XP Installations Errors

[Gamingphreek]

Whenever i try to install WinXP Pro these days i get an error saying that the disk may be damaged. So i tried it in another computer and it says the same thing.

The only way we have been able to get around it is to boot with a win98 startup disk, fdisk and format everything then go into XP setup and just ell it not to for mat just to convert to NTFS. Then in the install it says it cant copy autofmt.exe (or something to that extent) we had to skip installing this file.

I dont know whats happened, however the XP disk is pretty scratched up, is there any way of fixing this. I have already tried burning copies, all of which had the same errors. Is it just because its scratched and cant read the disk or is there something else wrong?

-Kevin

 

[GregMal]

I'd call MS. Tell them the problem. May be able to get a replacement CD.
Greg

 

[Gamingphreek]

well two problems. This is my cousins CD which he burnt a copy of for me. So it lets me choose whether or not i have to register with Microsoft or not. So im a little hesitant to do anything there. ITs not illegl or anything its just his mother got it from college and it is one of the versions that lets you install as many times as you want.

-Kevin

 

[Gamingphreek]

bump for answer

 

[farmercal]

ITs not illegl or anything its just his mother got it from college and it is one of the versions that lets you install as many times as you want.

Yes it is illegal. Microsoft doesn't give an institution a disk and tell them to distribute it to anyone whom wants a copy and nobody here is going to give you advise on how to make an illegal copy of XP to work. Hint: If you got it from your cousin once, why not get it again?

 

[Gamingphreek]

God i new this would happen. IT IS NOT ILLEGAL. The College gave it to my cousins mother for home use. Therefore they let me have it because i was still running 2000. It is not illegal. Im not asking for advice on how to make an illegal copy of XP. Im asking how do i fix my CD or is something else wrong.

-Kevin

 

[jacktesterson]

sounds fishy to me

 

[farmercal]

I reiterate: Get another copy from source "cousins mother." If that is not possible, and it IS NOT ILLEGAL, then call Microsoft, explain situation (same story told here) and request a replacement CD. Easy.

BTW: I don't think you can clean scratches from a copied CD and expect it to work again.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Ha its not hacked!!! I forgot what it was called Windows XP Corporate Edition. told ya it wasn't hacked!!

Thanks for the advice anyways though

-Kevin

 

[CraigRT]

toothpaste on the surface of the CD can fix scratches.. just make sure it doesnt have any abbraisives in it. (baking soda)

it's fixed many-a-CD for me.

 

[NeonFlak]

You can try using a bootdisk, fdisk and format in dos. then create a dir in dos and copy the i386 folder to the harddrive. then you can install it from the harddrive by going to the i386 folder and typing winnt.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Originally posted by: CraigRT
toothpaste on the surface of the CD can fix scratches.. just make sure it doesnt have any abbraisives in it. (baking soda)

it's fixed many-a-CD for me.

Lol this is gonna sound kinda stupid but what kind of toothpaste do you use... how is AIM or Colgate Cavity protection... the aim is a gel.

All that i do is put a little of it on it and rub it around... how do i get it off.