i386 file

[PCDummy]

I am trying to make a rescue disc but I evidently need the i386 file in my "C" drive. It is not there. I am running Windows XP Home with SP3. All I have is the installation disc which is labeled "Upgrade" which includes Service Pack 1. Would I be safe and would it be possible to insert it in my PC and copy the i386 file into my "C" drive? This shows how little I know about it.

 

[Billb2]

i386 is not a file. It's kind of a generic name used to identify folders that contain files needed by Windows and other programs during installation. This computer I'm using (runs two copies of XP and one copy of Vista) has 72 folders on it called i386 ... and no files named i386. When My Computer or Windows Explorer is set to their default settings they will not even display those folders as they are considered to be "system" folders.

Perhaps if you told us what program you're using to make the recovery disk we could be of more help.

 

[PCDummy]

Actually I am looking at Paul Thurrott's Supersite for windows and because it covered slipstreaming SP2 into what I had hoped would eventually be a bootable copy of my installation CD. That's about as much as I know about. I also know that I know just enough to get into trouble. I do know enough to know that I really need a rescue disc. I am open to what ever suggestions that you might have. I am using XP home and I have SP3 installed.

 

[jackschmittusa]

There is a simple program called Autostreamer that will easily slipstream sp/2. Most references I've seen to the i386 folder are about the PID which determines which product keys will work.

 

[Billb2]

A slipstreammed install isn't really the same thing as a "rescue" disk. It just reinstall the OS and drivers without you having to be present to configure the install and load the drivers manually.

I think that by "rescue disk" you mean something you can slip into a drive and have it make everything good again. ...That ain't gonna happen.

There are many way of securing your operating system, programs, and data. There are big advantages and disadvantages to these schemes. A little study, and understanding what you are getting into beforehand, will go a long way in getting you what you need.

The subject of securing a computer is much too big to cover in a forum thread.

 

[Old Hippie]

All I have is the installation disc which is labeled "Upgrade" which includes Service Pack 1. Would I be safe and would it be possible to insert it in my PC and copy the i386 file into my "C" drive?

I'm not sure about your "upgrade" disk, but if you can find a i386 folder on there that contains the files winnt.exe and winnt32.exe, that's what your looking for.

I always copy stuff I'm gonna use right to my desktop. It makes them a little harder to lose. :laugh: