How Do You Install Windows XP From A DOS Prompt?
Installing Windows XP to a new hard drive or to an existing drive from MS-DOS is straightforward and requires little user input. Not all computers are compatible with XP, so use the checklist provided with this article to be sure yours is before installing it. Attach pointing devices, printers, scanners and other peripheral hardware that you normally use to your computer before you start installing Windows XP. Check your BIOS to be sure your computer will boot from a CD. Enter the BIOS setup by pressing the “Delete” or “F12” key, or as directed at the startup screen, immediately after booting. Set the first boot device to “CDROM” or “DVDROM” instead of “hard drive” if it isn’t already. Insert the Windows XP installation CD into your CD or DVD drive and restart the computer. When prompted, choose to start from the MS-DOS command prompt with CD support. The MS-DOS command prompt will appear in a moment. Start SMARTDRIVE by typing “SMARTDRV” at the DOS prompt and pressing enter. You don’t
