I can do it in dos using Nero ,to make a DVD boot into DOS ,BUT any pointers on how to get one to self boot to install Windows( particularly win 7).Doing it this way I get message that setup will not run in DOS.So ,it's either put on an XP partition and install from that, or put a DOS partition on drive ,run smartdrv and install from i386/Winnt.

Had a bit of an accident with my copy,and son has lent me a copy of his. Installs OK with my serial, but for some reason the DVD won't boot off the DVD player. Found some utilities on net which claimed to work, but on install each one wanted to install their own toolbar ,( irrespective of whether I marked the options or not). That seemed suspicious to me,so they got deleted.

Any one got any ideas?

Let's try and understand here...

You want to install Win 7 on to an XP machine? If so, you'll need to back up all your data and boot into the dvd during the powering on process, before it starts actually loading windows (by choosing to boot from DVD rather than HDD).

You cannot upgrade to Win 7 from XP, it needs a fresh install.

Think this is the info you need...

Let's try and understand here...

You want to install Win 7 on to an XP machine? If so, you'll need to back up all your data and boot into the dvd during the powering on process, before it starts actually loading windows (by choosing to boot from DVD rather than HDD).

You cannot upgrade to Win 7 from XP, it needs a fresh install.

Think this is the info you need...

Not really. Know about problems with XP & Win7- that 's not the problem.

If I want, I can make a stack of partitions on HDD(S), (as I have done) ,and install a range of Win OS .Then with my non booting copy of Win 7, I can use XP to install on next partition.

That's not the problem. Problem is that somehow or other, my Win 7 copy has become non booting, so that's the route I have to go down.

What i would like to do is to make my Win7 copy bootable, to let set up run from start up,not via XP.( If I wanted ,other way is to format last partition in DOS, run Smartdrv.exe and install from the DVD ( I386/Winnt).

But I'd like to be able again to stick my DVD in ,start up PC,and boot from the DVD . Thought I'd cracked it with an autorun.inf file, but no such luck.

That's the info I need- any utilities about to make A NON BOOTABLE DVD ,BOOT.

Edited 8 September, 201213 yr by VWD

Easier to just go here (http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/) and get yourself an official copy of whichever version of Windows 7 it is that you have, with SP1 integrated. Should work with your existing key whether it's retail or OEM, or if not then there are tools to tell it you have an OEM license and allow you to enter the key from the side of the case.

Thanks ,mate- will get son to download (I'm limited to 1gb/month )as it will be way over my download limit.

Thanks ,mate- will get son to download (I'm limited to 1gb/month )as it will be way over my download limit.

What are you using?? String and two tins?? I am guessing possibly you are using a mobile data package - there are better options out there, such as PAYG SIMS offering various Gbs of data allowance for as little as £3 per Gb.

What are you using?? String and two tins?? I am guessing possibly you are using a mobile data package - there are better options out there, such as PAYG SIMS offering various Gbs of data allowance for as little as £3 per Gb.

It's bean can and cat gut .( Cat didn't make it out of garden). .Apart from the download "limit", ( which strictly hardly affects me ,as it's fair play policy ,with no extra charges), it suites my needs. Seldom download anything ,and for any major downloads, can always ask son ( unlimited downloads and 60+Mb). ( Payback time-he used my BB for years ). Haven't looked at other mobile schemes since I got this one-T-Mobile 90 day PAYG package at £30 a pop. If pension man says I can afford it- I top up.If not, it's off to local library for free half hour.