How does one install Windows XP-PRO in DOS?

[DonaldC]

I have one hard drive with 3 partitions: C: - D: - E:

I put my Full install XP-PRO CD in a folder on E:

I boot with a 98SE start-up floppy and format C:

At prompt I type, ?E:\winxp\setup? and hit Enter

A message appears saying this software cannot be installed in DOS

Anyone have a work around?

Thanks.

 

[miguel]

Try booting the CD, or if you can't, then download the XP boot disk:

www.bootdisk.com

mig

 

[duritz]

go into bios
set your machine to boot from the cd
insert xp cd
boot computer
that's all you need to do, the cd will initialize and begin installing xp

 

[DonaldC]

Thanks for the replies.

I already did that and it takes forever to install via the CD-ROM.

Isn't there any way to install via the hard drive like in 98?

 

[bluesky]

Is there any reason you must install it on Dos?

 

[DonaldC]

Alright, it doesn't have to be via dos. I just don't like the long time in takes to install via CD-ROM. Have always done the hard drive to hard drive install since it is so much faster. Also, you never have to use the CD again to reintall anything.

 

[Doh!]

Type the following at DOS prompt:

e:\i386\winnt.exe

 

[percboy]

<< Type the following at DOS prompt: e:\i386\winnt.exe >>



Yep.. then your win files are in same i386 folder (setup will ask), and don`t forget to install "smartdrv.exe" before starting install.

 

[DonaldC]

<<

<< Type the following at DOS prompt: e:\i386\winnt.exe >>



Yep.. then your win files are in same i386 folder (setup will ask), and don`t forget to install "smartdrv.exe" before starting install. >>



Okay, thanks. I knew there had to be a way and someone here would know.

 

[SUOrangeman]

It *should* be MANY times faster if you could just boot the CD. I know, sometimes using the CD just isn't an option.

-SUO

 

[jfunk]

<< It *should* be MANY times faster if you could just boot the CD. I know, sometimes using the CD just isn't an option. >>




you have a CD drive faster than your hard drive???????


wow.



j

 

[SUOrangeman]

Hehe, no ... I don't have a fast CD drive. However, *booting* off of the CD and installing is MUCH faster than copying the files from CD to hard drive, booting into DOS, loading the SMRTDRV.EXE (it will be TONS slower without this), and then installing the OS.

-SUO

 

[DonaldC]

<< Hehe, no ... I don't have a fast CD drive. However, *booting* off of the CD and installing is MUCH faster than copying the files from CD to hard drive, booting into DOS, loading the SMRTDRV.EXE (it will be TONS slower without this), and then installing the OS.

-SUO >>



Right you are SUO - However I have a habit of needing to install a new OSs several times until I get it right. I like to put the OS in a safe place on my hard drive so I don't have to handle the CD any more than necessary.


Again - thanks to all who replied.

 

[lilnnjaboy]

I think CD's are safer then harddrives...if your harddrive craps out...your screwed. And I don't see it as that much slower.