How to Create the Setup Disks for Windows XP

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The Setup disk for Windows XP is a set of 6 floppy diskettes. This can be used to logon to the recovery console and perform troubleshooting steps when the system does not logon to Windows. This specially comes handy when you do not have the Windows XP CD or if you are not able to boot with the CD for some reason.

Note: Before starting the procedure, ensure that there are 6 new formatted floppy diskettes available and you label them as Disk1 through Disk6 to avoid any confusion

Now, visit the following Microsoft websites to download the Setup disk utility for the appropriate editions of your Windows XP operating system. This is the utility that when run creates a set of 6 setup diskettes:

Windows XP Home Edition

Windows XP Home Original Release

Windows XP Home Service Pack 1 (SP1)

Windows XP Home Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Windows XP Professional Edition

Windows XP Professional Original Release

Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1 (SP1)

Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (SP2)

1. Run the setup utility. This will extract the files and you may receive the following message:

“This program creates the Setup boot disks for Microsoft Windows XP. To create these disks, you need to provide 6 blank, formatted, high-density disks.”

2. Specify the Drive letter of the Floppy drive [Normally A:] and proceed. You may now see the prompt:

“ Insert one of these disks into drive drive letter :. This disk will become the Windows XP Setup Boot Disk.
Press any key when you are ready. “

3. Insert the Disk labelled as 1 and press and key.

4. Follow the onscreen instructions and insert the disks in sequence as and when prompted to complete the Setup disk creation.

Thats it!!! When reequired to logon to the Windows Recovery Console, use the setup disks.