Can I use \Windows\i386 folder to make install/recovery CD?

[Beaudeau]

My laptop came without a Win XP install CD. There is a \Windows\i386 folder that appears to contain a lot of compressed setup files. Can I make a CD (and how) to re-install or recover from crashes?

 

[indyitguy]

The i386 folder contains only the system files for XP so copying it won't backup your personal data (pics, docs, music, etc...). You want to create an automated system recovery CD. Click Start, Accesories, Backup, Advanced Mode, Automated Recovery Wizard.

 

[Beaudeau]

The i386 folder contains only the system files for XP so copying it won't backup your personal data (pics, docs, music, etc...). You want to create an automated system recovery CD. Click Start, Accesories, Backup, Advanced Mode, Automated Recovery Wizard.

I have the Home Edition of XP, which does not come with ASR. And my laptop did not come with an install CD. HELP says I can do a recovery with the Install CD. How can I make one from i386??

 

[indyitguy]

I see... I've never created one from the i386 folder but this article says it can be done. I would definitely make a backup of everything before you start.

Good Luck and be sure to let me know how it works out for you.

http://www.howtohaven.com/system/createwindowssetupdisk.shtml

 

[Beaudeau]

I see... I've never created one from the i386 folder but this article says it can be done. I would definitely make a backup of everything before you start.

Good Luck and be sure to let me know how it works out for you.

http://www.howtohaven.com/system/createwindowssetupdisk.shtml

Yes, it worked perfectly, and I have now a booting recovery CD. But when I get to the point where I select the Recovery Console, it asks for an "Administrator password". I have never set up any password on this computer. I tried "password" and "pw", but neither worked. Typing nothing and just hitting ENTER returns me to the command prompt with no further options.

 

[indyitguy]

Awesome... if that worked for you, could you please select it as best answer?

hmmmmm... The default password is blank, type help at the command line. Here is Microsoft's article on the recovery console.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058

 

[Beaudeau]

Best answer selected by Beaudeau.