Windows XP RTM in 2026: Unofficial Guide


1) Install Internet Explorer 6 SP1 first, and then install Legacy Update to install all the Windows XP RTM updates (except the KB904574 update)

2) Replace system files:

Restart your computer and boot to the recovery console by using the Windows XP SP1 installation disc to do:

2.1) Press any key to boot from CD.

2.2) At the Welcome to Setup screen, press R to fire up recovery console.

2.3) Press 1 for C:\WINDOWS, and type in D: (root for your CD/DVD drive) and then cd i386.

2.4) Swap the following files:

expand advapi32.dl_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

expand kernel32.dl_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 

expand shell32.dl_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

expand shlwapi.dl_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

copy ntdll.dll C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

expand ole32.dl_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

expand shdoclc.dl_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

expand shdocvw.dl_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

using Windows XP SP1 files.

2.5) Do not reboot your computer yet, just change the installation disc to the Windows XP SP3 installation disc and swap the following files:

expand icmp.dl_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

expand iphlpapi.dl_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

expand sxs.dl_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32.

expand winhttp.dl_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32.

expand imm32.dl_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

2.6) After that, exit the Recovery Console to reboot your computer.

Disclaimer:

This guide is NOT affiliated, endorsed, or supported by Microsoft.

Word of Caution:

Please do not use kernelxp.dll wrapper as an excuse to continue using Windows XP RTM or SP1 as your primary Windows XP version.

Video also available, also helpful:

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