Windows XP can be installed from a USB flash drive by converting it into a bootable flash drive. The Windows XP installation disk can be copied to the flash drive in a manner that makes it operate the same as the CD itself would. In this way you can backup the CD to the drive for safety since it's contained on a durable medium. Once the drive is converted, it can be used to install Windows XP on any PC that has USB inputs. Windows has a software called WinToFlash that allows you to make the USB drive bootable.
- Skill level:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things you need
- Windows XP installation CD
- WinToFlash software
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1
Install the WinToFlash software on your computer. This might take a few minutes.
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2
Open the program once it's installed to your computer. Insert the Windows XP install CD into your computer. Insert the USB flash drive into an available USB slot. Allow both to load and be found by your system.
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3
Go back to the WinToFlash software. You will see two options needing to be filled to create your bootable flash drive: source and destination. Under source, choose your CD drive. Under USB, select the directory for the USB flash drive you just plugged in. Press "OK."
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4
Allow your bootable flash drive to be created. Once you've chosen source and destination, the software will do the rest of the work.
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5
Scroll to the bottom right corner of your screen once the creation is complete, and click "Safely Remove Hardware." Choose the USB flash drive and press "Stop." This will stop the flash drive, allowing you to pull it from your computer and use it to install Windows XP on any machine.
