From Leo's mailbag:
> From: A Computer User
> Sent: January 22, 2009
> To: Ask Leo!
> Subject: Can I copy I386 to a USB stick and reinstall from that?
>
> Leo,
> If I copy my I386 folder to my external usb hard drive and erase my
> computer, will it recognize the file on the external hard drive and
> allow it to re-install my XP operating system? My system was
> factory-loaded and I have no CD.
I can only say "maybe".
1) you'll need something to boot from. What you've described
(copying I386 to a USB stick) is not enough. You can look up
things like bootdisk.com or BartPE for bootable media.
2) that bootable media needs to recognize your USB stick.
Many of the bootable alternatives don't have USB support.
3) Not all I386's are the same. I have no idea if yours,
specifically, has everything you need.
I strongly suggest getting an install CD from the manufacturer
if you can.
--
Thanks for asking,
Leo Notenboom
Article 1804
| Category:
Windows
