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Success, but not sure why, and this is my reasoning... -I used nlite to slipsteam sp3 into my XPSOURCE and then used multiboot10 to prepare the usb stick. -I disabled the multi-core functionality, and attempted the install. Once again, hal.dll error. -I went back into the BIOS and changed the boot priority to removable, and then changed the first boot priority to the usb stick. -When setup went to reboot after copying the installation files, I went through text mode again, but instead of deleting the partition and deploying the a new install i quit using F3. -Obviously, the computer rebooted and I continued into the GUI from which a successful install occurred. My question is why did it work? There is no point in spending the time to successfully install xp sp3 from a USB device if I can't do it again. My interest is in the automation; I would like to be able to use this method, or something similar, to install an OS on any machine just by booting from the USB device. I feel as though I could determine the process of automating the partitioning and formatting of the c drive, but the whole point is to not have to tell the computer what to do. This may seem a little ridiculous, but my goal is to understand the process so that in time I might be able to apply the same methodology to multiple scenarios, in hopes of returning with valued input that the users of msfn have graciously given me. If nothing else, I would like some direction to begin my research. Thanks again.

I tried it, and still receive the hal.dll error. Any other suggestions?????

I will try to use partition(2), and if it works I guess it does have a hidden partition.

Maybe, every time I try the USB install, there is an 8GB Unpartitioned space even after I formatted the entire C:\ drive. If this is what you are referring to, then yes, if not then how would I find out?

I have been attempting to install Windows XP SP2 from my Sandisk 4GB Titanium USB device, and I have run out of possible solutions. The following describes my progress: I have a new Dell Inspiron 530 machine that came preloaded with Vista Home. The hardware inside is as follows: - q6600 Processor - seagate Barracuda 7200 RPM 250GB HDD - FOXCONN DG33M03 Motherboard (Standard from Dell) - 1GB (2x512MB) Samsung PC5300 - Phoenix BIOS I used RVM_Integrator to slipstream the post SP2 update pack, and DPs_BASE.exe to install three driverpacks: - DP_Chipset_wnt5_x86-32_803.7z - DP_LAN_wnt5_x86-32_8053.7z - DP_MassStorage_wnt5_x86-32_805.7z Then I used USB_Multiboot_10.cmd to configure my USB and copy XPSOURCE. I followed the Boot Land tutorial vividly and checked it with MSFN Install XP from USB. It worked flawlessly one computer, but I have been receiving errors on the Inspiron. At first, I would get the BAD_POOL_CALLER error, in which I researched extensively and have yet to find a working solution. Then, I attempted to integrate the drivers from the Dell website for the inspiron box using Nlite with a clean copy of XPSOURCE. I didnt add the driverpacks, or the update pack, and now I receive the corrupt or missing hal.dll error. I reviewed the FAQ page and checked my boot.ini (on the USB disk) for errors and found none. The file reads as follows: [Boot Loader] Timeout=10 Default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS [Operating Systems] C:\btsec\XPSTP.bs="1. Begin TXT Mode Setup Windows XP, Never unplug USB-Drive Until Logon" multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="2. and 3. Continue with GUI Mode Setup Windows XP + Start XP from HD 1" /FASTDETECT multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(2)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Continue GUI Setup + Start XP from HD 2, use if installing on HD2" /FASTDETECT c:\grldr="4. Start GRUB4DOS Menu - DOS FPY IMAGES + Linux + XP Rec Cons + Vista" C:\btsec\XATSP.bs="Attended Setup XP, Never unplug USB-Drive Until After Logon" I am running out of things to try to make this work. I would appreciate any assistance. Thank you in advance for your input. if there is anymore information that I could add, please let me know. I appreciate the hard work put into the USB install. It is not only intriguing, but impressive as well.