How so I install an XP OS using the iso file.?

Hi. I downloaded a Windows XP SP2 from the internet because I want to reformat my computer (I don't have a CD). I know that it will be an illegal software, I will work my way around it, it's not the question.

The issue is, when I got the file completely already using a torrent client, the files extension is .iso. Now, I want to burn it to a CD so that I can use it again in the future if I want to reinstall my OS again. I am thinking that an .iso file will not really install XP right away when I put the CD into my tower.

The question is what should I do with the file that I have just completely downloaded in order to make a CD that can readily be used to install an XP OS?

How so I install an XP OS using the iso file.?microsoft maps

An ISO is an "image" of a CD and needs to be handled as such. Just burning the ISO to a disc will NOT work.

There is a great tutorial here:

http://www.petri.co.il/how_to_write_iso_...

On how to use the ISO to make a proper CD. After you are done the new CD should be a Bootable XP install CD and you can use it to install normally.

The tool he recommends is one I have used since Windows XP was new so I can recommend it with confidence.

BTW: yakimajoe is right, an ISO can be mounted as a drive if you just need to grab data out of it. I do this with Office and Acrobat Professional ISO's when I am setting up new PC's at work, but that solution will not help you with an OS install like XP or Linux since the mounted volume will disappear on the reboot when it needs to copy the files to the hard drive.

How so I install an XP OS using the iso file.?windows registry internet explorer

Get a copy of Nero Burning(or anything that can burn an iso file) and burn that iso to an actual cd. The term iso refers to an 'image' of a cd that is NOT usable until it is burned onto an ACTUAL cd.
iso files are images that you can burn on cds or dvds using software like nero burning rom, after you burn your cd or dvd follow this how to guide http://www.howtoguidehome.com/howto/win/...

do not use illegal copy
When you burn the .iso file to the cd, the file will automatically extract everything to the cd. So basically, just burn it to the cd and it will work.
If you own a legal copy of XP, then it's not illegal to install it, as long as you use a license key you legally own.

There's plenty of iso burning software out there. Nero is good. Google for others. iso is just zip format, so any zip software could open it - not that that's what you want to do
For starters, those who say ISO Is useless unless it's on a disc are WRONG! You can mount an .iso file to a virtual drive and operate the program JUST The same as you would if a disc were in the literal drive... read on....

I personally suggest Ultra ISO, you burn this .ISO file to a disc (do not just drag and drop using roxio or whatever, you MUST use iso burning software to create a bootable/executable disc) and then it is an EXACT copy of the original disc.

Ultra ISO is a neat utility in that you can use it to mount .ISO files to a "virtual" drive thus eliminating the need to keep the disc in your disc drive all the time or even create one (helpful for gaming and language softwares etc). you store the actual iso file on your harddrive and never have to lug around dvd cases of software/game discs etc... perfect if you have the HD space and know how..

SO if the file you downloaded is .iso and is NOT compressed (as in contained inside a RAR or .zip file), use ANY (preferably ultra ISO, but Nero is good too) to burn the image to a disc. Turn off your machine. Restart, hit F2 to enter Setup, set the start-up drive to "CD/DVD" drive first and then save and exit and wah lah you are on your way reformatting and installing a fresh OS... be sure that you write the product key down on paper before you wipe your system. usually the key is on a word pad document downloaded with the ISO (but separate from the ISO)

Also, one thing you may not have on hand are the drivers needed for hardware (ie video, sound cards, modem, wireless card etc).. be sure you have the drivers saved to disc or flash drive (if you have a dell you can get them from dell site, averatec will send you a disc for their pcs etc) or else once you get your OS back up, you still may not be able to do the things you want or need.

good luck
just burn it to cd using nero or alcohol, and you can install