Install and Boot XP on a USB HDD

[seskanda]

I recall at one time installing Windows 98SE fine on a USB HD, but XP just won't. When i try to install XP Pro x64 it gives me a BSOD after copying files in the 1st section of setup that says; "UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME" What gives? Why does this happen? I found a guide here that tells me what to do. But, although i haven't tried it yet, it requires to burn a new copy of XP CD. Can I modify the contents of the XP CD from the USB HD and install from there? I'm using a Western Digital Passport 120 GB, and my BIOS fully supports booting from USB, it's listed as 'USB Device.' Some help would be great.

Thanks in advance.

[andy_le2k]

If you want to install XP from a usb hdd, please use the usb_multiboot(7).cmd

http://www.msfn.org/board/install-XP-USB-t111406.html

Unfortunately you can't install XP x64 from a USB HDD because during the install process we need to use a driver (rdummy.sys) which tricks setup in thinking that the usb hdd is a removable disk and this driver has not yet been written for 64bit.

Your should be able to use the above mentioned program to install x64 from a normal usb flash drive.

[seskanda]

rdummy.sys? What a retarded name! Actually, i want to install XP x64 to the USB HDD NOT install it on a regular HD from the USB HDD. Of course, this would entail booting from the USB HD. So far, i haven't had time to copy and modify the contents of the CD on the USB Hd and install from there. I'll post back as soon as i do that.....

Edited April 2, 2008 by seskanda

[ilko_t]

rdummy.sys? What a retarded name!

Thank you, nice start

I guess the author of dummydisk.sys should also be pleased, as rdummy.sys stands for reverse-dummydisk.sys. But that's not interesting matter.

Actually, i want to install XP x64 to the USB HDD NOT install it on a regular HD from the USB HDD. Of course, this would entail booting from the USB HD. So far, i haven't had time to copy and modify the contents of the CD on the USB Hd and install from there. I'll post back as soon as i do that.....

If I had to follow your lines, I'd have to write something like "what a retarder question in this forum, don't you read forum names? And lastly- don't you know about google.com...or forum's search option..."

But since it's a friendly forum, I will point you to some of the answers:

Where it all started:

http://www.911cd.net/forums//index.php?showtopic=14181

In Dietmar's signature you will find links to his guides.

Some variation, all based on Dietmar's work:

http://www.911cd.net/forums//index.php?showtopic=16760

http://www.911cd.net/forums//index.php?showtopic=16696

http://www.ngine.de/index.jsp?pageid=4176

http://www.usboot.org/tiki-index.php <---this might not work for x64

I don't remember reports for using XP x64, but don't think there should be any difference, apart from the mentioned one above.

ilko