How to do a clean XP install from an USB optical drive?

[erlryd]

I have an old Dell Inspiron 8100 notebook that I want to do a clean XP install to. I have wiped the hard-drive completely using Hitachi Drive fitness test. The original CD-drive doesn’t work and I have bought an external USB LaCie 16x DVD ± RW Slim Drive instead.

My problem is: how do I get the laptop to boot from the USB-optical drive?

I don’t have an USB boot-option in the bios. And I can’t seem to find a DOS driver for the LaCie.

I’m guessing that I need some kind of boot-diskette which contains a DOS-driver for the DVD-drive.

Kan anyone recommend what I should do? All help appreciated

 

[timberwolf1]

Ohh, ugly. You dont' really want to get into DOS and all that for it to recognize the USB optical drive. If you don't have the boot option in the BIOS, I really doubt you can do a USB boot.

 

[TabrisDarkPeace]

Download the bootable startup Windows XP installation disks from:

http://www.microsoft.com

Make sure the USB CD-ROM drive is plugged in and has the OS installation disk present.

Failing that install over LAN from another machine.

 

[edwuave]

anyone know how to install XP over LAN?

 

[EricLegge]

Chicken/Egg USB issue:

http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2006/2006-05-18.htm#4