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: https://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:
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
[size=3]How to install Windows 2000 from DOS without a bootable CDROM[/size]
1.) Obtain a Windows 98SE startup / emergency boot diskette
3.) Getting the Windows 2000 / XP setup started
*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.
This post has been created in response to this thread: https://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.
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
[size=3]How to install Windows 2000 from DOS without a bootable CDROM[/size]
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
- 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.