using the install data in the hidden partition to create a virtual machine

[compdoc]

>I want to run a VBox machine with the original Win-XP OS.  I never received
>any Win-XP installation disks but I know that Dell puts OS install data in
a
>small hidden partition.  I can see that partition with Unbuntu Linux so I
know
>it is there.

Is there a folder named i386 on the hidden partition? And inside the folder,
a program named winnt.exe?

If you have the ability, create a dos boot cd that holds that i386 folder.
Then boot the VM with dos, and run winnt.exe to install.

Alternately, you could create the VM with two virtual drives: one tiny drive
that's formatted with fat, and another drive that will become your Windows
drive.

Copy that i386 folder to the tiny drive, boot the VM with a dos cd, and run
winnt.exe from there and install to the larger drive. Then delete the tiny
drive if you wish.