Installing an OS w/o a CD drive

Yoonsi

Yoonsi

New Member
My little sister was just given an old laptop as a gift, but it is completely blank (i.e. No OS or anything) and it has no CD drive. I don't own a usb CD drive either. I have the associated copy of vista to go on it. Does anyone have any idea how I could install it without the CD drive?

Many thanks :D
 
Without a cd drive your going to be hard pressed to install it, you could download a copy of linux to a USB dongle and install that, but almost 100% positive that Vista requires a dvd drive to install.

You could just buy one, they are relatively cheap these days.
 
in theory.......

would it be possible to put DVD's content onto a flash drive(via another PC) and BOOT from the flash drive(via BIOS) containing the Vista setup?
 
I can also get my hands on a copy of XP, but she just wants the laptop to play simple games (shes only 9) and go on the internet.

I have a USB hard drive, so does that conjure any ideas?
 
TBH bud, I would seriously consider spending a "few" quid on a DVD drive for the laptop!!
It will come in handy for a lot of things

  • software installs
  • driver installs
  • saving pictures,music
What make and model is the laptop and we will see if we can locate a suitable drive/dock for you?
 
It's really old. Thus the reason my 9 year old sister plays with it :P
Uhm, it's an HP compaq nc4010
That's what is says just below the monitor, so I suppose that's the model number?
 
well I see a few still kicking around on Ebay but if you do decide to get one, make sure you get the DVD dock and not the CD version as otherwise you won't be able to install from the Vista disc !! ;)
 
Well that's all good then because

  1. Yoonsi said he can get hold of a XP OS
  2. it will be a hell of a lot better for the laptop he is installing to(performance)
;)
 
I can get a copy of linux too, but she will be installing those educational childrens games, and I have no experience with linux. Will they work?

Okay, I have the copy of XP now, what do I do? Do I have to make an ISO or...?

Thanks for the support guys! Much appreciated!
 
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