South Normanton Athletic folded before the fixtures were released, leaving 761 clubs to appear in the draw.
The large number of clubs entering the tournament from lower down (Levels 5 through 10) in the English football pyramid meant that the competition started with six rounds of preliminary (2) and qualifying (4) knockouts for these non-League teams.
The draw for the extra preliminary round was announced on The FA's website on 1 July 2008.
Southam United from Level 10 of English football was the lowest-ranked club to qualify for this round of the competition.
Leiston from Level 9 of English football was the lowest-ranked club to qualify for this round of the competition.