Installing XP from a USB Drive

[beerdini]

Is it possible to install XP from a USB drive? If so, how?

Here is why I ask...a few weeks ago I was working on my friend's dell
laptop and needed to reinstall XP. I put in the Dell OEM CD and found
out that the CD drive had failed. Looking at my available options, I
used my other computer and copied the OEM CD to my USB thumb drive
hoping that it would act like a CD and start the installation
process. Instead I got an error like in the old DOS days when you
were missing command.com.

I think that this is something that should be possible, and if it
worked it would be an excellent thing to use at work where we all
carry USB drives, I just need some help getting to that point.

Thanks.

 

[Dave Cohen]

Is it possible to install XP from a USB drive? If so, how?

Here is why I ask...a few weeks ago I was working on my friend's dell
laptop and needed to reinstall XP. I put in the Dell OEM CD and found
out that the CD drive had failed. Looking at my available options, I
used my other computer and copied the OEM CD to my USB thumb drive
hoping that it would act like a CD and start the installation
process. Instead I got an error like in the old DOS days when you
were missing command.com.

I think that this is something that should be possible, and if it
worked it would be an excellent thing to use at work where we all
carry USB drives, I just need some help getting to that point.

Thanks.

It's certainly possible. A google search using 'bootable usb disk'
brings up some links. Haven't read this fully but take a look:
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-6346-5928902.html

Since my own machine won't boot from a usb device my interest in the
subject is limited for now.
Dave Cohen

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

It is better to install a new cd drive and then install normally.