DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

Installing Windows xp pro directly?

6 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/installing-windows-xp-pro-directly.7615/

T
thecyclone2k Original post #1
Mar 29, 2005 at 1:06 PM
I read on some issue of digit on installing windows xp directly from dos, I can find which issue was that. Can somebody please tell me on how to install windows xp directly from dos?
enoonmai
Mar 29, 2005 at 5:11 PM
If you're starting the computer with a startup disk, select "Start the computer with CDROM support" and then at the command prompt, shift to the CDROM drive (say F:) by typing
f:
and then navigate to the i386 folder with the
cd i386
command and then enter
winnt.exe
and press Enter to start Windows XP setup. If you have a bootable disc, simply press any key when the CD instructs you to and then follow the instructions on-screen.
T
Mar 30, 2005 at 6:36 PM
oh, thanks man! I will try it. Currently some prob with dvd drive itself!
Sourabh
Sourabh #4
Mar 30, 2005 at 6:54 PM
mr. Iamnoone u forgot to mention smartdrv

type smartdrive press enter

again press smartdrv press enter

and then winnt
P
paraman #5
Mar 30, 2005 at 8:03 PM
If you have the winxp cd-rom, then boot from it and setup will begin. From then on just follow the prompts.
T
Mar 31, 2005 at 12:46 AM
the smartdrv is for speeding up the copying process in DOS mode, so it is not a compulsary step
but without it the speed s**ks if you sre using it form cd but when installing form hdd it hardly matters

also smartdrv is by defaultnot present in xp cd or general bootable floppies, you must include it from win98 cd or your installed system