hi, i wondering if anyone can help. im currently trying to install an os (xp, vista or 7, whichever is easiest) via network and i havnt got a clue where to start. i have an old hp nx9030 laptop with a dodgy optical drive (works ok when in windows, doesnt when installing????) which i tried to install 7 on, it let me delete then told me i didnt have the correct drivers for the cd/dvd so i couldnt install! so now im left with a laptop with no os and no option to boot from usb in bios and an *apparently* dodgy optical. so my only option is network install. where do i begin and what do i need? do i need a third computer (like a server) or a crossover cable? remember i have NO os installed. where could i find the cd/dvd drivers, ive searched everywhere. i also havnt been able to find an updated bios with usb boot function, hp website isnt very helpful, or i would have just flashed then usb booted. please help! thanks in advance, Rob.


do i need an os to be able to install via network?

Hi,
I reckon you would be best off either investing in an ethernet (Cable Modem RJ-45 on each end) type cable or a suitable length USB cable with the "A Type" connectors on both ends, and then plug whichever one have from a desktop PC (Presuming u have one) or which ever source it was yout were intending to use.
Then just use the drive you wish to install Windows on as a Slave drive, and is able to be accessed trhough you desktop pc, then just run which Windows Version you wish to install on your slave drive, from your desktop pc, the same as if you were installing windows on a single PC.
All you do then, is just choose the "Full" installation and when your asked to chose the hard drive to install it too, just pcik the slave drive.

or if u can get hold of someone with a USB Stick, u can install windows from that from something as likttle as a 1GB USB Stick, aslong as u can access the laptops BIOS, and try hitting the "Return To Factory Default Settings" then choose USB as a Boot Device option, and disable anything else that can boot or even cannot boot the laptop, then atleast your minimizing all possible bootlable items from maybe restricting you from seeing the USB Device installed.

Worth a try.

Otherwise,

thanks for the reply mixtrixx, ill look into trying out the ethernet from pc option as my lappy doesnt have the option to boot from usb! (found out after id bought usb stick specially and an hour spent with command prompt!)