How do i install Win XP on an optical-less Acer Aspire One Netbook?

[jayinc11]

I just bought captioned lappy off ebay without OS. I want to install Win XP. It has no dvd drive and I don't have an external drive. I have Win XP pro on a cd, and 7 ultimate on a dvd and as well as it's image in my toshiba laptop. I actually intend to follow the instructions to dual boot but my question is how do i install the first OS on a netbook with no optical drive? Also I don't know if it has a restore from partition, I will check when I get home tonight, but I don't think so.

Acer Aspire One ZG5
Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz
1 GB ram (I have an extra 1 gig stick I will add)
160GB hd

 

[bobkn]

I'ved never done it with XP, but you may be able to use a USB flash drive.

Microsoft has a downloadble tool to prepare a drive from an .iso, but I don't know that it supports XP.

Microsoft Store Online

 

[gregrocker]

Extract the ISO from CD using ImgBurn, write to stick using Win2Flash - USB video

 

[jayinc11]

Ok I did win2flash but now i have encountered this problem.

usbehci.sys could not be found

With no option to proceed with Install.

I am trying to find a solution online but none so far. Has anyone a solution to this?

 

[gregrocker]

Are you using an XP CD with SP3?

If win2flash doesn't work for an intact XP ISO then I dont' know what will. I'd borrow a USB CD drive.

 

[jayinc11]

SOLVED!
I slip streamed my copy of XP. I used the instructions here. Then I completed using win2flash. I was able to install both WXP and W7. They both boot flawlessly. Now I just need to figure out how to install mac osx on the lappy for a triple OS boot.

Thanx Gregrocker and bobkn!

 

[Layback Bear]

I'm glad your happy but I'm still some what puzzled. How you got Windows 7 working flawlessly with 1 gig of ram. I have to ask: What are going to use the little computer for that 3 operating systems need to be installed? Just curious.

 

[jayinc11]

I didn't know it must have >1 gig. I can't tell you there's anything special I did. I have seen many laps on ebay with 1 gig and W7. So I never thought of not doing it. I shoulda thought the same way about google or fb, I'ld be a gazillionaire by now!

3 OS? I don't know why XP other than I wanted to make sure I could do XP/W7 - been a long time since I did XP/Vista - but seriously I do like to run XP sometimes when I am fumbling with setting up hard drives and computers. OSX? I like macs, don't want to pay for a macbook since I ain't a gazillionaire, yet. Now where was those mac instructions...

 

[Layback Bear]

Thank you for your quick answer. Wish you luck with your project.