Network Install or similar for XP?

[B.B.]

Hi. I have a Laptop with a Dead CD drive, that i'm trying to revive.

Is it possible to install XP using another computer's cd drive with an
ethernet cable between the two computers?

If not, can you tell me other options besides a new CD drive

Thanks!,
Bernard

 

[kony]

Hi. I have a Laptop with a Dead CD drive, that i'm trying to revive.

If the drive has failed, you might just go ahead and replace
it.

Is it possible to install XP using another computer's cd drive with an
ethernet cable between the two computers?

Yes but it may be more trouble than it's worth.
Easier would be to just pull the HDD, make a second partiton
that's fat32, and copy the XP installation files to it.
That'll be faster than installing from CD, too.

IN such a scenario you have to have a viable boot option,
whether it be temporarily formatting the HDD to a DOS
bootable FAT32, or if it can boot a thumbdrive/etc, that, or
whatever... we can't see the laptop.

If not, can you tell me other options besides a new CD drive

CD drives are not expensive, in the long run you're better
off having one. Try Http:/www.centrix-intl.com , they might
have something at a good price. If it can boot USB just try
a thumbdrive, formatted as bootable.

 

[Grinder]

Hi. I have a Laptop with a Dead CD drive, that i'm trying to revive.

Is it possible to install XP using another computer's cd drive with an
ethernet cable between the two computers?

Not that I know of...

If not, can you tell me other options besides a new CD drive

1) Use an external USB drive:
http://www.addonics.com/support/faqs/windows_OS_installation.asp

2) Use a USB pen drive:
http://blog.aaltonen.us/2004/03/01/tip-boot-from-usb-key-addendum/

Realistically though, a computer with a CD drive seems to be fairly
stunted. Consider just buying a replacement if this machine is to get
much use.