John is a system administrator for a travel agency that is upgrading its computers to Windows XP Professional. Most of the computers are networked, but some older systems do not have CD-ROM drives. John needs to upgrade these computers to Windows XP Professional even though they lack CD-ROM hardware. What is the most appropriate way for John to install Windows XP Professional on these computers?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of alternative installation methods for Windows client operating systems when local CD-ROM drives are unavailable. In enterprise environments, installing from network shares is common, especially when many systems must be upgraded and optical drives are limited or absent. Recognising network based installation as a valid and efficient method is important for exam and real world planning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The computers currently run an earlier version of Windows.
• Some computers do not have CD-ROM drives.
• The computers are connected to a network.
• The goal is to install or upgrade to Windows XP Professional.
• Administrative control of a server or share is available.

Concept / Approach:
Windows setup files can be copied to a network share, and client computers can connect to that share to launch the installation. Typically, you boot the client into an existing operating system or startup environment, connect to the share using a mapped drive, and run WINNT or WINNT32 depending on the scenario. This method bypasses the need for local CD-ROM hardware while still using standard installation procedures. It is a supported and widely used approach in managed environments.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the computers are connected to a network even though they lack CD-ROM drives.Step 2: Copy the Windows XP Professional installation files from the CD to a shared folder on a server or another computer with a CD-ROM.Step 3: From each client computer, connect to the network share and map it to a drive letter.Step 4: Run the appropriate setup program from the mapped drive to begin the Windows XP Professional installation.

Verification / Alternative check:
Microsoft deployment guides describe network based installations as a core technique. Tools such as RIS, later WDS, and standard UNC path based setups all make use of network shares to provide operating system files. Tape drives are not used for client operating system installations, and simply cloning system drives without proper preparation is not recommended or supported for domain integrated environments.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a suggests installing from a tape backup unit, which is not a standard or supported approach for Windows XP setup. Option b misuses the Windows Installer service, which is designed for applications, not full operating system deployment. Option d incorrectly states that installation is impossible without CD-ROM drives, ignoring network options. Option e describes an unsupported cloning approach that may cause hardware and activation issues.

Common Pitfalls:
Many administrators new to large scale deployment initially think only of local media such as CDs or DVDs. They may overlook network based installation methods and automated deployment tools that are more efficient. Remember that network shares, scriptable setup, and deployment services were designed specifically to address scenarios where local optical drives are absent or impractical to use on many systems.

Final Answer:
John should install Windows XP Professional over a network by hosting the setup files on a shared folder and running the installation from that network share on each computer without a CD-ROM drive.