Im fixing an old computer of mine, but I need to install Windows XP onto it (currently it has Windows ME).

When I turn the computer on, I remember there being a way to install without booting up windows, does anyone know how to do this?

I tried putting the Windows CD in and making the computer attempt to boot from the CD drive, but that didnt work.

Cheers.

if you can't boot from the cd then I don't think you can do it.

You can create windows xp bootable disks (floppies) you get 6 out of the process, maybe that will start the process and run the cd drivers to carry on from there.

Why not just do an upgrade anyway, that way all your programs and the like will be intact.

can you not alter the settings in the bios,, to start (boot from cd rom)....?
other than this, just open the prog and upgrade...?

in order to boot from CD from the BIOS level theres a few things u need to take into mind.

The computer needs to be told to boot from CD, u can do that a number of ways, of which varies on Motherboard manufacturers.

Main thing is to go into the BIOS (press Del when booting in most instances) and set boot options, ie boot device 1 - set to CD drive, boot device 2 - IDE 1 hard drive etc,,

then, save and exit,,,make sure the WinXP disk is in the drive when turning on and make sure the Disk u have is bootable?!

secondly, some pcs require u to press a key at boot time to select what to boot, sometimes a F key, on my laptop its F12, on a machine i once had (asus) it was ESC,,,then u select the CD rom drive.

thirdly, the machine maybe so old n naff that u can boot from cd at BIOS level and can only boot from floppy.

in which case u need to substitute above settings for floppy and then go to bootdisk.com or the windows site, and download the file to make floppy bootables,,thing is u will need something like 6 floppys..
lol have fun, hope this helps :)

I went into the Bios to allow it to boot from CD, but no joy. It says no bootable disc found. I know that the Windows CCD works, because I recently used it on 2 other computers.

If I try to install it while running windows I get this error

"Winnt32 has caused an error in KRNL386.EXE
Winnt32 will now close,

If you continue to experience problems,try restarting your computer"

:confused:

Do you have the ME boot floppy? I think you need it even if you want to install XP as a clean install.

If you don't have the boot disk, you can download it from Microsoft.com. If I remember rightly, you can also download the boot disk for XP, which might be what you actually need in this case.

EDIT: I think this is what you need. (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310994)

Cheers Ann. no I dont think I have the ME Boot disc. Well I probably have somewhere, but that would take some fishing out. Im not bothered about losing the files that I already have. thats not a problem.

Ill give it another go see what happens.

EDIT: cheers for the link. So if I use those boot up dicks, how do I go about installing Windows after Ive booted?

yes, as i said in my post, becareful to select the right file on the site, because if u get boot disks for SP1 ( Service Pack ) and u have a SP2 disk, then it maynot work, similarly on Home and Professional editions.

There are hacked/alternative versions of this about and they tend to be smaller and require less disks

just seen your reply, the boot up disks tell your puter to not look to install from a floppy but to install from a cd, so provided u have the XP disk in the drive, the floppy shud then invoke setup from your CD rom drive.

http://www.bootdisk.com/






but isnt xp the one that wont boot from dos?

run it from within windows
just stick yer cd in and it should auto run

Originally posted by melthebell
http://www.bootdisk.com/






but isnt xp the one that wont boot from dos?

run it from within windows
just stick yer cd in and it should auto run

Yes 'should', but see my above post :(

if you boot into dos with a floppy

select with cdrom support (god the trouble i used to have installing 95 cos of no cd drivers :( )

change to your cd drive
d: or whatever drive letter is your cd drive (mines m)

i normally do dir and see the files on the cd
i think you type setup tho, and it should start, although as i said before i dont think xp runs from dos, stupid but it is M$soft

no, you were trying to boot up with the cd, i mean "your in windows already, stick the cd in, select install when the menu appears"

@mel

that wont work, the booting into dos with a old ME floppy. trust me ive tried. It did for other older versions of windows. if it did then there would be no need for the rest of the disks,,

answers are in all the posts above! ;)

Ok, ill just clear this point up 1st. I have tried to install it by putting the CD in while windows ME is already running. The CD menu starts up, BUT when I choose the install option. I get an error message, which I have posted above there somewhere. This isthe reason why I thought I would try and install from boot up.

Cheers

In case you need the ME boot, here's the link for that too! (http://www.microsoft.com/WINDOWSME/using/computerhealth/articles/startupdisk.asp)

Bring it down to warehouse with your discs and i will sort it out for you. I cant bear the thought of anyone struggling.

Have you checked the hardware for xp compatibility ?.

Also are you trying to dual boot, upgrade or restart fresh
(the latter is by far the most recommended for trouble free use).

sounds like the best way,,get some one else to do it for free if not!!

where is this wonderful warehouse u talk of? u sell computer stuff then?? Could be a potential customer :D

You are probably right NUCAD. the comp im attempting to upgrade is extremely old. Its an old 'Tiny' Pc, 400Mhz :gag:

I still own a small computer business although for some time now i have only built for friends and family.

My warehouse is located in Sheffield City Centre on Sidney Street. (further details by PM only)

I dont want to be completely inundated with fixing pc's as i have a busy property renovation and maintenance company to run.

Now if someone wants a new bathroom, kitchen, Plastering or any aspect of property maintenance or renovation please do get in touch.

:thumbsup:

lol forget XP on it then.
though u cud try windows 2000,, depends what u want to do with the puter.

@NUCAD i will bear that in mind then as may need some property maintenance at some point ;)

If you want a custom pc let me know.
I mostly build shuttle based systems these days.

See here http://eu.shuttle.com/en/DesktopDefault.aspx/tabid-2/

about the size of a shoe box and short of nothing its big boxed relatives have except noise and airspace.