Reinstall XP from folder

[ramborums]

Is it possible to copy the XP source to a folder and do a reinstall from there whenever required? I need this in a school lab where we dont have CD drives on all systems. Every time some maintenance is to be done, I am having to open up the system to connect a CD drive temporarily for the job.

What would be the best way to provide source files for OS in a system without CD drive?

Thanks for any help.

[rohanmathew]

I suggest you to create an iso image of the XP using power iso and install it using virtual drives.


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Always use Genuine Windows XP and fight against piracy.
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[sakumar79]

Get an external cd/dvd drive. You can easily assemble one for around 2k (get casing and internal drive, connection is very easy). Then you can install by booting from usb drive...

Arun

[ramborums]

thanks rohanmathew and sakumar.

rohan could you give me some input on using iso of xp as virtual drive? how wud i boot from virtual drive?

thanks

[RaghuKL]

yes it is possible to install upgrade from hdd.
u can also share the cd drive across the network and install os. The method isexplained Here

[rohanmathew]

For repairing system files in windows xp use system file checker.Goto run.then type cmd.then give sfc/scannow.Then it will ask for xp cd.For that install power iso.create a virtual image of the disc you have with.Then mount the image to power iso .It will be exactly look like your cd in the drive.

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Pls use this information at your risk.I had tried it successfully.

[RaghuKL]

Remote installation services is an option that is available in windows 2000 /2003 networks. it uses pxe-boot option.

[Jitin]

copy I386 on hdd
boot into dos.
change directory to I386
run winnt.exe

[liquidsnake]

hey bros it wont be possible to boot from a virtual drive since there is no existance of the virtual drive without the os
2nd u will need to use a bootable disk if u dont have any windows flavour already installed
3rd u can use bootable pen drives if usb port n usb boot option are present
4th u can use ghosting it will take only few minutes wrt new installation

in ur case bootable pen drive with xp seems to be a good soln