Ask the Doctor: Boot XP from USB
Posted 04/23/09 at 08:24:02 PM by The Maximum PC Staff
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How can I make a bootable copy of my XP Pro operating system on my 16GB USB 2.0 flash memory stick? Many of the OS files cannot be copied from my computer using Windows Explorer because they are in use. I have tried just about everything.
My computer has an option for USB booting and I would like to have the emergency boot stick as a backup.
—Phil Barnes
Phil, although it’s possible to boot a vanilla install of Windows XP from a USB flash drive, we think it’s more trouble than it’s worth, for a number of reasons—performance foremost. We prefer to use Bart’s PE Builder (www.nu2.nu/pebuilder) to create a custom streamlined XP install, with plenty of built-in tools to help diagnose, repair, and retrieve data from your computer in case of an emergency. The result is a build of XP that looks a little different than you’re used to, but is perfect for what you need. And you can even include utilities and plugins such as virus scanners and other tools to maximize the usefulness. You will need a legitimate XP install disc, but the detailed documentation on BartPE’s website will have you rockin’ your bootable XP flash drive in no time.
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SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION Are flames shooting out of the back of your rig? First, grab a fire extinguisher and douse the flames. Once the pyrotechnic display has fizzled, email the doctor at doctor@maximumpc.com for advice on how to solve your technological woes. |
CD != USB Flash Drive
Submitted by Kazabet on Thu, 09/24/2009 - 1:24pm
Okay I followed the instructions from the link and now I have a bootable CD...
Now how do I fit this CD into the USB port. Ones round and flat, the other is kinda square and short. I... just... don't understand!
Submitted by Kazabet on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 7:51am
I think these are the steps they forgot to include:
Submitted by rayatwork05 on Fri, 04/24/2009 - 3:57am
ya thats pretty lame, i saw this story and was like oh sweet ACTUAL instructions...sigh...real smooth maxPC...
Submitted by lilykudrow on Fri, 04/24/2009 - 1:11am
Batch File to Automate Broadband clients
Have been reading here for some updates:
Submitted by MAJORzer0 on Thu, 04/23/2009 - 11:47pm
To load up a system and recover data we use Winternals alot for XP. It mounts itself on your exsisting XP that's loaded on the HDD then allows you to repair registry and recover deleted or damadged/lost data on your drives. There are plenty of free programs out there that do this already. Most of witch fit onto a normal CD and don't require even a GIG. I cannot link anything for you but I sure if you goodle ERD or look for a few linux apps you should come out with a good boot disk that will recover what ever you need for what ever you;ve done to your machine on the software side. We run PC Check to test the hardware side of the house. It's not that hard to find anything you need... most of it is good open source stuff that people have made for themselves and posted for free.
All in all it's just time really. I would suggest a fresh install and then ghost it or make a good image to bring your computer back to where you had perfect. Keep a good external of all your important downloads and drivers so you can recover alot easier. Having a back up of the back up may sound crazy but it's alway good to have redundancy.
If any of this still didn't sink in and you still want to put XP on your usb drive then google it... I'm sure theres plenty og people out there trying to do the same thing.
~No one said it would be easy....they just said it was worth it...~
instructions
Submitted by Marsel on Thu, 04/23/2009 - 7:43pm
you guys should post thorough instructions on the PE Builder thing. i googled instructions but it was way too hard. thanks
That's Right. YOU GOT PoWNeD! (not)
Proud owner of a Sony NS laptop, Jailbroken Ipod Touch 2g.
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Submitted by NAYRhyno on Fri, 04/24/2009 - 4:26am
"The Doctor" generally just answers questions to get people going the right direction. What did you except, he would make bootable XP thumb drives and mail them to anyone who wants one?
Did you even click the link posted? There are 8 steps, that doesn't sound too hard. It is actually really easy, and can be done on a CD as well for systems that can't boot USB.
Good answer doctor.
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