[Windows XP] Update without the installation CD

Last update on June 24, 2009 09:43 AM by jak58
Published by jak58

[Windows XP] Update without the installation CD






Note that: this tip applies to Windows XP and Windows 2000.

Normally when making updates or add Windows components, you will be asked to insert the installation CD of Windows in the drive.

One solution to avoid this constraint:
  • Copy the i386 folder (and its contents) on the hard drive, preferably at the root of [C:].
  • It is needed that you modify the registry by specifying the new file path.
  • Edit the registry (Start/ Run and type regedit and then Enter) and then open the key 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/ Software/ Microsoft/ Windows NT/ CurrentVersion
  • Double-click the SourcePath value and enter the path to the i386 folder on your hard drive (eg C: \ i386).
  • Close Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the change.



This trick is also valid in case you have changed the letter of your CD or DVD after you install Windows, and that your system can not find the path to the drive by following the installation of components.
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