@tim: you dont need a valid key to boot from the cd/dvd! you'll need it later during installation, but you can safely boot without one.

I think you missed the point.

To get the boot files using "winnt32 /noreboot" needs a valid key.

Is it possible to use the boot floppies to create the boot files?

I tried but this gives me the CDBOOT error 5.

the peoples with error code 5, cannot boot from cd.

take a clean boot sector from ur winxp cd (use isobuster or bbie for example) and edit it according to the guide. And please use Hex Workshop v4.23 to hex edit the file, since other hex editors might damage the file.

Sorry i've not reply in timly matter, I was out of town for the weekend. here's answer to your questions.

Yes PRO1.DAT is in the root of folder

I've follow same guide you've mention above

I have Hex Worshop 4.23 and tried extracting boot files from orginal xp cd... same story.

i get the same error code 5

CDBOOT: Cannot boot from CD - code: 5

what is the problem there

some one there can help