Solved How do I BURN large ISO files into MULTIPLE CDs (not DVDs)

[Shnxxx]

I searched almost everything, tried CDBurnerXP but nothing happened. I want to burn windows 7 ultimate setup in multiple CDs because my DELL Optiplex GX280 A08 only reads CDs. I want to install windows 7 there. Please help me. I need answers ASAP. Thanks to you all guy who will help me.

 

[Alejandro85]

CDs are not enough for a Windows 7 installer, you need to use a DVD drive, or a pendrive with at least 3GB free for it, as it won't fit in a smaller drive at all.

More generally, ISO files are an exact image of the final disc when burned, it cannot be splited into smaller discs. Moreover, the Windows installer is not aware of a "split installer" and won't know how to switch discs at all. A CD drive is not enough to support a Windows 7 installer.

 

[Shnxxx]

Then how can I install windows 7 on my DELL OptiplexGX280 A08? Hmm. I'm thinking of switching HDD. Installing windows 7 by putting the original HDD of Optiplex into other PC then install windows 7 there then return it to Optiplex PC? hmm :3

 

[Alejandro85]

A CD drive cannot be used to install Windows 7, plain and simple, the install media doesn't fits into CDs (XP is the last Windows to fit in a 700MB disc).

Switching HD between computers could work, but it's generally ill advices, as the drivers will be installed for the other system hardware instead. You're likely to run into problems.

The best way is to create a USB drive with the installer there and boot from it to start the installation. Look at this tutorial for some guiadance:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html

 

[Shnxxx]

That's my problem, my DELL Optiplex GX280 A08 doesnt support flash drive bootable. It hangs on windows 7 setup's splash screen. It wont read DVD's too. Also I tried running the installer directly by just opening it (btw, My DELL Optiplex GX280 A08 is running at winXP), it says "cannot display images" then after showing that message, the setup will return to the home screen asking, run installer or like that. Please help. I want to install win7 on it badly.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

It wont read DVD's too.

Even from an external DVD drive??

 

[Shnxxx]

hmm. I didn't know that. So I will burn the iso to a DVD then use it as an installer? Btw, what kind of External DvD? USB? if it is a USB, I think it wont work because I tried installing using a bootable flashdrive and it just hanged on splash screen of the installer.

 

[wasnotwas]

Why not swap out the CD player with a DVD-R. I'm guessing it's IDE, but these are still available on Amazon, Ebay. If the OP has a mate with an old pc that uses IDE, a 'temporary borrow' just for the install would suffice.

 

[AddRAM]

I agree, just buy and install a DVD Rom, they are so cheap.

 

[Shnxxx]

I'll try all your suggestions. Sorry I'm newbie when it comes to hardwares :3 I'll reply and update here for further developments. Thanks!

 

[AddRAM]

There are only 2 connections on a dvd drive, nearly impossible to get it wrong, and it`s held in by screws. And most Dell`s have their own plastic rails for dvd/cd drives and hard drives.

And there are usually spare ones inside the case, usually green.

 

[Shnxxx]

I have a question. What kind of drive does DELL Optiplex GX280 A08 has? Is it IDE or SATA? I'm talking about the CD/DVD drive. I decided to buy a DVD drive but I don't know if it is SATA or IDE.

 

[TrustMe]

There is a way to boot from USB if your BIOS does not support it. First you burn PLOP Linux to a CD. Boot from the CD and a menu will come up. Choose to boot from USB. It does work, I have used it twice.

Watch a few YouTube videos to get familiar on how it works. If you do a YouTube search of PLOP Linux, you will find many videos. Here is just one.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4q3zsYCE5gA

The first time I used PLOP Linux, I choose USB from the nenu and the flash drive booted right away. The second time I used it I choose USB again but it did not boot. I had to choose "PloPkexec Boot Manager" first (it's in the menu) and then choose Start Windows 7. The flash drive then booted.

 

[alphanumeric]

I have a question. What kind of drive does DELL Optiplex GX280 A08 has? Is it IDE or SATA? I'm talking about the CD/DVD drive. I decided to buy a DVD drive but I don't know if it is SATA or IDE.

Look at the cable connected to it. If it's a wide ribbon cable it's IDE. If its a thin cable it's SATA.

 

[Shnxxx]

There is a way to boot from USB if your BIOS does not support it. First you burn PLOP Linux to a CD. Boot from the CD and a menu will come up. Choose to boot from USB. It does work, I have used it twice.

Watch a few YouTube videos to get familiar on how it works. If you do a YouTube search of PLOP Linux, you will find many videos. Here is just one.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4q3zsYCE5gA

The first time I used PLOP Linux, I choose USB from the nenu and the flash drive booted right away. The second time I used it I choose USB again but it did not boot. I had to choose "PloPkexec Boot Manager" first (it's in the menu) and then choose Start Windows 7. The flash drive then booted.

This method worked for me! Thanks! I can now run in wind 7 without buying DVD ROM HAHAHAHA. I am now installing drivers and essential programs to it. I can take care the things here from now on. Thank you guys!

 

[TrustMe]

You are welcome, I'm glad it worked out for you.