Network Installation

[Tezdread]

Hi,

I have a Sony VAIO PCG-SR21 notebook with a bad installation of Win XP that needs reinstalling.

The problem is, I don't have an external CD drive or any other device other than a network connection.

So, the question is, can I install XP onto this laptop over the network? If so how?

Cheers
Tez

Tezdread
"With every solution comes a new problem"

 

[Stevehewitt]

If your on XP Pro, and you are part of a domain network your network admin may be able to launch a remote installation through RIS.
This needs to be setup server side though.

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/prbc_cai_byil.asp

Steve.

 

[Stevehewitt]

Not sure if Ghost requires a floppy or if you can initiate if via LAN, but that may also be another option.

Personally I would get a cheap CD-Rom from eBay!

 

[bcastner]

Choices:

. copy the XP CD to a new network folder, copy the folder to the notebook using the network. Then use a DOS method installation of XP.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307848&sd=tech

-or-

. For less that US $5.00 you can purchase an adapter that would allow you to connect the notebook hard disk to a regular desktop IDE cable.

Connect the hard disk temporarily to a desktop computer with a CD, do the CD copy as above, and then restore the notebook drive to the notebook. Do a DOS-based install as above.

 

[Stevehewitt]

If you would be running the setup from DOS itself then you would also need to ensure that your NIC will work in native DOS.

 

[Tezdread]

thanks for the suggestions...I'm going to have to test a few things as I'm not even sure I can get into Windows yet...I'll try out what I can and let you know how I get on.



Tezdread
"With every solution comes a new problem"