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Usually we install Windows XP SP3 from CDROM, but sometime you would like to keep the installation file within local harddisk and start with it because of:

1. Faster installation. Install from local harddisk can greatly increase the installation process from around 40min to 20min.
2. Install new Windows component without insert installation CD.
3. Install new hardware without insert installation CD.

Long story short, if you have enough disk space, just free feel and try with this solution. If you are as lazy as me, this will be your cpu of tea :D

Prepare Windows XP SP3 setup files in USB flash drive

Nothing special for this part: 1. Insert both Windows XP SP3 installation CD and your USB flash drive to the PC, 2. Copy and paste all content from CD to somewhere else in your USB flash drive (or just simply copy the I386 folder, you only need it). That's all.

Well... Some more tips: You should use a valid CD key with your valid installation CD, and should verify if they are able to working together. Remember that Microsoft issue license in at least 3 difference version: OEM (e.g. CD coming from Dell, HP, IBM, etc), VL/VOL (Volume License, usually for enterprise or large organization) and Retail (that you are able to buy from retailer directly). Don't mix them up.

Prepare BartPE

Again nothing special: 1. Download BartPE installation file from official site, 2. Install BartPE master program into your PC, and 3. Insert your Windows XP SP3 installation CD and follow the guideline. It is quite simple if you are not requesting extra features.

Once everything are ready, we can now process with next step.

Process pre-installation with BartPE

The following screenshots are taken from a VirtualBox client, but the procedures are verified as valide with real PC:

1. Insert both BartPE bootable CD and USB flash drive BEFORE system boot. Remember that BartPE don't support USB pnp.
2. Boot your system with BartPE CD.
3. Format the local harddisk into NTFS with "A43 File Management Utility"
4. Copy the prepared I386 folder from USB flash drive to C:
   
   xpsp3_hda_setup-000.jpg
5. Run the following command and start the pre-installation procedure:
   C:\i386\winnt32.exe /syspart:C: /tempdrive:C: /makelocalsource
6. Follow the guideline and complete the required steps:
   
   xpsp3_hda_setup-001.jpgxpsp3_hda_setup-002.jpgxpsp3_hda_setup-003.jpgxpsp3_hda_setup-004.jpgxpsp3_hda_setup-005.jpgxpsp3_hda_setup-006.jpg
7. Once it complete you can now shutdown the PC.

Remember to unplug both BartPE and USB flash drive BEFORE next system reboot for installation. You don't need them from now.

Process real installation from local harddisk

You should now boot your PC with local harddisk. The Windows XP SP3 installer should start as usual with some trim-down:

xpsp3_hda_setup-007.jpgxpsp3_hda_setup-008.jpgxpsp3_hda_setup-009.jpg

Nothing special during the rest of installation procedure, but you will able to FEEL the speed difference. Enjoy :D

References

http://www.vandomburg.net/installing-windows-xp-from-usb/