Install onto IDE USB Inclosure?

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Co0l Guy 33

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Apr 25, 2014
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Hello,

Recently, I have been working on a old Dell Optiplex 745. The only thing wrong with it is that there is no CD drive, so I can either use a USB stick to boot from or use a USB CD Drive (Which I have). Also, there is no HDD. The only thing I DO have is an IDE drive in a USB enclosure. The only aspect is how to install Windows on that USB HDD? I have an XP disk that has a SATA patch.

This is what it said in the description of the product: Windows XP Professional SP3 Nov 2013 + SATA Drivers [ThumperDC]
This is the original Windows XP Professional SP3 (32-bit) ISO from Microsoft. Including Microsoft updates until 23.11.2013, Internet Explorer 8, Adobe Flash Player 11.6 and SATA drivers.

I tried using the USB CD drive to boot. This worked, until I had to choose what HDD to install Windows on. When I select the HUSB HDD (It shows up) It said something about windoes not having enough permission to use this disk blah blah blah.

I have no idea what to do. Any suggestions?
 
Solution
drtweak
Yea better finding or buying a cheap hard hard drive. You can get a new Seagate 500Gb on newegg for 50+ Tax. Also make sure you have a caddy for it. Looks like this

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Drive-Dimension-Optiplex-Number/dp/B003BQSNA4

Now if you don't have it you could just set it down where the the hard drives go at the bottom. Also make sure you have a 90 Degree SATA conenctor for it (If its a Mini Tower)

And the 745 isn't that bad of a machine if you have the right CPU in it. Max it will take is the E6700 which for a regual desktop PC isn't that bad. Will take 8GB DDR2 max (If desktop or Mini Tower)

Now installing windows from a thumb drive isn't hard at all. Its just installing it to a USB hard drive.
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drtweak

drtweak

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Sep 17, 2012
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In order to get any version of windows isntalled on a USB drive is a pain, not reccommended, and really slow. You will be better off getting a PCI or PCIe ATA Controller and use that. Only thing depending on the case you won't be able to fit the hard drive in there. That or get a ATA to SATA adapter for the hard drive that way you can plug it into one of the SATA ports.

 
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C

Co0l Guy 33

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Apr 25, 2014
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4,510


I understand that. I don't wanna spend if any money if I don't have to. Is there any way I can just doing with what I have?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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It is theoretically possible to install XP on an external drive.
It is a real PITA, and if you do get it working, it will be dirt slow.

So you have an old Dell. Missing a CD/DVD drive, and missing a HDD.

Your easiest, best, solution is to use a Linux distro on a USB stick. You can run Linux directly off the USB. It will still be slow, though.
Or just give that old hardware away. It is mostly useless.
 
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drtweak

drtweak

Illustrious
Sep 17, 2012
6,342
75
38,640
Yea better finding or buying a cheap hard hard drive. You can get a new Seagate 500Gb on newegg for 50+ Tax. Also make sure you have a caddy for it. Looks like this

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Drive-Dimension-Optiplex-Number/dp/B003BQSNA4

Now if you don't have it you could just set it down where the the hard drives go at the bottom. Also make sure you have a 90 Degree SATA conenctor for it (If its a Mini Tower)

And the 745 isn't that bad of a machine if you have the right CPU in it. Max it will take is the E6700 which for a regual desktop PC isn't that bad. Will take 8GB DDR2 max (If desktop or Mini Tower)

Now installing windows from a thumb drive isn't hard at all. Its just installing it to a USB hard drive.
 
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