If you have an old PC that you want to bring back to life and you want to install Windows XP on it, you may find that it’s not as easy as it used to be. After all, Windows XP was launched back in 2001, when DVDs were the main device for installing software. Nowadays, most computers don’t have DVD drives anymore, and this can make the installation process more difficult. However, there are still ways to install Windows XP without a CD.
One option is to use a software called Easy2Boot. This software helps install pretty much any operating system, including Windows XP. You will need to go to the Easy2Boot website and download the latest version of the software. Once you have installed it on your PC or laptop, the app will look for a USB drive. Once selected, it will begin flashing, but be warned, this will delete all data on the drive. You will then need to paste the Windows XP ISO into the folder on the USB stick. Once this is done, you can remove the drive and plug it into the PC that you want to install Windows XP on.
When installing XP on a real machine, make sure to choose IDE mode in the advanced section in BIOS and SATA configuration. Windows XP doesn’t work well with the AHCI method of communicating, so choosing IDE mode will ensure that the drive is recognized and works properly. You can then select the USB device to boot into, and you will be prompted by an Easy2Boot message. You should have one XP install option in the Windows install menu, and you can begin the installation process from there.
Another option is to use PowerISO. Mount the Windows XP ISO by right-clicking it, and then use the Polarizer tool, which you can download from the link in the description, to prepare the USB stick. Copy the i384 folder from the mounted ISO to the root directory of the drive, and then pop the drive gently into a USB port. Once it is booted, you will need to start up a command prompt interface and run a command shown on the screen. After that, you can begin the installation process.
Both of these options have their pros and cons, but they will allow you to install Windows XP without a CD. If you have an old PC that you want to use for some basic tasks, or if you just want to relive some nostalgic moments, these methods will help you get started. If you have any other suggestions or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.