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XP install

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by pascefist

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Please excuse my ignorance. I am trying to do a clean install of XP professional to my machine. However when I try to execute the setup file I get an error message that the "program cannot be run in DOS mode". Although my machine should be able to boot to CD, that option does not work either. I am always returned to a Dos prompt. I have this problem with win2000 too. I am certain this is an error on my part and would appreciate any assistance someone could offer.

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by thechas

While you run the Windows setup program from a "DOS" prompt, it is not a DOS program, and cannot be run in true DOS mode.

If your system will not boot from CD, then your best option is to download the XP Pro startup disk creation program from Microsoft.

It takes several floppies (5 or 6) to make the startup floppy set.

The best way to boot from CD, is to have the CD drive as the master device on the secondary IDE channel, and the hard drive formatted, but not systemed. For XP, I wouldgo so far as to use a raw or just fdisked hard drive.
Then, with the XP CD in the drive, enter BIOS settup at boot and have the CD drive set as the first boot device.
Make sure that the switch to try other boot devices is enabled.

Chas

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