How to make an iso xp sp 3 file bootable with Nero

This is a tutorial for making a bootable disk from an iso using Nero 10. Let me know if you have any questions.

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Since this is just SP3 and no OS, I am not sure you can easily.

1) You need to make sure you extract the files first
2) you need to see if it will run in DOS, or use a WAIK kit to get a pre - WIndows environment up.

I hope this helps !

wow, that sounds really complex, sysexpert.  I dont understand either of those steps.

Nero will allow you to burn an iso to CD. I don't remember the exact steps but found this on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MUXDbWswZg

Personally, I use IsoRecorder which is freeware and simple to use. http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/W7.htm

Also, if this is not XP SP 3 operating system and only the service pack 3 for XP then it is not an iso. If it's not an iso, then you can simply burn it to a dvd and run the .exe from the dvd. Let me know if you have any questions.

Shoot!  This is a new blank hdd.  Looks like I cant use this xp iso.  Is that right?

I may have misunderstood microsoft's website.  I thought this was xp pro WITH sp3 http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=25129

Since it's 545MB, should be XP with SP3 incorporated. You will need to burn the iso to a CD and then boot from the CD. As mentioned previously, I recommend Iso Recorder. You cannot just copy the iso file to a CD.

I have that CD/ISO.  It is just the SP3 update, it is not a complete Windows XP.  It will not run without a working copy of Windows XP with SP1 or SP2.

Why do you want to boot to it? Why don't you run it straight from Windows XP?

The iso file is question is 545MB. SP3 by itself is 324MB. However, my archive copy of XP Home SP3 (an iso file) is 578MB. Not sure what is happening here.

Mark88 you can't install windows to a blank hard disk from that correct.. You cannot use it to install windows.  It is only an UPDATE for an existing windows install.  You need to get a full windows install media, which will require a license.

I used that same ISO to update some XP machines to SP3, and it does, in fact, make a bootable CD just by burning it to disk with about any burning program capable of burning ISOs... such as http://www.freeisoburner.com/

My copy of the SP3 update CD/ISO is 545MB.  I checked, it does not boot.  Now there are several versions of the SP3 Update ISO so one might be bootable.  But I think you will find that it is Only an update.

Darr247, Mark just said his disk is blank.  He is not trying to update.  He wan'ts to install windows.  We need to get this fact clarified I think by him, but it appears pretty clear.

Coldwash, you are correct, this is a brand new hdd I just installed into a four year old hp G60-533CL laptop.

If it was a Windows XP install disk, it would be bootable.  Just burn the ISO to a disk (with an ISO burner) and try it.

but you have to have the xp cd first, right?  I dont think that download is the actual OS is it?

I don't think it is.  But the 'actual OS' CD for Windows XP is bootable while the SP3 update is not.

here a guide to make the cd from an installed XP OS :
http://www.howtohaven.com/system/createwindowssetupdisk.shtml

Sorry techs.  I misinterpreted this MS website as having the XP OS download, not just SP3.  Well at least I learned some about .iso's and that service packs are not bootable.  Thank you for all your help.  - Mark88