Install win 2k/xp/vista on computer without cd and admin rights?

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format c: /s

In reading this thread, the HDD for the laptop is presently partitioned into C: and D:. Additionally, the i386 folder has been copied to D:\i386. Futhermore, you are using a desktop computer since it has the floppy drive.

  • Using the Win98 Startup floppy, restart the desktop.
  • Make C: bootable with the following command: format c: /s
  • NOTE: use the correct letter for the drive if there is an extra HDD in the computer
  • If you have access to Win98, add Smartdrive.exe to the floppy. Execute it before entering commands.
  • Change drives by entering d:
  • Change directories cd i386
  • enter command winnt /t:c:
  • Confirm d:\i386 is the source
  • Wait a long time (over 1 hour)

This could be the first point where you are getting screwed. The message at the bottom of the screen indicates that it is examining the computer.

Do not follow the instruction to remove the floppy from A:
Leave the floppy in A:; strike the key to initiate the restart; POWER OFF THE COMPUTER when you detect the floppy is being accessed.

Move the HDD to the laptop.
Power up the laptop.
Accept the bottom choice to enter Update (or whatever it says).
You are on your way if you saw this message.

If the installation fails because the change of computers, then repeat the above sequence with an important change.
  • Using the Win98 Startup floppy, restart the desktop.
  • Make C: bootable with the following command: format c: /s
  • NOTE: use the correct letter for the drive if there is an extra HDD in the computer
  • copy a:\command.com c:\
  • REM above copy may not be necessary
  • Turn off the computer
  • Move HDD to laptop
  • Power on the laptop
  • At the prompt, Change drives by entering d:
  • Change directories cd i386
  • enter command winnt /t:c:
  • Confirm d:\i386 is the source
  • Wait a long time (over 1 hour)
It has been a long time since I used msdos. The "cd" command may be in one of the system files and not in command.com
Because of my situation, I practiced the normal case which resembles the 1st procedure without powering off the computer or changing computers. Also, I cannot prove that format C: /s worked since this was previously a HDD that was bootable by XP
 
sys a: c:

Shorten the procedure in the previous post. If C: is already formatted (fat32), just add the system files with the command sys a: c:

Move the HDD to the laptop and follow the remainder of the procedure.

It is way past my bedtime. I have booted on HDD without a floppy. The winnt /t:c: was entered. It is off & running. In the morning I'll see if the reboot moves on with the prompt for update.

P.S. If your CDs are specific to a computer (oem supplied), they will fail you without telling you why, if not using the matching computer.

P.P.S. Restarted; selected default prompt: Windows XP Installation/Upgrade
Accepted default choice for all following prompts. My computer has crossed over to the dark side - it shows the Windows XP splash screen. 39 minutes from now I will be asked to active this copy. OEM loads do not face the activation task.

P.P.P.S. XP installation completed & operational. HOWEVER, boot.ini presents you with choices of WinXP or Microsoft Windows. The later choice get you to the C prompt. Edit boot.ini to remove the 2nd choice. Someone else can advise us of any adverse effects we may experience from putting the old Windows system files on C:.
 
SodR, when you put the HDD back into the laptop did you use the appropriate DOS commands to get to the winnt.exe. I think that we assume you are Dos savvy, yes?
 
Professional Geeks of the World Delight at Suffering Fools

The short answer is that the procedure from Microsoft and discussed early in this thread WORKS AS DESCRIBED.
The remainder of this reply gives details and opinions. Stop reading when you had enough.
Details:
I do not know when XP captures the signature for use in creating the XP load specific to a computer. Making C: bootable & moving the HDD to the laptop is probably your best shot. Once there, use “winnt” without any switches.
My first attempt at the procedure, duplicated your results. I felt that this confirmed a problem with the procedure. Subsequently, every variation of the procedure I attempted afterwards, created a working XP load. So I suppose that the initial failure was just one of those things – another expression comes to mind – SH!+ Happens.

Opinions:
The world of home computing is full of chaos. I often refer to home computing as FUDLAND – where Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt surround us. Forums such as these are a big step toward self-sufficiency.
 
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