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Real noob here, I would like to install my current XP (kept up to date), from my older PC, onto a USB flash drive. I suppose I could install some or other network option to the other PC but prefer not to. I really require XP less and less as I'm very happy with W7 Pro 64-bit. There are a few fading XP progs that will not run on W7 64-bit and to install XP mode/virtual beyond my capabilities. I've tried but confusion got the better of me.
As I understand I can make an iso file of my XP OS, reformat a USB flash drive (4 GB, NTFS), ensure that it is first in line in the BIOS on my W7 PC and with some software make the flash drive bootable? Not in that order I suppose?
I do not require access to the Web with this bootable USB XP. Can I install the old XP progs later or must it be part of iso that I need to make?
Any suggestions most welcome or links where I can obtain a guide.
Hey dad - Seems funny calling you that, seeing how I'm a great grandfather myself. I have a mate who's name is Granville, everybody calls him Granny, and he is a great big bloke (ex policeman) so that sounds [i:24mqsk99]really[/i:24mqsk99] strange. Anyhoo, I digress.
First and most important information we need - do you have an XP installation disc? If yes, then that [i:24mqsk99][b:24mqsk99]is[/b:24mqsk99][/i:24mqsk99] the ISO and you can install from that as per normal. Of course, that will be a 'fresh' install and will not include all your programs and data. If no, then read on:
[quote:24mqsk99]As I understand I can make an iso file of my XP OS[/quote:24mqsk99]
Do you mean create an XP ISO of the installed operating system including programs and data? No, to the best of my knowledge that is not possible. You may be referring to 'imaging', where one creates an image of entire hard drive content and then restores the image to a different drive for use on another computer. That is also not possible in your case, because of differences in hardware specs between the two computers.
The XP ISO used to be downloadable online from Microsoft but I'm pretty sure it is no longer available. It can still be downloaded from P2P and warez type sites but I wouldn't suggest going down that track...it's illegal and also very risky.
Best bet would be if you could get your hands on an XP installation disc, from among your circle of family and friends perhaps. It must the same edition as your original XP. You can install from that and then apply the license key from your original installation - perfectly above board and legal.
Even if you manage to obtain an XP installation disc, installing to USB flash drive is a pretty complex operation - not easy!! Why not install XP alongside Windows 7 in a dual boot configuration, much easier and you wouldn't need to keep changing settings in BIOS each time you switched operating systems.
Someone else might prove me wrong or have some better ideas, but that's my spin on it.
Cheers...Jim
Hi ozbloke, now that you mention it, "dad" is a bit akward
I have all regarding XP intact and yr first suggestion would be the way to go. The warez way not worth it, I agree, and I now also gave up on the USB route.
I discovered VMLite by chance and it was pretty simple. It's virtual and can install the MS XP mode, all legit. I installed, not a single hiccup, and updated XP SP3 to the lastest patch. XP SP3 now running perfectly on its own and I can even run W7 and XP at the same time, even go on the Web at the same time. The virtual IE8 is a bonus.
I suppose it is what Ziggie is suggesting but I opted for VMLite after studying both progs forums.
Getting used to XP again quite tricky but not as bad as my W95 memory.
Thanks for the quick response, appreciated.
Jim Hillier
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