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Question

Install Windows XP Without CD?

Sep 3, 2015 2:10PM PDT

Hello,


I recently attempted to re-install Windows XP on my Dell Dimension 3000 using the i386 folder. I encountered an error, I no longer have the OS on the PC. I do not have a Windows XP installation disc, so I can't use that. I've been trying to install it using a USB drive, but that hasn't worked so far.

So I have a genuine XP product key, but no way to re-install it. Can someone please help me?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
what was the problem using the i386 setup method?
Sep 3, 2015 2:15PM PDT

It's a bit extra work but usually works.

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I'd rather avoid buying one if I can...
Sep 4, 2015 7:28AM PDT

There should be some way to download the files that are on the installation disk.

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My mistake
Sep 4, 2015 7:30AM PDT

I replied to the wrong comment.


It gave me some error about like 5 missing files.

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Give up on XP
Sep 4, 2015 8:22AM PDT

Instead use what I do, it's a lot better. Mint Linux version 17.2 LTS (long term service). It installs with Firefox and Thunderbird too. It's drop dead easy to install too, and the MATE de3sktop is very simple to use, or some prefer the next one up called Cinnamon. I actually quit using XP a year before support ended because I liked the Mint Linux better, which at that time was the version 14, and it's improved more since then!

http://linuxmint.com/
http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2864

You download the ISO, burn to a DVD, and then run the "integrity check" on the first boot to be sure the download and burn wasn't corrupted. You can then use it direct from the DVD to test it out, and if you like then run the install file. It's a full "read only" system when running from the DVD. It's very easy to install, can do in about 30 minutes and less.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMHjUqRfmC8

here's a 4 part in depth on it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi8_hSMDr0o

see page hit rankings on various linux distros on right side down a page.
http://distrowatch.com/

Mint has held first place for several years now.

the Mint page there with many links to reviews and other information.
http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=mint

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Answer
(NT) You can buy a CD from Amazon for under $30.
Sep 3, 2015 2:48PM PDT
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I'd rather avoid buying one if I can...
Sep 4, 2015 7:31AM PDT

There should be some way to download the files that are on the installation disk.

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Answer
XP from USB keys has prior discussions but
Sep 3, 2015 3:27PM PDT
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Interesting
Sep 4, 2015 7:33AM PDT

So you're saying I can upgrade o 7 for free with my product key?

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That's not in the article given.
Sep 4, 2015 7:44AM PDT

And not what you asked up top. I'm sure you are being funny at this point.

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Okay, I'm confused now
Sep 4, 2015 9:19AM PDT

How exactly does that help me? My problem is that I have a genuine XP product key, but no way to install XP again. I don't need 7 on it. All I want is a way to install XP with using a CD.

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The downloads and methods are on the web.
Sep 4, 2015 9:31AM PDT

But NO ONE here might help you because you are going off the reservation.

I offered that prior discussion to find the download and note that I don't have a problem with that.

You then proceeded to change topics to Windows 7 which confuses the topic and may send this discussion off the rails.

-> There are prior discussions about installing XP from USB but it doesn't always work and you watch them try it like watching a train wreck. Not funny at times.

Have you noticed that folk are getting very demanding today. Maybe it's best to leave them be.

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That Link didn't help me
Sep 4, 2015 11:38AM PDT

All I'm trying to do is install XP again. That link didn't offer me any new information.

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It worked here.
Sep 4, 2015 12:03PM PDT

I found an .iso for XP SP3 and it can be put to CD. There are too many prior discussions on USB installs that all I can do is note such and write how you are in an unsupported position.

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I believe I found a solution.
Sep 4, 2015 1:12PM PDT

I've been able to create a bootable USB, but I encounter the blue screen STOP error due to the installation files not natively having the drivers the computer uses. Apparently I need to slipstream the drivers into the ISO using nLite.

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No, I rememer how I did this once
Sep 4, 2015 2:34PM PDT

I downloaded an iso or img file with windows 98 se on it and use that to make one of my first USB drives bootable. I then copied the entire XP DVD onto it and then did the i386 install method. I had to remember to start smartdrive first after booting to the windows 98SE "boot disk" on the USB. Since it wasn't a floppy, I had to remove the Hidden, Readonly, System attributes with attrib on the following files;

MSDOS.SYS
IO.SYS
COMMAND.COM
and put those in the first partition, as I recall. Some BIOS look past a non existent MBR and into the first partition and will boot from a bootloader there, but not all do that.

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That's on the web
Sep 5, 2015 9:46AM PDT

And unsupported as in doesn't always work. For me I pull out my USB DVDRW and install from that rather than lose hours fiddling. You seem to have the time so try the priors and find a way that works. NO ONE can guess the exact method for your PC.

XP was not easy to install even with the bootable CD. Read http://www.cnet.com/forums/discussions/just-bought-a-new-lap-top-271360/

I've lost count of folk that don't know the MSUAA step and have no sound.

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Win 7 maybe possible
Sep 4, 2015 7:54AM PDT

You gave no clue of the XP PC you have. It may not be capable of Win 7 install if it doesn't meet the requirements. This is a h/w issue I'm explaining here. Goto MS download website and locate the Win 7 adviser pgm. to check the ability of your old XP system can be capable of installing Win 7 or what it needs to be fully capable otherwise, you're stuck not having the capability to upgrade fully. Also, it seems the XP version of the OS you have is capable of being used on another PC as it appears to be "retail version" and thus more flexible as being used for another PC install using the key. So, you better be capable once that key gets used, you used your 1-legal instance of the upgrade as I understand it. Have you tried online sources for XP discs or any "restore/recover disc" for your model# PC. It maybe possible and cheaper than you think, if you try all other methods then think of the time spend circumventing it otherwise and/or false leads or improper installs wrongly done. Alas, USB installs aren't supported under XP and usually if so done are too complicated or hassle prone.

tada -----Willy Happy

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That sounds great and all,
Sep 4, 2015 9:22AM PDT

but I don't have the XP OS to run that on. That's my problem.

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Answer
check first.
Sep 6, 2015 7:10PM PDT

Hello,

Make sure that your computer can run Windows XP.
Your computer must meet the system requirements in order to run Windows XP.
Check your system information by running DirectX Diagnostic.

Have a nice day Happy

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It is able to run XP.
Sep 7, 2015 8:13AM PDT

XP was on it before.

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Check. Now to install XP.
Sep 7, 2015 8:40AM PDT

If your non-standard install methods fail, then you go back to how it was done before.

Once in a while you will get a client with a broke CD/DVD drive and they are trying to avoid the repair. Here we can use a shop drive as we don't want to charge them to try alternatives.