How to install Vista without a DVD-drive

[ConraDargo]

Hey everyone!

Problem: So I'm about to go from having Windows XP installed on my M200 to installing Vista on my newly purchased hard drive and was just wondering - how the heck do I proceed with it without having an external DVD?

Thanks in advance!

[digitaldoc]

I installed by wifi networking to a shared DVD on my desktop computer. Not the best method but worked for me. I do have an external DVD, but used wifi for the masochistic thrill.

[WNewquay]

ConraDargo,

You could partition the new hard drive (leave Window XP alone except to resize the first partition), then copy the Vista DVD contents over the network to the new partition. Then run the installation over the XP partition.

Then reclaim the space or use the 2nd partition for data.

[ConraDargo]

quote:Originally posted by digitaldoc

I installed by wifi networking to a shared DVD on my desktop computer. Not the best method but worked for me. I do have an external DVD, but used wifi for the masochistic thrill.

And what preparations must I do with this new HD of mine in order for that to work out? Because this was initially my plan but I don't know how to proceed with it using a new HD that doesn't have any OS installed on it already.

Had it only been an upgrade from XP to Vista then I would've simply booted into XP and then run the Vista install disc through the DVD-drive on my desktop computer.

quote:Originally posted by WNewquay

ConraDargo,

You could partition the new hard drive (leave Window XP alone except to resize the first partition), then copy the Vista DVD contents over the network to the new partition. Then run the installation over the XP partition.

Then reclaim the space or use the 2nd partition for data.

You mean that I should first install XP on the new HD, boot into that and then upgrade to Vista or what? But then how do I install XP without a DVD-drive??

[digitaldoc]

>>And what preparations must I do with this new HD of mine<<

None, the OS install will guide you.

[ConraDargo]

A tiny step-by-step guide would be much appreciated as I don't even have a clue on how I can get my M200 to actually boot the Vista DVD over LAN :) Do I perhaps need to enter BIOS to change something there, or what exactly must I do after powering on my Tablet PC with my new HD installed (all I ever get to is a message asking for a system disk or whatever it says - since the HD doesn't have anything on it, it's not even formatted yet)?

[digitaldoc]

quote:Originally posted by ConraDargo

A tiny step-by-step guide would be much appreciated as I don't even have a clue on how I can get my M200 to actually boot the Vista DVD over LAN :) Do I perhaps need to enter BIOS to change something there, or what exactly must I do after powering on my Tablet PC with my new HD installed (all I ever get to is a message asking for a system disk or whatever it says - since the HD doesn't have anything on it, it's not even formatted yet)?

With a blank hard drive (no OS) you will have to use an External drive source to install the OS.

[ConraDargo]

Bummer, I knew it was too good to be true '-_- Thanks anyway!

[ConraDargo]

Will any drive do or must I get one of the brands listed @ the Wiki that works with the recovery disc?

[wallen]

Only the listed ones are known to work...