Re-installing XP on Netbook Using USB Flash Drive

[jerrythesurfer]

Let me start by saying hello and that I'm am not a sophisticated PC person. I am an artist and photographer and use my computer for creating artwork. With that said, I just purchased a HP Mini 1000 netbook for client show and tell. It came with 2 DVDs to reinstall XP SP3. The computer has no recovery partition, just the 2 DVDs. As you probably know, the netbook has no DVD reader. I really don't want to purchase one. I am therefore hoping there is someway to get the contents of the 2 DVDs onto a USB key-drive (or 2).

I tried using another computer to copy the DVD to a key-drive. When I boot my Netbook there is a screen that allow me to pick the USB as my boot device. Unfortunately, the Netbook won't boot from the key-drive. This is no surprise as I did nothing special, only copy files to it.

So, what is the simpliest way to create key-drive that is bootable? I read something about BartPE, HP Key (something or other) and WinSetupfromUSB. I don't know how to get WinSetupfromUSB or if it is really what I want. I'm very concerned about just downloading a program and getting a virus on my computer.

Any help woudl be greatly appreciated.

[jaclaz]

So, what is the simpliest way to create key-drive that is bootable? I read something about BartPE, HP Key (something or other) and WinSetupfromUSB.

I don't know how to get WinSetupfromUSB or if it is really what I want.

Yes, it may be the right thing, as long as you are seeking for the "easy" way. (other optins are slightly more complex)

Just above your thread in the Forum:

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showforum=157

There are a number of "stickies" or pinned topics, second from top is WinsetupfromUSB thread:

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=120444

I'm very concerned about just downloading a program and getting a virus on my computer.

Yep, that's life, you have to take risks (or use money to buy a "safe" external DVD player) .

jaclaz