I can't install windows on my Laptop

[Shady]

I have a friend's Dell XPS 9100 and it's CD ROM is ruined, We need to install windows coz the current one is full of viruses and spyware.
Clearly I need a clean install, So I decided we need a format.
The problem is I can't boot because I dont have a CD ROM.
Getting an external one is not an option now. Or would be my last option after I miserably fail in the other (not costy) options.

I tried 2 different things and I've failed.

1-Getting an IDE to USB converter and trying to use my CD ROM to boot windows. the dell didn't recognize my cd rom.
2-Trying to copy the files from my windows CD to my flash disk and booting from it. It says it's not valid . or system error and I should replace the disk. ( I got the HP format utility and formated my drive and tried a couple of other things..,. still won't boot)

Any ideas ?
may be you can help me get these 2 things working !!?

 

[PC eye]

The best thing right from the start would be to see that a Dell suitable replacement drive goes into it. I know their product page lists replacement drives at the link seen here. http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?c=us&category_id=6358&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=anav

That won't do you much good there until you locate a link for a service center or Dell authorized dealer where a new drive can be ordered. The main problem you are seeing there is that Dell needs Dell only! This is how they made their desktop models as well. The only thing you can copy from an XP installation disk and see results with is the I386 folder. That contains drivers and system files in compressed archives. But you still need to boot from a working optical drive to get the installer running from the cd itself.

 

[X2BreakOfFate]

no no no, if you have bought a legimate version of windows, download one off the internet and mount it to a virtual drive. then install it like that and of course buy a DVD-ROM drive.

 

[PC eye]

A virtual drive would only allow running a second OS already installed like some are now running some newer Linux distros on a Windows machine. The problem there is having no way of preforming a repair install or anything else like reformatting the hard drive for a clean install of Windows or anything else. The main problem with portables is the lack of options.

The only other possible means would be either borrowing a drive temporarily from another unit or placing the drive(not so good) in another laptop for cleaning until a new drive is bought. The only you can copy from an XP disk for performing repairs on system files is the I386 folder from a Home version cd or the Sources folder from a Pro disk. You should try some spy blasters and antivirus programs like AVG you can download and transfer to the unit for cleaning things up.