- 1). Insert the blank CD in a computer that runs Windows XP. You can also use it on your own Windows XP computer as a way to create a disaster recovery disc in case the computer fails.
- 2). Click the Windows "Start" button and click "My Computer" in the main Windows XP menu. Double-click the "C:" drive to view your main system files. There are three files you must copy to the CD: boot.ini, ntldr and ntdetect.com.
- 3). Click the Windows "Start" button again and select "My Computer." Double-click the CD burner drive letter to open a window to your blank CD. You now have two windows open: one that points to your Windows XP system files and the other that points to your CD burner.
- 4). Drag and drop the files labeled "ntldr," "ntdetect.com" and "boot.ini" from the system files window to the burner window. This copies the boot files to the CD, so you can load Windows XP from the CD.
- 5). Reboot the computer after the files copy. Make sure the CD is still in the drive when you reboot. When the computer reboots, the computer detects the boot disc. A prompt shows in the boot screen asking if you want to use the disc to boot. Press "Enter" to boot from the disc and load Windows XP to test your new disc.
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