Install without format

Hi,

Is it possible to install Xp Without haveing to format the Drive? Even if only the bootfieles, that would do.

I have an other system here that is read to roll but is missing a harddrive. I have a spare one i could use, but i use it as an external drive for some date and but i dont like the idea of losing almost 2 GB of Music anf movies. If i could just use it once move all drive data to secure pace or just install WIndows Xp without loseing it. That would be great and would spare me an extra drive
Or any other help at all relating to this (boot up system without drive to test harddrive, maybe installing just bootfiles is enough and dont delete any other data on the disk?

Grtz

 

Only way I know to replace XP cleanly w/o wiping your drive(s)/partitions is if XP's already on it's own partition (without your stuff) or do a repair from your disc if you have one, or do a restore to an earlier point. It's up to you but wait for other opinions.

 

I don't fully understand what you are trying to do but if you have the external drive and another comp like you say, why not just slave the second drive on the one comp and move the files to that drive? You then have an empty drive to format and install on the new comp.

 

Not quite sure what you're trying to achieve ultimately and it would probably help to know.

However, depending on what you're trying to achieve, some of the info I just posted in this thread could be relevant (and also check Birdbath's post because he (she?) mentioned some things I forgot).

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=138548

 

When you put in your drive and start to install there is a little partition manager on the XP CD which you should be able to use to make a partition and make it into a blank one which you could install XP into and your music will be safe and you can take it out later to put it on your other computer or leave it there.

 

Thx for the replies! My excuses for beeing so unclear in my post. Just got back from a party and wasnt thinking "straight". What i meant was that I have a system which works allright but just misses a hard drive. The only drive i have left that i could use in this system was a one that i use to save my music,movies ect. on. So i was wondering how i could use it without haveing to format my drive cause i didnt want to lose over 200 gig of data.
But eeediot's solution is perfect :cool

Grtzz