How do I install software on an HP Mini 2133?

[MikeEnders]

I just set up my new Mini and, since it has no CD-ROM drive I cannot figure out how to install software that comes on a CD-ROM.  Although there is not an immedicate need, this could be a major problem if at some future date I need to reinstall the operating system.  There were CD-ROMs in the box.  How do I use them as something other than coasters?

[CorMit]

Hello MikeEnders,

You can install Programs from USB Flash Drives or External HDDs, or download the Trial program from the internet, and type your FULL VERSION product key ...

And you can REINSTALL WINDOWS from a USB FLASH DRIVE or eHDD if you know how to make it a BOOTABLE DRIVE and know how to put the correct files on the drive ...  

[CorMit]

OHHH,

And ONE MOREEE THING ...

You can get an External USB CD-ROM Drive and use that to install programs from Discs... or to reinstall the OS as long as it is recognize by the BIOS .. and is set as the first boot device ..

[MikeEnders]

Thanks.  That give me a place to start.  Of course, if you could give me more information on how to put the right files to do this onto my flash drive, that would really save me a lot of time and trouble of finding this out for myself, and I would be internally grateful.  Nonetheless, I am please with the information you provided. 

[CorMit]

Here is the link I have that will walk you through putting the XP Installation on the Flash drive and making it bootable ...

LINK HERE

[ http://www.vandomburg.net/installing-windows-xp-from-usb/ ]

That may be complicated .. but I am sure there are more easier ones out on the net somewhere ...

that will make the XP FLASH DRIVE INSTALLATION .... and to load a software installer CD from FLASH DRIVE, just take all the files from the CD on another computer, and paste them all onto your flash drive ... then put the flash drive in the other computer and you will be able to open the flash drive and run the SETUP.exe or the AUTORUN.exe file ...

[bonbinidiver]

Hi,

When I want to re install the drivers from the CD rom, I can not see a button to start the instalation because the screen is too small. The screen for installation can not be moved upwards. 

Can anyone help me here?

Many thanks.

[danielthornhill]

if you have a dvd cdrom combo in a PC or  you can use that

you will need to  buy on line

a usb 2.0 to sata / ide cable. prices vary so check around you can get some deals

now when you get the cables, you will see that there is a standard ide connector on one end

a mini ide connector on the opposite side, and a sata connector on the bottom.

take you dvd drive unit out of your PC .

connect the  standard ide cable and the power connector in to the unit

now connect the usb connector to the hp mini.

turn on the mini and go into setup.

change the boot order and save it with f10

because you have power on the dvd drive you can put the

dvd in the drive with the mini off

turn on the mini and it will boot to the set disks

this is just one way of do this there are others that maybe easier

good luck 

[MikeEnders]

Thanks for the advice.  I have no doubt that it would work but I got rid of the Mini a few months ago.