Download mscdex.exe for xp

Thanks for the speedy reply, Vernon! One more quick question: when I copy the executable from the floppy I downloaded it to, will my computer "automatically" know where to load it into the command.

Pardon my ignorance, but I'm not terribly familiar with editing command lines or autoexec. You seem very knowledgeable about this stuff! Oh, just one more question: Do you know where I might be able to get an online tutorial about a computer system's booting-up "guts", in terms of learning more about the autoexec.

I'd love to learn more about it! Thanks again! April 1st, , AM 4. The first is the hardware specific driver. SYS file. EXE file. BAT file. EXE knows the name of the hardware driver. April 1st, , AM 5. EXE file from Microsoft linked above to the root directory of drive C:. Make sure the diskette is not write protected. This could be almost anything, even banana.

Whatever this "name" is, jot it down. Make sure yours matches and then close Notepad. If you made any changes be sure to File Save first. There's an outline type here. For more like these, click here. April 1st, , AM 6. Thanks for your help guys. I'm going to attempt this at some point this evening and I'll let you know how it works out.

April 1st, , AM 7. I noticed something above in your instructions that might cause a problem for me regarding having a 'bootable' disk for the Compaq. However, this disk is blank. I don't have a boot disk or any other software for the Compaq you don't get much for free. So, there is no config. The Compaq is actually not at my place it will eventually belong to my brother , so I don't have another computer handy to make a boot disk on.

I could make one from my work computer here, but won't it then have incorrect driver information on it? It appears that much was removed from this old computer; almost as if someone got into the hard drive and started deleting things willy-nilly.

Is it possible for me to copy the executable to the hard drive of the Compaq and reboot, hoping it will be recognized by the system so that I can continue to install the new CD-ROM? Thanks again- Jackie. April 1st, , AM 8. EXE in the same directory that the old version was rename the old version so you still have it if you want and when you run the installation diskette that came with the new CDROM, it should detect that you have the new version and finish the installation process.

Ping is NOT an acronym! Welcome to the Eclipse C. April 1st, , PM 9. If it loads via autoexec. I will try that I will copy the new MSCDEX to the c: drive from the floppy and cross my fingers, hoping the system will recognize it and allow me to finish installing the CD drive. You guys are great April 1st, , PM I could not get this old piece of junk to recognize the new CD-ROM drive, even though I followed the directions, installed the mscdex. It still would not recognize a D: drive at all.

Not only that, but the floppy drive was having problems reading the disk at times too. I suggested that my brother just bite the bullet and get a new computer, and use the Compaq as a doorstop.

Thanks anyway for your help! Send me your e-mail address and I'll send the files and instructions to you. Join our community to see this answer! Unlock 1 Answer and 11 Comments.

Andrew Hancock - VMware vExpert. See if this solution works for you by signing up for a 7 day free trial. What do I get with a subscription? With your subscription - you'll gain access to our exclusive IT community of thousands of IT pros. We can't always guarantee that the perfect solution to your specific problem will be waiting for you. If you ask your own question - our Certified Experts will team up with you to help you get the answers you need.

Who are the certified experts? How quickly will I get my solution? We can't guarantee quick solutions - Experts Exchange isn't a help desk.

We're a community of IT professionals committed to sharing knowledge. Our experts volunteer their time to help other people in the technology industry learn and succeed. Plans and Pricing. Contact Us. Certified Expert Program.