Sorry, DEX, I'll clarify.... Monday, December 31, 2007 at 7:47 am Windows 2000 Annoyances Discussion Forum Posted by DNA (552 messages posted) I should have noted that I downloaded all of the IBM drivers (onboard video, chipset, LAN, modem, etc.) to my desktop first, then I copied them to the laptop drive's second ("D:") partition while it was still connected to the desktop. I keep those drivers backed up on my desktop, the laptop, and on external hard drives. I haven't had any problem getting laptop drivers online from IBM or DELL (to name two). I don't have a 'recovery' CD for my ThinkPad, but I don't need one. The drivers online are likely more up-to-date than those for the CD, so you should search for drivers at the Mfr's website, before using a recovery CD. If you did need to use drivers from a recovery CD, you could usually use a desktop to transfer them to an external flash/hard drive. So, yes, to install an O.S. and programs to a laptop with no onboard CD drive, you do have to have access to a desktop computer, the ability to remove/replace your laptop hard drive, and the means to connect the drive to the desktop (HD Interface-to-USB adapter, or 2.5" drive enclosure). -------------------------------------------------------------- Athlon 3000+ 939 - 1GB RAM = 98SE (@768 MB RAM) & XP Pro SP2 Athlon 4000+X2 AM2 - 3GB RAM = 2000 SP4 & XP Pro SP2 IBM ThinkPad PIII 933 - 512 MB RAM = 98SE & XP Pro SP2 Windows 2000 Server in the basement Written in response to: re: Another way to do this (DEX: Monday, December 31, 2007 at 3:23 am) Responses to this message: re: Sorry, DEX, I'll clarify.... (DEX: Monday, December 31, 2007 at 9:50 am) All messages in this thread [show all] Re-install w/o CD, have USB pen and setup/boot floppies (Peter Van Aken: Sun, Dec 30, 2007, 3:25 pm) re: Re-install w/o CD, have USB pen and setup/boot floppies (Jim O'Calaghan: Sun, Dec 30, 2007, 5:08 pm) Who needs an onboard CD drive on a laptop? (DNA: Sun, Dec 30, 2007, 10:54 pm) re: Re-install w/o CD, have USB pen and setup/boot floppies (DEX: Sun, Dec 30, 2007, 7:53 pm) re: Re-install w/o CD, have USB pen and setup/boot floppies (Jerry: Sun, Dec 30, 2007, 8:12 pm) Another way to do this (DNA: Sun, Dec 30, 2007, 9:15 pm) re: Another way to do this (DEX: Mon, Dec 31, 2007, 3:23 am) Sorry, DEX, I'll clarify.... (DNA: Mon, Dec 31, 2007, 7:47 am) re: Sorry, DEX, I'll clarify.... (DEX: Mon, Dec 31, 2007, 9:50 am) To answer your "install from pen drive" question (DNA: Mon, Dec 31, 2007, 8:39 am) Reply or follow-up to this message Search this forum Start a new thread on a different subject Report abuse of the forum Return to the Windows 2000 Discussion Forum