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Reinstall of XP with no CD...a question

  • 03-07-2010 11:56am
    #1
    _Whimsical_
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,987 ✭✭✭


    So I want to do a fresh install of XP on a old laptop. My problem is that this laptop came with XP preloaded so I have no CD. I do have the file winnt32.exe in the laptop however and if online accounts are correct I can use this to reinstall. Ialso have the reg key btw.
    Is it more complicated to reinstall this way?

    Also if it is then I do have an XP cd from another PC in the house. However it's a cd from a Dell laptop and say " only for use with a Dell pc" . Would it be ok to use this cd for the install and then enter the registration key from the iqon laptop I want to reinstall it onto? Or does it not work that way?


Comments

  • #2
    JonathanAnon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23,718 ✭✭✭✭JonathanAnon


    You must have been some method of reinstall... whether it's a CD, backup partition, building of a restore CD yourself, copy of the i386 folder on the C: drive. ... What is the make and model of the PC.. this may give an indication of which method of reinstall you would have been provided with.

    If you can source a CD with the exact same Windows version and service pack level, you may be able to load it on to your PC and use your own Windows XP Code. I have tried this before and it usually works.. (would be interested to hear other experiences)


  • #3
    stevek93
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,097 ✭✭✭stevek93


    I would suggest browning a xp cd of a friend. tho if you do do a reinstall of xp you will need the drivers to go with your laptop which sometimes can be hard to find. the dell cd you have im not sure if it is a restore disk for your dell or what if your mate has a xp there you go.


  • #4
    _Whimsical_
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,987 ✭✭✭_Whimsical_


    Thank thou both for the replies.
    JonathanAnon wrote: »
    You must have been some method of reinstall... whether it's a CD, backup partition, building of a restore CD yourself, copy of the i386 folder on the C: drive. ... What is the make and model of the PC.. this may give an indication of which method of reinstall you would have been provided with.*

    I do have the i386 folder on the hard drive. That contains the winnt32.exe file which I think is the file to install from.

    Is using this method of install more complicated than using a CD for install?*

    The laptop is an IQON but I cant seem to find a model number on it. They seem to have gone out of business so there's nothing of use on their website. I do have the driver CD that they supplied though so Im presuming that's all that's absolutely necessary for a from scratch new install.*

    I'll download something to recover all the other drivers from it too incase though.
    Does anyone recommend any program for this or have any essential advice?*


  • #5
    JonathanAnon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23,718 ✭✭✭✭JonathanAnon


    I do have the i386 folder on the hard drive. That contains the winnt32.exe file which I think is the file to install from.

    If the whole folder is there you should be able to install from the i386 folder.. But you will not be able to run this from within Windows.. I would take a copy of this folder on to a CD to begin with ..

    A program like CDBXP (which is free to download) will let you write the
    i) i386 folder to a CD, and
    ii) Write a boot sector to the disk. Choose Make Disc Bootable and DosBootimage.IMA

    So you can boot to this CD, which will give you a DOS prompt, from where you can run the winnt32.exe file and this will startup the install process.

    NB Be sure you have taken backups of everything you need to keep before you make any changes.


  • #6
    JonathanAnon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23,718 ✭✭✭✭JonathanAnon


    chilly wrote: »
    I'll download something to recover all the other drivers from it too incase though. Does anyone recommend any program for this or have any essential advice?

    The only driver you should need to take down (Pre Reinstall) is the network card driver, assuming that this is your connection to the Internet.. Most of the hardware for the network adapters is Intel and Windows XP comes with the drivers (meaning when you install the card it installs it automatically). However I would take down a copy of the driver and burn this to the CD as well, just in case.

    Once you have the new install of XP up and running, go to the appropriate websites and take down the latest drivers for your hardware..


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