HOW TO: Install Windows 2000 (or XP perhaps) from DOS without a bootable CDROM

I figured this might deserve its own thread since I've been asked / heard this question a number of times.

This post has been created in response to this thread: http://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=99103#post99103

*WARNING: The following instructions delete all data on the hard drive. They may be modified to retain data, but I take no responsibility for data loss.

*KNOWN LIMITATIONS: Using DOS requires that the drive be formatted in FAT32. It is possible to convert to NTFS later on, but I'll leave that decision up to you. ;)

Your system must bet set to boot from the floppy drive.
A QUICK NOTE: Many users can avoid installation from DOS by using the bootable floppy diskettes provided by Microsoft. You can find them here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=83f53be9-28fa-40e8-8ec2-631504ef5e26&DisplayLang=en


The information given will allow the following to happen:
1.) Install Windows 2000 (XP?) if you do not have a bootable CD-ROM.
2.) Install Windows 2000 (XP?) from DOS
3.) Install Windows 2000 (XP?) if you have a swappable floppy / CD-ROM laptop, but cannot boot from a CD

How to install Windows 2000 from DOS without a bootable CDROM

1.) Obtain a Windows 98SE startup / emergency boot diskette

Download this self-extracting image and insert a blank floppy disk into your disk drive
http://bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm
OR
Alternative ways to make boot disks in Windows and DOS:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;296532&Product=w98

2.) Preparing for your Windows 2000 installation - Make the hard drive bootable and add CD-ROM support

Insert your Windows 98 startup diskette and start/restart your computer
Your computer will boot into DOS. When prompted for CD-ROM support, this is not necessary. Please continue.
Command prompt will appear.
Enter the command fdisk followed by [ENTER] key. Use this utility to delete all partitions on the disk drive. (Helps ensure this goes smoothly)
The following link provides more information on how to use the FDISK utility: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;255867&Product=w98

Use the FDISK utility to partition the drive (You must create at least one Primary partition. FDISK will ask if you would like to make this partition active - YES!)
Restart the computer with the floppy disk inserted.
The computer will boot into DOS again.
Select "Enable CD-ROM support" when available
At the prompt, type format C: /s . This will format the new system partition and copy the necessary system files to make the drive bootable without the need of a floppy or CD-ROM
Enter the command copy D:\mscdex.exe C: .
Enter the command copy A:\oakcdrom.sys C:
Enter edit C:\autoexec.bat. A blank, blue window should appear.
Type C:\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD001
Press ALT and F keys at the same time to bring up a menu and use the arrows keys to select save. Repeat the ALT and F keys again to bring up the File menu, but this time exit.
Enter the command edit C:\config.sys
Type the following: DEVICE=C:\OAKCDROM.SYS /D:MSCD001
Save and exit as you did before
Remove your floppy disk, insert the Windows CD and restart the computer. If you have a swappable floppy/CD-ROM, exchange the floppy for the CD drive and insert the Windows 2000 or XP CD. Restart. In order for DOS to detect the CD-ROM, it is very important that you have the CD in before your computer boots next time.
Your hard drive is now bootable and will now have CD-ROM support

3.) Getting the Windows 2000 / XP setup started

The Windows 98 logo will appear. Your computer should now boot into DOS at command prompt again. (C:)
You will now have CD-ROM access (D:)
Enter the command D:\i386\winnt.exe

*Instructions edited to exclude CD copy, although you may if you wish

Now Windows 2000 setup will begin.. It will also perhaps nag you about smartdrive not being installed. Just ignore it and continue setup anyway. I'd tell you how, but it would make this thing even more complicated. :)

It may also ask you about the location of the setup files. The default path is D:, which should be correct. Simply press [ENTER] if it asks.

Nice job, Rick.
Turn it into a "Sticky".

Not sure if it deserves a sticky... It's an answer to a fairly specific question. :)

Hm..

Doesn't W2k/XP setup need files from the subfolders in \i386? "copy *.*" does not take subdirs with it.

There is also no need to make the HD bootable or to install the CDROM drivers manually.

My way:

1. Download custom Windows 98SE bootdisk from www.bootdisk.com

2. Make the floppy

3. Boot from the floppy.

4. Create and format a partition for w2k setup. It should be 600MB+ is you skip point 7, 1.2GB+ if not. All the tools you need are on the floppy.

5. Reboot from the floppy

6. Run smartdrv from the floppy to make things go faster

7. (Optional) use the xcopy command to transfer the i386 folder to the HD. /E switch is for transferring subdirectories.

8. Run winnt.exe from the CD (or HD if you did the copy thing)

My W2K Pro CD has a directory containing the
programs and files required to extract to
floppy and create the “boot disks” all 4 of them….
With instructions. (like NT used)
The Directory is called “MAKEBOOT”
And the program called “makeboot.exe” run it and
Follow the instructions.
It will create the 4 boot disk set. To install the OS just
Put disk 1 into the floppy drive set your PC to boot from
Floppy and reboot then follow the instructions.
It'll take you through the install but copy the initial driver
pool from the floppies then load the CD after it is done
with them.

Here is a link to the M$ XP "Setup Disks for Floppy Boot Install" instructions
and Download:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=83f53be9-28fa-40e8-8ec2-631504ef5e26&DisplayLang=en

Keep in mind the 2K/XP boot disks will work for most situations, but not if you have a swappable drive bay in a laptop that only accepts either or a floppy/CDROM.

Very true Rick.... sorry I thought the topic said "without a bootable CDROM" I didnt get that it was an either / or thing :o

That's fine. I wanted to mention that to, but I think I neglected that in my original post. So I might add the bootable diskettes in there too. :)

has anyone tried to install the w2k disc in cdrom drive install the 98 floppy in the floppy drive run the floppy using add cdrom support when you get back to the a prompt remove the floppy hotswap with the cdrom enter your d: or what ever
and load setup files.
I don't know if hotswapping will work?

Hotswap? You mean unplug the removable floppy drive and replace it with a removable CD-ROM drive on a laptop? No, that won't work since the CD-ROM drivers will not detect a CDROM drive if it is disconnected.

May have better luck with a bootable DOS CD like UBCD: www.ultimatebootcd.com

I need more info on how to do this. How dose smartdrv & xcopy work.

Thanks in advance, sam :mad:

I have never heard of this being possible. Windows is put on CDs for copy protection.

I have followed your instructions and the computer hasnt worked. the install asks for the EULA for windows. Is there a way to copy this file so the setup will run??

j - Enter the command copy D:\mscdex.exe C: .
k - Enter the command copy A:\oakcdrom.sys C:


is D: the ram drive?
if the boot disk doesn't install the ram drive, step j would not work. i also have prescribed this scenario many times to users to get access to a machine. but option k (oakcdrom.sys is not always on 98 bootdisk).

no the drive isnt a RAM drive. The Program ran ok but the file didn't copy. after trying Three time this work. Thanks for the help

I tried the steps in the instructions and eventually got this to work using only part of the information. The problem I ran into was formatting my c: /s so I could boot to the hard drive without a cd or floppy. Whenever I tried the command format c: /s I received an error about having insufficient memory or resources. Got any idea why I'd get that?

go here www.bootdisk.com and get a win98 boot disk
start machine with this boot disk with cdrom support option on the menu
do an fdisk to display/delete/create a partition
do a format
install os from cd.

If it works then it at least deserves to be preserved as a guide somewhere, if not a sticky, thats a very specific walkthrough.

Boot your computer using a Window 98 boot disk. You may need to add Smartdrv.sys to the floppy, to use on older systems. You can find Smartdrv.sys in the TOOLS, OLDDOS directory of a Windows 98 install disk

At the A prompt type FDISK, follow instructions to delete an existing partition, or create a partition.

At the A prompt type FORMAT C, follow instructions

At the A prompt type Smartdrv, press enter

At the A prompt type CD E: where E: is the CD ROM

Place the OS install CD in the CD Drive

At the A prompt type CD i386, press enter

At the A prompt type winnt, press enter, follow on screen instructions

That's it!

Heaven forbid if you have to install any Microsoft OS using floppy disks. I remember installing Windows 95 from floppies. What a pain!

Yea, it works great....except for format c: /s - that's the only thing that didn't work from the earlier instructions.

Thanks for your help!

i hope this works for me!

i did everything in the orignal post but it's still not working :(

I did all of it and looked good till i got here, I did this:
Enter the command edit C:\config.sys
Type the following: DEVICE=C:\OAKCDROM.SYS /D:MSCD001
Save and exit as you did before
Remove your floppy disk, insert the Windows CD and restart the computer. If you have a swappable floppy/CD-ROM, exchange the floppy for the CD drive and insert the Windows 2000 or XP CD. Restart. In order for DOS to detect the CD-ROM, it is very important that you have the CD in before your computer boots next time.
Your hard drive is now bootable and will now have CD-ROM support[/list]

3.) Getting the Windows 2000 / XP setup started

The Windows 98 logo will appear. Your computer should now boot into DOS at command prompt again. (C:)
You will now have CD-ROM access (D:)
Enter the command D:\i386\winnt.exe

*Instructions edited to exclude CD copy, although you may if you wish

Now Windows 2000 setup will begin.. It will also perhaps nag you about smartdrive not being installed. Just ignore it and continue setup anyway. I'd tell you how, but it would make this thing even more complicated. :)

It may also ask you about the location of the setup files. The default path is D:, which should be correct. Simply press [ENTER] if it asks.


but it still says no drive detected. WHAT THE HELL SHOULD I DO? :(

Try my instructions... I didn't post them to be ignored

Try my instructions... I didn't post them to be ignored
Hunny I did that. Do you think i like switching back one huge PC back and forth. I wrote down your instructions the problem is it's not detecting the "E" drive. It's not recognizing that i have a cdrom at all. I've tried yours, as well as everyones on this site. I think it has to do with the driver.
It's weird though because when my mom gave me this comp the cd rom she had in it didn't work either. so i put the one i knew worked in it and now the same thing. Is it possible that the cables connecting it are bad?
I didn't ignore you :(

When you boot with the Windows 98 startup floppy you have 3 options:

1. Boot with CD ROM support
2. Boot without CD ROM support
3. Boot to A: Prompt

You must choose option 1

Hunny I did that. Do you think i like switching back one huge PC back and forth. I wrote down your instructions the problem is it's not detecting the "E" drive. It's not recognizing that i have a cdrom at all. I've tried yours, as well as everyones on this site. I think it has to do with the driver.
It's weird though because when my mom gave me this comp the cd rom she had in it didn't work either. so i put the one i knew worked in it and now the same thing. Is it possible that the cables connecting it are bad?
I didn't ignore you :(

Just before the Boot floppy finishes loading, the drive letter of the CD ROM will be listed. You must make sure you note this drive letter. It could be D, E or F. If your CD isn't detected by the Windows 98 boot, it will show "no cd roms detected" right away

One potential additional step. If you still can't boot your HD after formatting it and creating the config.sys and autoexec.bat files, you might need to create a master boot record.

If you previously had windows on the drive but just deleted the partition this shouldn't be neccesary, but if the drive was brand new, previously was used for linux, or was totally erased you need to tell the computer how to boot the drive.

from the dos prompt: fdisk /mbr

hi everyone, hope you could help me with my problem in installing windows xp with $OEM$, OEM and i386. here goes, i had my toshiba satellite a10 without internal cd-rom and floppy disk but that doesn't concern me cause i know how to install windows xp on my 2.5 HDD. But then, there's a lot of things i gone crazy and that was during installation lots of dll files have't copied such as FindTarget.dll, FindTarget.inf, LegitCheckControl.dll, MsVirtualCD.cpl,.cpi and i think Vs...or something so, i skipped those files everytime they showed up in a bluescreen where winxp is on the process. And after the installation, an error saying cannot locate C:\D\$OEM$\driversignup.cmd..or something like that...after that the window startup but in a classic theme.how does it happen??? pls...help me everyone. (i also made unattended file in winnt.sif but same result...)the windows xp did not upload the default theme. framedyn.dll could not startup same with ikernel. a lot of files also missing....does anyone knows how to fix it? thanks! or there's just something to add at the winnt.sif

Rick, I followed your instructions on installing windows 2000. Everything goes fine until I get to where I type D:\i386\winnt.exe then it says wrong drive specified. I know my pc is set to boot from cd rom. I even unhooked floppy drive, still no luck. I formatted my hard drive with windows 98 floppy. The windows 98 screen pops up, but when it goes to c promp, that's when everything stops. Any suggestions will be appreciated as I would like to have windows 2000. Thaks

i'm using netbook. no cdrom. no floppy. only available usb pen drive.
so, how can i install new windows xp bootable from usb pen drive?
Someone please help me~~~~

Thanx for the post helped me a lot with my laptop

hi can u help me out in installing xp without using cd-rom

How to obtain Windows XP Setup disks for a floppy boot installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994
You have a working CD drive, but you cannot start your computer from your CD-ROM.


Otherwise, if this thread doesn't help, then just purchase an external USB CD or DVD Drive
You will likely need it for other things as well, anyway ;)

We still require CD/DVD Drives until MS provide Windows Setup on USB Flash drive, which hopefully they do, one day (as standard)

Could someone help please?

I followed Rick's instructions to the letter - and got to the end with the Windows XP cd running and starting setup. But then I get errors saying certain .sys files not found (I know they are on the disk, I checked) - cdfs.sys for example. I would retry, same error and finally skipped each file.

Anyway it goes thru continuing to say these certain files not found. . . then copies a bunch of files then hangs with msg at bottom of the blue screen, "Loading files to your computer, please wait". Well I waited for an hour. . . repeated the whole process and same thing.

I am using a Windows XP cd that is a restore disk for a HP - the computer I'm trying to install it to is also an HP. Have the cd key. What am I doing wrong?

Try another geneneric OS install disc. Unless the HP OS disc was made for your model HP, it may not work as you are finding out

Rick, I followed your instructions on installing windows 2000. Everything goes fine until I get to where I type D:\i386\winnt.exe then it says wrong drive specified. I know my pc is set to boot from cd rom. I even unhooked floppy drive, still no luck. I formatted my hard drive with windows 98 floppy. The windows 98 screen pops up, but when it goes to c promp, that's when everything stops. Any suggestions will be appreciated as I would like to have windows 2000. Thaks
Then boot from your Windows 2000 disc.:) The title is HOW TO:Install Windows 2000 (or XP perhaps) from DOS without a bootable CDROM.

Try another geneneric OS install disc. Unless the HP OS disc was made for your model HP, it may not work as you are finding out

Okay, so I tried a windows 98 disk -- (went thru whole procedure first). I've installed Windows 98 from this disk onto another machine before, so I knew that disk worked. It went thru the whole set up process even asking for CD product key - then suddenly I get this message on black screen/white letters:

NTLDR is missing -- what's that? Any help is appreciated

some additional info - the hard drive had Linux on it and nothing else - I wanted to get rid of linux. So that's why I formated and partitioned again accdg to Rick's instructions.

Windows 98 doesn't support the NTFS (NT File System) format. NTLDR is part of this. XP does support this file system, but you can always format XP installs in FAT32 compatible with Windows 98. Pay attention when you get to the partition screen. Installing XP you want to use the quick NTFS format

Okay the partition IS FAT32. . . only one primary partition. I don't think there was an option for "quick NTFS" format from the win 98 startup disk. It just asks (something like)

The HD has more than 512 mb (?) do you want to utilize. . .?? something like that. It's quite long. I chose (Y) .. .

"I don't think there was an option for "quick NTFS" format from the win 98 startup disk"...

Once again, Windows 98 does not have NTFS format options. Choosing "large" utilization was ok. Were you able to install Windows now

today i was able to install windows 98 from a disk complete with OEM product key. However, it won't detect a modem (which I know is there - lucent win modem) and has no sound (had soundblaster installed originally. No modem, no sound. . . any suggestions? And can I try to install now from the windows xp restore disk (it is from a HP and have the key). Any suggestions and advice is appreciated.

If it is and HP with the original motherboard, go to the HP support website and under the model number, see if you can get the drivers from there

It is strange - no modem detected, no sound card (just the standard, base drivers, I think. I can get the drivers from HP, will try that. thanks.

Great, have an old system i need to do this on :)

What is the "read only" with this replying section??? I have an Acer that's BIOS locked, this seems relevant. It has something known as Broadcom PXE 2.1, what does that look for to boot? I guess it only works because there's no HDD, once the HDD is attached, it boots only that device!??