I created a bootable WinXp sp2 USB pendrive using the 'usb_prep.zip' posted 3 posts above. The usb drive was created perfectly without any errors. Some of my parameters i selected are: i started the usb_prep.cmd and did this: 1: type as [home/prof] 2:copied all folders/files from winxp cd to a forlder 'd:\winxp' and selected it as source 3:virtual temp drive as v: 4:target usbdrive as k:(as shown in my computer ) My pendrive is Transcend Jetflash JF V30 / 2GB (and formatted before this procedure) all steps went properly, all files copied to usb without error , at the end i selected for SATA Hdd Then after making this usb drive i restarted my PC and selected USB as first boot device. The usb drive is detected by BIOS. After the POST, the PC attempts to boot from USB but nothing happens, it waits there for 2-3mins with all the previous POST messages on display and then proceeds to boot from the HDD. Why doesnt it boot from USB when everything i did is correct???