[iisbob]

Create the partition the size you want, then format it in FAT32, make your directory on the drive, copy the i386 system folder over then proceed with the install-at one point during the intsall it'll ask you if you want to leave the current file system intact or change to NTFS; make your choice then.

If you choose NTFS, it'll simply convert the the drive during the install process.