I tried many a times (unsuccessfully) to install Windows XP on my Hard Disk (after I had formatted my previous copy of WInME thinking I would be able to boot from the XP Install CD - sadly, after formatting,I realized that the XP CD is an upgrade type CD and can only be run from within windows). Booting thru Win98 startup disk, WinME startup disk and running the setup file in the i386 would only take setup so far before I it would get stuck at some file). Finally, after searching the net for a few hours, I figured out I need the Windows XP startup disks to install a FRESH copy. So, Downloaded, the file, it copied the image into SIX Floppy disks. Booting from the diskettes, installation went without a hitch. Then i got this idea of making the 6 floppies into a bootable CD and then copying the Windows XP Setup CD to the same so I woudl have an all in one package. I used Nero CD creator to make the bootable CD, Inserted the first startup disk in my floppy to be used to get the boot files. Nero made the CD without a problem. The CD even boots perfectly, however, after starting up, it goes thru the setup routines, and after some time, would come up with a message saying Insert XP startup Disk 2 in Drive A. After that, I couldn't do anything. There is no config.sys/autoexec.bat file in the WinXP startup disks for me to see and modify to assign drive A as the CD Drive. The setup program doesnt let you exit to Dos, it ONLY allows to restasrt the system. Does anyone know HOW to get round this?.

Rizwan, I have had the same problem installing XP, however I ended up re-instaaling ME and then upgrading to XP. I now have various registry problems. Where did you download the XP startuo file that you have mentioned. I have looked on the Microsoft site and can't find anything

Well I also had a hard time with XP and Me. The only solution I found was to have both OS on separate drives (chose XP or Me). Try to install XP with Me to the minimum (device take everything out except CD rom), then boot. Once Me has started, launch your CD rom. Install XP After 10 sec you will see a display message at the bottom, press F6 and F7 one after the other. then you will be able to follow screen directions. Press continue and it should work. If the system is not installed, it will be hard to use the bootable floppy disks.

I also had lots of problem installing XP on some machines - It would stall at some point. The answer is to boot to win98, copy all the xp install files to a directory on win98 (everything), restart computer, but this time boot into safe mode (F8 on boot-up) and run the setup from the hard disk - works like a dream.

I downloaded the bootup disks from the micrsoft site: http://download.microsoft.com/download/whistler/Install/310994/WIN98MeXP/EN-US/WinXP_EN_PRO_BF.EXE This link is for Startup disks for Win XP Professional. Will NOT work for XP Home, and vice versa. Bert, you are right, upgrading over WinME is not the slickest option, I found XP to be unstable when installed on top of ME. With these startup disks, you can format your hardisk and do a completely fresh install.

Guyz, I finally found my answer. Check out these three sites: 1) For those who have Nero, goto http://members.chello.nl/a.vanheumen1/nero/ Gives STEP by STEP instructions for making a bootable XP CD. 2) For those who do not have Nero, this link is a fully contained instuction manual for making the bootable CD (including ALL The software U might need). Ofocurse this method is a bit more complicated then (1) http://www.nu2.nu/bootcd/#wxp 3) For those who have Adaptec CD Creator, goto: http://www.windowsxp.nu/bootcd/ I've tested 1 and 2 - worked perfectly for me. Havent checked 3 as I don't have Adaptec CD Creator. Hope this helps. Also, note that with all these three options, the Windows XP Startup Disks set is no longer needed!!!

Guyz, I finally found my answer. Check out these three sites: 1) For those who have Nero, goto http://members.chello.nl/a.vanheumen1/nero/ Gives STEP by STEP instructions for making a bootable XP CD. 2) For those who do not have Nero, this link is a fully contained instuction manual for making the bootable CD (including ALL The software U might need). Ofocurse this method is a bit more complicated then (1) http://www.nu2.nu/bootcd/#wxp 3) For those who have Adaptec CD Creator, goto: http://www.windowsxp.nu/bootcd/ I've tested 1 and 2 - worked perfectly for me. Havent checked 3 as I don't have Adaptec CD Creator. Hope this helps. Also, note that with all these three options, the Windows XP Startup Disks set is no longer needed!!!