Options for OS Reload

[Captain Mofioso]

Hi

I need to reload Windows XP, but my CD-Rom drive is broken. Windows is still functioning so I can perform tasks... it's just slow and full of crap and it's just that time. I've investigated whether the CD-Rom problem is software or hardware related, and the thing is completely busted. My only external drive is a USB flash unit; I don't have a floppy or zip drive or anything. I CAN however network it directly to another computer with an ethernet cord, which I imagine is the only way I will be able to do this, but I have no clue how it's done. What do you all suggest? Your help is extremely appreciated.

Thanks,
Kevin

[Rick]

Install a New CD/DVD drive
They are cheap and it's a lot less hassle then doing an install across a network

[Captain Mofioso]

Okay, I'll look into it. But I'd rather not wait for one to be shipped to me, and also, I never, ever use my CD-Rom drive, so once I reloaded the OS it'd be useless to me. I have plenty of time to kill using a network to install, and I'd even consider the knowledge of how to do so very valuable. Anyone have a link?

[malcore]

Unless you are set on doing a network install, why not just swap in the cd-rom from the other machine to which you were going to connect? As you don't require a cd-rom after installation, just swap it back. Or are we speaking of a laptop or laptops?

Or, for network install (assuming you do have XP Professional):

http://www.mcmcse.com/windows_xp/guides/additionalinstall.shtml

[Paul Komski]

You could also copy the i386 folder to a 700+ MB FAT partition via the network and then run the install from a DOS boot floppy (http://www.iol.ie/~krakowangus/winnt.htm) using i386\winnt.exe or initiate it from within Windows itself using i386\winnt32.exe from just about anywhere. If winnt32.exe wont do it directly then try winnt32.msi (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/254382).

[Captain Mofioso]

That's a very good question, Malcore, and the reason for that is because the other computer doesn't belong to me and I don't have permission to use it like that. But that sure would be a heck of a lot easier than a network install. -.-

I appreciate the link, I'll give a try tonight and see what I can do.

[Paul Komski]

Just to be sure you understood that what I was describing was not a network install but a way of getting hold of the installation files via the network.

[vich]

I'm a PC neophyte so shouldn't be offering advice.

However; last week my old WinBook laptop had a serious corruption where the Windows boot simply recyled even in Safe mode.

It had an OS Recovery partition that I used f? (something) to activate on bootup. It had an option to reformat and I selected it. Worked like a dream. Good, because I got the laptop used and don't have OS disks.

I don't keep user data on PCs (have a NAS) for that, so no big deal, I just reinstalled the programs from my NAS copies of the install disks.

Cheers.