2K Pro install/boot issue with CD ROM

Hi, I initiate a 2k pro install by using the 4 setup disks and when it's time for CD ROM to kick in , it doesn't ..
I used this CD once few months back, it only has the \I386 directory on it (my only backup) .. and I used it to install my current 2k Pro
system.
The motherboard is a new k7T turbo 2 by MSI.. I wonder if there's a way to check the boot ability of my CD ROMs (2 installed).. or if MB is faulty...
Thanks in advance for any info..

1. RE: 2K Pro install/boot issue with CD ROM
Zeno Aug-12-02 11:08 AM
In response to message 0

Why aren't you using your standard WIN2K installation disk?
If you change your CMOS settings to boot from the CD first, you can install WIN2K without the hassle of Setup disks.
See if you can boot from a WIN98SE Emergency Startup Disk (ESD) and access all your CD drives. If you can, installing WIN2K should be no problem.
Could you possibly have any loose CD drive cables in your box?
If your CD drive is older than the "El Torito" standard, it probably won't be able to boot. But this is very unlikely.
Best wishes...

2. RE: 2K Pro install/boot issue with CD ROM
Zeno Aug-12-02 11:27 AM
In response to message 1

LAST EDITED ON Aug-12-02 AT 11:28 AM (EDT)

Did you know the standard WIN2K installation disk is just *loaded* with drivers? It probably has the CD drivers you need for your WIN2K installation.

3. RE: 2K Pro install/boot issue
mac Aug-13-02 00:16 AM
In response to message 2

Thnx for your input. The original CD was missing, now can't even find the backup CD!...

I copied the \i386 onto 2nd HD and booted with win9x startup, and installed it that way. I wish that I had installed the smartdrive thou, it took an extreme number of hours (too embarrassed to mention here) for inital copy of files..
However, I ran into some good material while researching my problem, as how to make CDs bootable and even integerate service packs onto them, which is over my head, but it looks like some techies out there are having a blast ... the info was off a link @ bootdisk.com I believe (hope it's OK to mention it here)

4. RE: 2K Pro install/boot issue
Zeno Aug-13-02 09:47 AM
In response to message 3

LAST EDITED ON Aug-13-02 AT 09:48 AM (EDT)

*HOURS* to copy your files??? Did you use FAT32?

5. RE: 2K Pro install/boot issue
mac Aug-13-02 08:22 PM
In response to message 4

Yes, FAT32. but no smartdrive and the src was on older Hard disk. (system warned about having the smartdrive installed and i ignored it)