Sometimes, the computer manufacturer does not include the Windows XP CD in the computer purchase package. This guide will explain how to install Windows XP (and other older versions of Windows) without using a CD.
Step
Step 1. Know that errors, performance drops, and difficulty shutting down your computer are normal if you're using a computer with a Windows operating system
These "symptoms" are a sign that you need to reinstall the operating system. However, for the sake of savings and lower manufacturing costs, the computer manufacturer may not include the operating system on the CD when you purchase the computer.
Step 2. Open a copy of the operating system on the computer
If the computer manufacturer does not include the Windows XP CD in the computer's sales package, a copy of the operating system is generally stored on the computer's drive. You can access a copy of the operating system on the drive to reinstall or format the partition on the computer.
Step 3. Back up your personal data, such as photos, pictures, documents, bookmarks, passwords and personal settings, to other storage media, such as CD/DVD/USB
Step 4. Make sure you have the Windows product code/serial number
This code is usually affixed to the computer or computer packaging. If you can't find the product code, check the Registry in Windows, or contact the computer manufacturer for further support.
Step 5. Click My Computer, then open the C directory:
Windows\i386 (or C:\i386). Most users do not know that a copy of the operating system is available on the drive because they are looking for the wrong file. Generally, they look for Setup, Install or Windows, but the correct file is "winnt32.exe".
Step 6. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions
You will be guided to do 5 easy steps. All data on your computer will be erased, and the operating system will be reinstalled.
Step 7. Prepare the product code, and agree to the license that appears in the winnt32.exe program
Step 8. If your computer is running an operating system under Windows 2000/ME, look for the winnt.exe file as winnt32.exe may not be available in the i386 folder of your operating system
winnt.exe is a text-based program. Therefore, you will need to use some simple commands to mount Windows or format the partition. Find the command for winnt.exe here
Tips
- Make sure you have closed programs and applications that are running in the background, such as Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and others to speed up the installation process.
- Make sure you have backed up any important files before formatting your computer.
- If your computer is using an older version of Windows (under Windows 2000/ME), you may need to use winnt.exe, instead of winnt32.exe, to reinstall Windows. This text-based program must be operated with certain commands.
- Make sure you have a copy of the important programs on the CD to install the deleted drivers.
Warning
- Don't forget to back up all your data with a backup program. All your data, including currently installed programs, will be erased when you format the drive.
- You can download drivers via Windows Update, but this service requires an internet connection.
- Microsoft is not responsible for errors that occur during the installation process and damage to the computer.
- If winnt32.exe/winnt.exe is not in the i386 folder, use the Windows search menu (Start > Search) to locate the file. If the file cannot be found, you may not have a copy of the Windows CD in the drive. Contact your computer manufacturer for more information.
- All drivers on your computer will be deleted, including the video card, graphics card, and network card drivers, when you reinstall the operating system. Make sure the device manufacturer provides the appropriate driver installation files.
