Windows Technical Issues

[Proud Liberal Dem]

I have a computer issue for anybody out there who is a computer "guru," is it possible to install Windows (or any other OS) on an external USB Hard Drive? I tried to install Windows XP on my external USB Firelite Hard Drive and Windows reported that it could not do it (had something to do with CMOS?). Are the USB/Removable Hard Drives generally incapable of running OS or is there something that probably needs to be done to the Hard Drive first to "prepare" it? Also, I tried to upgrade my Gateway Notebook this morning with Windows XP Professional (Home Version was already installed) and, first of all, I couldn't boot up Home due to a .dll file being missing/corrupted so I couldn't boot it up (and had no access to the original installation disks. I went ahead and ran the installation program for Windows XP Professional and got that installed and it ended up creating a dual-boot system. Wasn't exactly what I wanted to do but it didn't give me any options. Professional is up and running BUT it can't/won't install the Video & Audio Controllers, I can't access the internet or set up my wireless connection(my notebook has a wireless adapter). What do you recommend that I do? I have some recovery disks that I previously created for the Windows XP Home configuration that I was previously running. Should I pop them in? Any advice on either of these issues would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! (Note: I would've posted this on the Computer Group but apparently I can't because I'm not a donor).

[IsIt1984Yet]

1. ok

Generally, you can't boot Windows from an removable drive... without a lot of hardware requirements and complication. See: http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/storage/usb-boot.mspx and http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/browse_thread/thread/f4ac8ea85dc06036/77780a632a20aa3e%2377780a632a20aa3e

When you installed XP Pro on your machine, it created a secondary install in a new directory, hence your dual boot. Have you tried to boot into XP Home since you installed XP Pro? What is the specific error you get on that? I'd be inclined to going back to that OS install.

If you decide to stay on XP Pro and can't get the video/audo drivers installed... I'd first focus on the drivers for your network adapter and try to download service packs. If you have a network card in it, hardwire to your broadband and you'll have better luck.