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Technical News & Discussion => Windows News & Discussion => Topic started by: quandam on Apr 01, 2010, 13:08:13

Title: Is It Possible.....
Post by: quandam on Apr 01, 2010, 13:08:13
....to copy a Windows operating system CD to an externally connected hard drive?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Is It Possible.....
Post by: kinmel on Apr 01, 2010, 13:13:25
Do you mean the setup files or a windows installed O.S.
Title: Re: Is It Possible.....
Post by: quandam on Apr 01, 2010, 13:20:18
kinmel

A windows installed OS.
Title: Re: Is It Possible.....
Post by: kinmel on Apr 01, 2010, 13:30:10
The "CD"  bit is throwing me, how have you created a working Windows installation on a CD?
Title: Re: Is It Possible.....
Post by: quandam on Apr 01, 2010, 13:43:49
kinmel

Just the Windows XP CD that I have with the full operating system on it. Can I put the OS on an externally connected HD other than the internal HD?
Title: Re: Is It Possible.....
Post by: kinmel on Apr 01, 2010, 13:48:49
You can put it on any HDD that is visible to the BIOS.

Plug in the external HDD without any internal ones connected and run the installer.   If it can't do it, it won't offer you the option.

I have Windows XP on a USB 12Gb HDD and that works, but it is dreadfully slow.

Title: Re: Is It Possible.....
Post by: quandam on Apr 01, 2010, 13:53:10
Thanks kinmel

How do I 'disconnect' the internal HD easily?
Title: Re: Is It Possible.....
Post by: kinmel on Apr 01, 2010, 14:29:11
Whilst the machine is switched off at the wall, pull  the power cable off the back of the drive.
Title: Re: Is It Possible.....
Post by: quandam on Apr 01, 2010, 14:45:45
Many thanks for your help :thumb: