Need alternative XP install to SATA??

[MooSey-UK]

Hi all, first the problem.........

my mobo is mortally wounded and the pc won't start 99% of the time. (suspect a dry joint or failing component). |So it's on and running now and I won't shut it down until ive backed up/prepared etc ready for a rebuild.
New components and Vista coming this week.
Whilst Vista won't be a problem to install Im thinking of dual booting with XP (for older games I want to finish without soul destroying fix it patchs for Vista)

My XP installer disk is SP1. I can't slipstream SP3 onto the disk as I can't restart the system during the process.
I can't make a floppy boot disk for SATA because my FDD is'nt fitted and I can't restart...........

See the problem

Any other way to do it without needing a system restart?

Of course one solution is to not bother with a dual boot and XP.
It would purely be for games that may not perform so well on Vista or that would require many patches or mod fixes (eg a very modded Oblivion I'd like to play more)

 

[BENdage]

Why not just install Vista first and then use vista to create your sata driver slipstream disk?

I know you cant install xp after vista, but if you create 2 partitions when you install vista and leave one blank you can boot for the xp cd and install on to the blank partition

 

[FatRakoon]

Id just not bother with XP TBH if you are getting Vista!

If you are thinking that gaming is going to be way slower in Vista than in XP then youd be wrong. Its closing the gap as we speak and to be honest, there is little or no difference at all...

I am one for XP64 because thats clearly the fastest of the top 4 but even that gap is closing in.

If you are getting Vista, then dont dual boot it with XP unless you absolutely have to, or you are only testing the vista waters.