Windows on external drive

[lxskllr]

Hey all, I have an Inspiron laptop that has a failed harddrive, and was wondering if I could install windows on a exteral hd without problems.

I've had some cooling issues and other small problems with the computer, so I really don't want to invest in a new 2.5" hd if I end up not using the computer. I figured I could buy a 3.5" hd and an external enclosure, that way I'd still have hardware I could use even if I end up using the laptop as a doorstop.

If it makes a difference I have XP home that it came with, and 2kpro that I already have as my os choices.

 

[Smilin]

usb, firewire = no worky.
external sata = worky.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: Smilin
usb, firewire = no worky.
external sata = worky.

Doh!! :brokenheart: Oh well, thanks a lot Smilin.

 

[Elvandil]

Can you boot from a USB drive? If you can, go into Device Manager and make that external drive "Non-removable" and it should work.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: Elvandil
Can you boot from a USB drive? If you can, go into Device Manager and make that external drive "Non-removable" and it should work.

Thanks for the reply, I can boot from usb. I don't have an external drive at the moment, but it's something I can use, I guess I'll give that a shot, I have nothing to lose by trying.



Edit: Just thinking that if I don't have windows installed yet, how can I make a device not removable?

Also, I just plugged up a flash drive to my desktop and looked in device manager to see if I could select it as non-removable and I didn't see a setting for it.