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Question

boot up cd for xp that gains access back into computer only

by Jun 9, 2011 2:49PM PDT

How do I make a bootable cd for windows xp? I only want it to boot up from the cd rom drive only, I don't want to restore or repair or reinstall windows xp. I just need the cd to get me past the boot up process so I gain access back into it. Is there a way I can do this? I do not have the installation or recovery disks as they were not given to me when I bought the computer.

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2 Posts
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Answer
That sounds like you need the Recovery Console.
by Forum moderator Jun 9, 2011 9:23PM PDT

But you're not going to be able to do that unless you have the genuine XP Setup CD.

What do you mean by, "so I can gain access back into it"?

If you just want to get access to your files, have you thought of using a Linux Live CD? Ubuntu does that. Download the Ubuntu ISO file burn it to CD as an ISO, then boot from that. If the hard drive is still accessible this will allow you to see the files and copy them off to some external media.

Mark

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Answer
Depending on what you want to do ...
by Jun 12, 2011 8:23AM PDT

you have several options.

First, you can use this link to download a zip file containing an ISO (a CD disk image) of a Windows XP recovery console - http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/tools/bootdiscs/xp_rec_con.zip

Second, you could use the AVG Rescue Cd which not only allows you to scan for viruses but has a file manager for saving your data files to USB media -
http://www.techmixer.com/avg-rescue-disk-free-avg-bootable-antivirus-cd/

Third option would be one of the many LINUX Live CD distributions such as Ubuntu which are complete Operating systems including web browser which will allow you to save your data to CD or USB devices -
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download

You could also download and use the Windows 7 Recovery DVD or the Vista recovery DVD (You have to constrain yourself to ONLY the recovery options as -
http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/
http://win7recovery.com/

If in doubt, this link will provide guidance on making a bootable CD/DVD from an ISO file -
http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/G/Burning+ISO+Images+to+a+CD+or+DVD

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