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I recently wiped/killed my old Windows Laptop (Thinkpad T40) using free disk erasing software. Now I realized the mistake of not having created a reliable image of the existing Windows XP operating system. I have a 1 GB flash drive, rufus software (downloaded from www.rufus.ie website) and a ISO image of MS Windows XP downloaded from microsoft.com (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Download/confirmation.aspx?id=18242 filename is w2k3sp2_3959_usa_x64fre_spcd.iso) . However the rufus software refuses to create a bootable USD drive. Any suggestions on how to get past this hurdle?
thecoolking
Posted 2019-05-28T22:04:48.777
Reputation: 1
1Install GNU/Linux. – multithr3at3d – 2019-05-28T22:08:01.227
1What has your research shown for this issue? What error message(s) are you getting from Rufus? What steps did you follow to attempt to create the drive? – music2myear – 2019-05-28T22:15:40.670
I believe that the T40 uses a 32-bit CPU. The image you linked seems to be 64-bits Windows Server 2003. So I don't think it is what you want. Also, from my experience, even if you were to find a generic 32-bits Windows XP, it may not accept the OEM license key on the laptop's sticker, if you still have it that is. – some user – 2019-05-28T22:56:05.667
That is not an iso for XP but rather service pack 2 for XP and cannot be used to make an install disk, XP is not available for download from Microsoft, find a Dell XP with SP3 install disc on ebay, they are cheap since they do not come with a key. After install use your key to activate. I have several of these Dell discs and use them frequently to install XP on older hardware. – Moab – 2019-05-29T16:59:02.337
@multithr3at3d My first instinct was to go for a free linux ISO. Apparently thinkpad t40 is a NTFS and will not allow a linux installation (from what I gathered online). I could be wrong though. – thecoolking – 2019-05-31T02:09:23.453
@someuser you maybe correct. I found some other 32 bit version online which seemed to be a self installation package. I was worried if it could contain a virus and as a result did not let it finish. I was not sure if my T40 was a 32 bit or a 64 bit. – thecoolking – 2019-05-31T02:14:09.433
@moab thank you - you maybe onto something. Do you have a trusted ebay vendor that I can use? – thecoolking – 2019-05-31T02:20:21.403
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Windows-XP-Pro-Professional-32-Bit-SP3-CD-Reinstallation-Disc-U317K-0R662K/143272412716?epid=1471803375&hash=item215bb3862c:g:TswAAOSw8oFc7ej6 – Moab – 2019-05-31T20:26:39.950
@thecoolking no, that statement doesn't make sense. A particular computer isn't "a NTFS", NTFS is simply the type of filesystem that Windows uses (although Linux can mount it with a couple libraries installed). When you install a Linux distribution, you repartition the hard drive to use a Linux filesystem. – multithr3at3d – 2019-06-01T11:53:52.113
@moab So if I change the boot sequence to have the CD drive as #1 and have the CD in the cd drive, I should be able to install the windows OS? Do I need to do anything else (like formatting) to the hard drive prior to installing the windows OS? Many thanks for your help. – thecoolking – 2019-06-13T22:51:18.617
@moab so I bought the ISO file download from this guy on ebay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/253943864334?ViewItem=&item=253943864334 but now it is asking for a EULA. The vendor says it works fine for others and is offering a refund. Any suggestions on how to get past this hurdle?
– thecoolking – 2019-06-20T16:37:07.517