Install XP from Hard Drive

[F525]

Back when I was installing 95 and 98, I always copied the cab files to the hard drive and then installed Windows from there (i.e. didn't use the CD-rom).
Can that be done with XP? and if so, what files are needed off the CD beside the I386 folder and Setup.exe that is in the CD root directory?

Thanks,
Dwight

[EzyStvy]

Coping the cab files doesn't "need" to be done for Win2k or XP. You can add other components and won't be promted to insert the cd..

[Zend]

You need a Windows 98 or Me Start-up floppy that has SMARTDRV copied to it.
Or use this d/l to create a bootable floppy you can use
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/tools/xpboot.exe

Boot with the floppy, change to the location of the i386 directory on your
second drive and run winnt.exe.

[glc]

Right - you can't install from the same partition that you are installing to, unlike with 9x/ME.

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=43654

Check post #25 and the couple on each side of it.

I've never seen the need to do this myself unless the machine doesn't have a bootable CD drive. Windows is never going to ask for the CD again after you install it unless you need to run sfc /scannow or something kicks windows file protection in.