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Install Windows over network using PXE (without RIS or WDS)

I have a toshiba TabletPC that’s without CD-ROM, floppy and doesn’t support USB device boot. Question is: How to install Windows on a tablet like this?

first option is to get Windows Server 2003 (or 2008) and install windows XP using RIS or WDS. I don’t like this option.

second option is to use Tftpd32 for PXE, Windows 98 startup disk (DOS), and optionally some linux distribution to copy windows setup files to the tablet. It’s a lot easier than Windows Server 2003 combination.

  1. Boot windows 98 startup disk (DOS) over network using Tftpd32
  2. Partition disk using "fdisk" and format partitions using "format"
  3. Boot Damn small linux (DSL) over network (using tftpd) to copy windows setup files (by ftp or usb stick)
  4. Start windows 98 startup disk (again), load smartdrv (just type smartdrv when DOS is booted)
  5. Start windows installation by running "winnt" at I386 folder

Guide is available at http://www.hunke.ws/blog/2006/10/08/install-windows-over-network-using-pxe/

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