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JSI Tip 5079. How do I do a clean install of Windows XP into the original non-Windows folder name?

If you are recovering from a failed system drive, you need to reinstall Windows XP into the original folder, so you can perform a full restore to the original location. If the original folder name is NOT Windows, the standard Setup offers no way to set the destination folder.

The only way Setup will allow a non-Windows folder name is:

1. The Windows folder already exists on the disk drive.

2. You perform an unattended installation and specify the TargetPath= parameter.

3. You run Winnt32.exe from a working installation of Windows XP and use Advanced Options to change the folder.

If you are using a FATxx partitions, you can format the drive and create the Windows folder before beginning a normal installation. Setup will then prompt you for an installation folder.

If you will be using an NTFS partition, and do NOT require third-party drivers during setup, use the following procedure:

Perform an Unattended Installation:

1. Use a text editor, like Notepad, to create a Winnt.sif file on a floppy disk:

\[Unattended\]
UnattendMode=GuiAttended
OemPreinstall=No
TargetPath= <OldWinDir>

\[data\]
unattendedinstall=yes
msdosinitiated=0

Where <OldWinDir> is the original folder path, like C:\WinNT.

2. Boot the Windows XP CD-ROM and as soon as possible, insert the floppy that contains the Winnt.sif file.

If you need to use third-party drivers during Setup:

If you need to use third-party drivers during setup, perform a normal install into C:\Windows. When Setup is complete, perform another clean install. Setup will prompt you for the destination folder because the Windows folder already exists on the drive. After Setup is complete, delete the Windows folder.

After a successful install to the original folder name:

After a successful install to the original folder name, use NTBackup.exe to do a full system restore, including the system state.



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