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    What do I need from XP Pro CD....(Cab files)

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Soldat, Aug 12, 2005.

  1. Soldat

    Soldat Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    If I want to copy the necessary files from the Windows CD to the HD so I won't have to insert eveytime I change a setting, which files do I need to copy.

    I think it is some .cab ones, but I am not sure which.

    Thanks
     
    Soldat, Aug 12, 2005
    #1
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    It has been my experience that Windows rarely asks for the cd. You could copy over the whole CD.
     
    ZaZ, Aug 13, 2005
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  3. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    u no longer need to copy .cab files over. the last version of windows that i dealt with that required that trick was windows 98. i never saw that happen to me in NT, 2K, or XP.

    once you install, you should be good to go.
     
    drumfu, Aug 13, 2005
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  4. Venombite

    Venombite Notebook Virtuoso

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    Actually, there are some cases where it will ask for the CD, like adding alternate language support or even adding some extra features that weren't installed previously.

    So, the best thing to do for XP is to copy over the i386 folder located on the CD's root. This contains all the files (like 98's CAB files) that you would need if prompted to insert the CD. Other than that, everything else is optional (extra support stuff that's not really needed) and anything that normally gets installed will never prompt for anything in those other folders.

    -Vb-
     
    Venombite, Aug 13, 2005
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  5. mtrivs

    mtrivs Notebook Evangelist

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    I would just create an .ISO of the windows CD and then mount it with daemon tools when you need it. You shouldn't need it that often though.
     
    mtrivs, Aug 13, 2005
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  6. Venombite

    Venombite Notebook Virtuoso

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    Mtrvis,

    That's another thing I was thinking about, but then it would require additional software to be installed & the image to be mounted for it to work. Seem like a lot of work, but I guess it's always good to have an ISO of your OS CD. You never know when you might need it to reload your OS while on the road (just burn to disc and you're set).

    -Vb-
     
    Venombite, Aug 13, 2005
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  7. mtrivs

    mtrivs Notebook Evangelist

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    it really isnt a lot of work. All you have to do is install daemon tools, when you install it it should default to having 1 virtual drive. Once you install, go into daemon tools and right click the drive. From there you can select mount, and explore to the directory which has the .ISO and select it. from there it will be mounted on that drive until you tell it to unmount.
     
    mtrivs, Aug 13, 2005
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  8. Venombite

    Venombite Notebook Virtuoso

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    It's just the fact that it has to be mounted. I'm just a lazy guy sometimes and want it done ASAP without the hassles :), but this will way work fine as well.

    -Vb-
     
    Venombite, Aug 13, 2005
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  9. mtrivs

    mtrivs Notebook Evangelist

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    LOL, well its easier than putting in the OS CD isn't it? :)
     
    mtrivs, Aug 13, 2005
    #9