Installing XP on a USB Thumb drive

Tembel · 01-14-2006, 11:26 AM

Hi,

Is it possible to install XP on a USB thumb drive so I can carry my XP with me where ever I go?

Thanks in advance.

batty_professor · 01-14-2006, 12:12 PM

I'm afraid windows is not installable to such a drive. Even if it was it would be a blatant violation of the EULA, as it states the software can be installed only on one machine. What you might need is a live CD such as can be found with some of the linux live systems. But then you would have to learn how to drive or ride a bike all over again

. Meaning you would find Linux to be a little different from what you're accustomed to. But if you're looking to have a portable system that leaves no traces of your browsing or personal information when you leave, Linux might be the answer.
edit: forgot to mention some of those Linux distributions have been successfully put onto a thumb drive, as you asked.

bigjohnny · 01-14-2006, 12:35 PM

It's not very well known, but there are LiveCDs of sorts avail that let you run a limited version of XP from a CD. The first I suggest is free and let's you build it from your orig CD: http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

The next is pre-made but allows for customization and is an excellent Admin disk if you have boot problems or need to perform admin functions: http://www.winternals.com/Products/AdministratorsPak/

What exactly would you want to do with a mobile windows? I might be able to suggest a way to do it with dos or linux

**oshwyn5** · 01-14-2006, 01:16 PM

Here is a good thread on this subject and what you need to know.
http://www.techsupportforum.com/wind...highlight=Bart

As offerred BART PE is considered to be a legitimate data recovery, tech support tool , and repair option . If you plan to use this as a portable OS you are required to buy a license for it.
(http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...c_str_jyof.asp

Quote:

If you are mainly concerned with salvaging readable data files and using the Backup tool to copy them to backup media or a network location, you can perform a parallel Windows XP Professional installation.

Under those circumstances , if you are using this as a tool; it appears that it is allowed. If it is being used as an OS, you need to buy a license.

**Squashman** · 01-14-2006, 01:52 PM

And it is possbile to run BartPE from a USB thumb drive but the computer needs to support being able to boot from a USB device.

01-14-2006, 11:26 AM	#1 (permalink)
Tembel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 9 OS: XP	Installing XP on a USB Thumb drive Hi, Is it possible to install XP on a USB thumb drive so I can carry my XP with me where ever I go? Thanks in advance.

01-14-2006, 12:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
batty_professor Asst. Manager, Alternative Computing Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hooterville Il 45 mi. east of St. Louis mo Posts: 2,608 OS: Fedora Core 5 for now	I'm afraid windows is not installable to such a drive. Even if it was it would be a blatant violation of the EULA, as it states the software can be installed only on one machine. What you might need is a live CD such as can be found with some of the linux live systems. But then you would have to learn how to drive or ride a bike all over again . Meaning you would find Linux to be a little different from what you're accustomed to. But if you're looking to have a portable system that leaves no traces of your browsing or personal information when you leave, Linux might be the answer. edit: forgot to mention some of those Linux distributions have been successfully put onto a thumb drive, as you asked. __________________ It's better to know me and not need me than to need me and not know me. B. While users are never under any obligation, if you feel the urge please feel free to visit our donation page. Every little bit helps. And we thank you for your support. Microsoft free Registered Linux user 397458 Last edited by batty_professor; 01-14-2006 at 12:15 PM.

01-14-2006, 12:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
bigjohnny Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 8 OS: XP Pro	Bart PE It's not very well known, but there are LiveCDs of sorts avail that let you run a limited version of XP from a CD. The first I suggest is free and let's you build it from your orig CD: http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/ The next is pre-made but allows for customization and is an excellent Admin disk if you have boot problems or need to perform admin functions: http://www.winternals.com/Products/AdministratorsPak/ What exactly would you want to do with a mobile windows? I might be able to suggest a way to do it with dos or linux

01-14-2006, 01:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
Squashman Tech, Networking Forums Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: 1265 Lombardi Ave. Posts: 1,142 OS: All of the above	And it is possbile to run BartPE from a USB thumb drive but the computer needs to support being able to boot from a USB device.