Alright, I'm trying to reformat this laptop which "crashed" but the DVD lens is pretty weak and wont read the windows disk.

Since I cant get into the OS, I was wondering if I could do this over the LAN. Could someone tell me exactly how I'm supposed to do that?

I connected the 2 computers with a CAT5 cable, put the windows disk in the working one and set the laptop to boot thru the LAN. Witchcraft happens and I see the connecting icon in the system tray but that's it...

I'd be eternally grateful if someone could help me out here.

Welcome to PCHF Top Gunz!

This isn't really my area of expertise but another member will be along soon to help.

Just to check if you are directly linking two computers together you will need a crossover cable not a patch cable. Are you using a crossover cable?

Hello Top Gunz,
Welcome to PCHF,

upgrader is right, you cannot connect two computers directly to each other, you need either a crossover cable, two network cables and a hubbel, hub or switch.

Even then your dicing with death! The only way to remote install software is using RIS, but personally, I think your much better off trying to get your CD ROM fixed, or buying and external CD-ROM drive.

Here is Microsoft instructions for using RIS:
Installing Windows 2000 On Workstations with Remote Installation Services

RIS is a bit complicated for just 1 laptop, and needs a working image to take the install from

Top gunz, unfortunately their is no way to format over a LAN...installing windows - yes...but that requires windows server, and the RIS add on installed.

Boot through lan won't connect either, as your computer that you've connected it to will not be set to receive dos connections, and even if it was - there's nothing else it can do without some sort of RIS software that generally requires UNIX or a Windows Server based OS.

I'd say make sure their is no scratches on the CD, and if there is...I think I've heard somewhere that MS replace the CD's for a small fee -- but don't quote me on that as I have no idea.

Woah, I had no idea it would be this complicated. I guess I'll have to experiment a little to see if the DVD drive is still usable.

Thanks for the help though.

Ok marked as answered.