Trying to Install XP home from 2GB USB flash drive

Guide:
http://www.informationweek.com/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=177102101&pgno=1

the XP CD has some 'boot code' in the first sector to enable the PC to load the programs
I don't think you can boot off flash drives (would have to format them to be bootable

I would imagine that you are missing the boot code on the USB device. There is a certain code that makes a CD bootable - without this you basically just have a copy of the CD files (i386, etc).

In order to do this properly, you will need to setup your USB stick to be bootable and behave as a windows install CD, which is certainly not as easy as it might sound. one example of a person who did it may be found here:

http://www.vandomburg.net/installing-windows-xp-from-usb/

Honestly, though, if your dead DVD drive is in a desktop and you can swap a good one from another computer, even if only for the install process, you will have a faster and, likely, easier time accomplishing your install that way. Though, the USB stick install seems like a fun project.

Hope that helps

Thanks!

No problem.
Happy to help. Thank you.