running OS on a usb flashdrive

[Santa]

I have a question, has anyone ever tried to run an OS.. XP, Vista, linxus? on a USB flashdrive.. you can get them for cheap in the 4 and 8 gig variety now.. So I was thinking it be handy to set up OS on a USB drive so that it could be used to run computer in case of a meltdown situation, or run a different operating system like a dual boot. In theory you could set up linxus on a drive and plug and play using it try different things out, or show on a computer set up with windows. I am not sure how it would work, I haven't taken time to investigate this, but I thought maybe someone here may have already played around with, and could give me insights. If no one has tried this yet but is willing to do so let me know what you find. I may try at some point, but very busy right now.

[Methious]

As long as your motherboard supports booting to USB devices it should be possible. I just use Hirens Boot CD, or UBCD, or PcLinux 2007 for melt down stuff but a thumb with OS and mobo specific drivers might be handy.

If it's a bad melt down I just go to the Ghost copy I keep, or the one touch backup JBOD system. I've seen enough melt downs I keep current backups no more than 3 or 4 days old.

[srpeters18]

I read an article about it online a few months back. Somebody was able to do it with XP. All I can remember is he had to make an .iso of the original install CD, modify a couple of the install files, update the .iso, burn it to CD, and then install it to the USB drive. Don't remember where I found it, so you'll have to google it.

[asterasy]

I'm pretty sure there's a post about it on these forums.

[PP Mguire]

Its simple. If your doing it for one computer then you just modify the .iso using nLite, put your mobo specific drivers, cut XP way down, and your good to go.

[Sadasius]

I would be very interested to know in how to do this. :smile:

[dumdum]

It is 100% possible and will work. Theres tutorials all over google about getting xp on a usb flash drive.

[MtDew]

I have used bootable CDs and Thumb Drives to system maintenance on several systems. The one I have used the most is called BartPE.

The link is http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

Give it a try and let me know what you think...