ClarkCline

I plan to do a clean install of Windows 7 on my XP computer. What I have done in the past, with 98 through XP, was to copy the contents of the CD to a partition on my hard drive, then do the install from the copied files. It makes for a really fast install, as the data transfer rate is faster than from a CD/DVD. It also makes it easier to repair corrupted drivers and system files. Does anyone know if this is possible with Windows 7, since it uses an ISO image? I know I can extract the files from the ISO, but they don't look like the file structure of Windows Xp. With Windows XP, I could start the install from the GUI and choose either a repair or a clean install before thee computer would reboot and start copying the necessary files for the operating system. Any help will be much appreciated.

I am running Windows XP SP3 with all current updates. I installed Virtual PC 2007 and want to install XP3 into the virtual drive. Is there any way to do it from the Windows desktop? I tried doing it with my original installation CD, but I got the dreaded " You can't do that 'cause the operating system you are using is newer than the one you are trying to install." I also tried it with what I thought was a fully patched ISO I made yesterday with nlite, but I guess I missed some updates. Got the same error message. If I boot up from the CD, will the installation recognize the virtual drive I have created? I really need this 'cause a friend gave me a software program that he made, and I don't want to screw-up my real installation. I'm gonna be building a new Windows 8 box in a couple of months, but I'm not ready, yet. I could really use some good suggestions. Thanks