8/15/2014

How to Reinstall Windows XP Without the CD: 8 Steps

How to Reinstall Windows XP Without

the CD
1,217,378 view s

Edited 2 days ago

Sometimes manufacturers do not include the Windows XP Operating System

CD when you first buy your new computer. This how-to will explain how to
reinstall the Windows XP operating system (with similar rules applying to its
predecessors) without the need of the Windows XP CD.

Steps

Understand that after a while your computer will start to slow down, freeze
and have difficulty shutting down correctly. These symptoms are perfectly

normal for Microsoft Windows operating systems that should get a clean, fresh start. But
sometimes manufacturers do not include a copy of the operating system on a disk. In order
to save you money, when purchasing your computer and ultimately saving them money too.

Access the copy of the operating system on the hard drive. If manufacturers do
not supply a Windows XP CD with the purchase of your new computer, they have

most definitely stored a copy in your hard drive for later use. You can easily access this
copy of the CD on your hard drive to completely reinstall or format partitions on your
computer.

Back up your personal data including photos, pictures, documents, favorites,

Make sure you have your Windows product key/serial number. This could be

passwords and settings to CD/DVD/USB.

located on the computer itself, or in the original packaging it was supplied with. If you

do not have one, look in the registry or contact your manufacturer immediately for more
support regarding the issue.

Click on My Computer then C: WINDOWS then i386(Sometimes C:\i386). This is

the part where a lot of people get confused. They realise that a copy of their Windows

XP CD is here, but they look for the wrong files. Most people will try to find a file named
"Setup", "Install", or "Windows". The file you are looking for is called "winnt32.exe".

Open this application and proceed with the instructions given. It will lead you
through 5 simple phases that will wipe out your computer and reinstall the operating

system.

Get your product key ready to enter it. Make sure you agree with the terms that should
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How to Reinstall Windows XP Without the CD: 8 Steps

be provided when using the winnt32.exe application.

If you are using any operating system below Windows 2000 or Me, try looking
for the winnt.exe application as the winnt32.exe application may not be available for

your version of the Windows OS in the I386 folder. Winnt.exe uses a command driven
interface, and therefore requires simple commands to use to reinstall Windows or format
partitions. You can find these simple commands here

Tips
Make sure you have backed up all of your files before you clean out your
computer.
If you are having trouble finding the folder, download WinAccess" 2 .
Developed by ZenCore Softworks, it searches your Windows folder for
the Windows CD and executes it straight from your hard drive. You
can download the software free from this website. It also supports use
on Vista machines. This small software can also prove useful if the
manufacturer installed it to a different location (which in many cases
is unlikely).
For some of the lower versions (operating systems) of the Windows
franchise, you may wish to use the winnt.exe application instead which
will use the Command Prompt application and require certain commands
to operate. The Winnt32.exe application may not be available for those
who use any OS below Windows 2000/Me.
Make sure you close any unnecessary software and applications that run
in the system tray like Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Instant
messenger and others, before using winnt32. This should speed up the
whole process.
Make sure you have all the required softwares on CD to reinstall the
drivers that will be wiped out.

Warnings
Do not forget to back up all of your data with a system restore tool, or
else everything will be lost. This means all software and programs
currently installed on the computer.
You can download the drivers using the Windows Update service, but
you will need the wireless/network driver to be able to connect to the
internet first!
Remember Microsoft will not take any responsibility for anything that may
go wrong and cause damage to your computer system.
If the I386 folder or "Winnt32.exe/Winnt.exe" application does not exist,
or you cannot find it, use the Search feature to help you (Start>Search).
If it does not yield any results, a copy of the CD may not have been
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How to Reinstall Windows XP Without the CD: 8 Steps

stored on your hard drive. Contact your manufacturer for more support.
All drivers will be wiped clean. That includes graphic cards, audio
drivers, wireless drivers, etc. Make sure your manufacturers has
supplied you with the correct software to re-install the drivers that will be
lost on re-installation of the OS.

Article Info

Categories: XP Instructions
Recent edits by: Divya Narayanan, Daniel Bauwens, Lutherus
In other languages:
Espaol: Cmo reinstalar Windows XP sin el CD en 8 pasos, Italiano: Come Reinstallare
Windows XP Senza CD ROM, Portugus: Como Reinstalar o Windows XP Sem o
CD, Deutsch: Windows XP ohne CD neuinstallieren, : Windows
XP CD

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,217,378 times.

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