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March 2nd, 2004 03:00
HELP! -- Can't boot to XP Pro install disk.
(for Dimension L)
I'm trying to upgrade the operating system from 98 to XP. I cleaned the disk using "format c". Programed the BIOS to boot to the CD ROM. System won't boot to the install disk. Then I tried to boot with the 98 disk. That was successful. After booting up, I switched to the XP disk and tried to execute the "setup.exe" file. That returned the error "can't run from DOS". Now I'm reading several forum posts and I'm getting completely confused. Different answers to this problem are:
1. Run the i386\winnt.exe file instead 2. Upgrade the BIOS to accept a boot to this disk. 3. Download setup disks. 4. -- 5. --- etc, etc.
Does anyone have "The Best Solution"?
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Denny Denham
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18.8K Posts
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March 2nd, 2004 03:00
If the computer will boot to the Windows 98 reinstallation disk but not to the Windows XP installation disk, it is possible that the XP CD is damaged. I don't know whether a BIOS update would make any difference in the process or not.
You can try the installation with the boot floppies (available through links here) but if the XP CD is damaged they will not resolve the problem.
gryjhnhpe
2 Intern
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2K Posts
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March 2nd, 2004 18:00
If is an old Computer you have to update the BIOS 1st to install XP.
You can install Windows XP in several methods - all are valid and good, it all depends upon your needs and your limitations.
Manual installations usually come in 3 flavors:
Boot from CD - No existing partition is required.
Boot from the 6 Setup Boot Disks, then insert the CD - No existing partition is required (see the Create Setup Boot Disks for Windows XP page).
Boot from an MS-DOS startup floppy, go to the command prompt, create a xGB FAT32 partition with FDISK, reboot, format the C partition you've created, then go to the CD drive, go into the I386 folder, and run the WINNT.EXE command.
I think this will only work if you create a FAT32 partition to allow DOS.
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Edit:
Curios.?
With 98 installed & started if you then insert the XP CD does it auto play & show Menu if Install > Upgrade > New Installation. ?
If your not using XP Upgrade CD it shouldn't show "Upgrade" option just "New Installation".
If is does I think "New Installation" only create another Folder doesn't perform or allow a Clean Install.
Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 03-03-2004 10:14 AM