Can I boot, format and install Windows XP without a keyboard?

Question

How can I bootup, format and drive and install XP without a keyboard? Is it possible?

Solution

Yes, it's possible to install Windows XP without keyboard (and even without mouse).

1. Create unattended installation disk and do it automatically.
   Here is instruction for creating unattended installation disks.
   Also you can use nLite (it's very easy to use) or tools like it. Look here for doing it using nLite.

2. There are many repacks which can format and install XP with "recommended" parameters.
   But if you don't want to use suspicous repacks, there are many ways to create your own
   (for example, using WAIK. But it's another theme).

3. You can clone your drive to image and restore it in another PCs using Acronis Data Migration, CloneZilla and tools like them.

4. Try doing an online search, for example, search "auto install xp" or "unattended xp installation".

Comments

[Canadian Luke]

It is POSSIBLE, but would require extensive preperation and another working Windows system

[slhck]

Not entirely true. You can create an unattended installer and even leave out the activation code IIRC.

[soandos]

That won't get you past boot

[soandos]

@slhck BIOS doesn't check for a keyboard?

[usr-local-ΕΨΗΕΛΩΝ]

Oh, I forgot to mention that the BIOS should have been already configured for boot from CD as @Scandalist mentioned. Thank you sir

[soandos]

Your BIOS doesn't check for a keyboard on boot?

[Java Girl]

I assume he doesn't have a keyboard, let alone a working OS to create an unattended installation.

[billc.cn]

You still need a keyboard to get past the press any key to boot from DVD screen I think. A better solution is to prepare an answer file for unattended installation.

[Searush]

@Scandalist , Turn off gravity and you'll go far;)

[slhck]

Could you please post some relevant links here instead of sending people off to search?

[Thalys]

And I'd suggest keeping it to legitimate options rather than mystery torrents. nlite may be a good start.