can i install windows without a cd-rom?

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Thread: can i install windows without a cd-rom?

  1. 07-12-2002, 02:47 PM #1
    SLInger
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    Question can i install windows without a cd-rom?

    i've recently inherited a Dell inspiron 7500 laptop...
    the cd drive is broken,and the windows on it has been erased...
    the drive is formatted and blank,just waiting for a fresh install of windows....
    i have another desktop computer as my main system....
    is it possible to install from my main comp to the laptop?....
    the replacement cd drives for the inspiron ar about $200!////
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  2. 07-12-2002, 02:51 PM #2
    BoogyMan
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    Most (all?) versions of windows have a routine on the CD to make install boot disks, but you still eventually need the CD...

    What about a portable CD drive?
    Last edited by BoogyMan; 07-12-2002 at 02:53 PM.
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  3. 07-12-2002, 02:51 PM #3
    ATC9001
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    is there any way to connect the HD from the laptop to your PC? that would work, There might be a way to use a network and tranfer the data like that. I'm not sure that would work though, because when windows installs it looks for a CD-ROM, you might be able to fool it. Your best bet is to get that laptop HD out and install it on a PC or try to connect your CD-ROM from your PC to the laptop...don't know if they use the same IDE connectors though.
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  4. 07-12-2002, 02:52 PM #4
    dark_man
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    if you can network the machines you can do a network install with the cd in the desktop machine.
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  6. 07-12-2002, 02:53 PM #5
    Johnny Vasqueles
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    Look around for an external CD-rom (via serial, parallel, or USB cable). That may work, but I can't promise you.
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  7. 07-12-2002, 02:54 PM #6
    BoogyMan
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    Originally posted by ATC9001
    Your best bet is to get that laptop HD out and install it on a PC
    Ack! Then Windows would install configured to the PC's hardware and freak out when it was put back in the laptop.
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  8. 07-12-2002, 02:59 PM #7
    jubjub
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    If you don't have a network card, then you can do it the super slow way.

    Transfer via serial or parallel port.

    You can copy the CD .cab files to your HD, then install from HD

    There are plenty of freeware direct connect programs for DOS, and DOS even has it's own.
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  9. 07-12-2002, 03:00 PM #8
    jubjub
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    Originally posted by BoogyMan


    Ack! Then Windows would install configured to the PC's hardware and freak out when it was put back in the laptop.
    I think he means install in in the PC, then use the PC to transfer the CAB files.
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  11. 07-12-2002, 03:03 PM #9
    ua549
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    If you have a functioning floppy on your notebook, you can do a network install by booting to the floppy and connecting to the network drive where the CD is mounted. Use your desktop to view the Windows help files that describe how to do it.
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  12. 07-12-2002, 03:11 PM #10
    muzikjunkie
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    just get a usb cd-rom
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