Installing XP from a USB drive

[Colin Mangan]

I have a laptop with no optical drive and can not seem to get it to boot to
an external. I am trying to install XP pro on to it and would like to do so
from a USB drive. Please give any help you can.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Sorry, but you'll need to install a functional CD drive
in order to install Windows XP as it cannot be installed
using a USB drive.

 

[John John (MVP)]

Does the laptop have a floppy drive?

John

 

[Colin Mangan]

No it is a MSI U100 I can hook up an external CD-ROM but would be better
served by doing it from a USB drive. If this is not possible does anyone
know if it works in Vista or if MS is even considering it?

 

[smlunatick]

No it is a MSI U100 I can hook up an external CD-ROM but would be better
served by doing it from a USB drive.  If this is not possible does anyone
know if it works in Vista or if MS is even considering it?

The Vista install disk is a DVD.

Why would you consider not using a USB CD / DVD drive?

 

[Colin Mangan]

Because I have a large environment to install in and using a small jump drive
that can be just stuck in with out external power requirements would be a lot
easier. I was more just curious about Vista. i would really like to know if
there is any way to do it with XP PRO.

 

[Jim]

Because I have a large environment to install in and using a small jump
drive
that can be just stuck in with out external power requirements would be a
lot
easier. I was more just curious about Vista. i would really like to know
if
there is any way to do it with XP PRO.

I would expect that Vista does not support booting from a removable drive.
Jim

 

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

I would expect that Vista does not support booting from a removable
drive.
Jim

He was asking about installing from USB, not booting/running from USB.
I've seen on the web where it has been done. but I don't remember where
or how. Google is your friend...