Is there any way to make Windows To Go under XP? I successfully wrote install.wim to usb stick, but can't make drive bootable - Windows AIK 1.1 doesn't contain bcdboot.exe to do it.
I dunno about Windows To Go, but.. For installing Vista, W7, or possibly W8 onto a USB drive, use NT 6.x fast installer: reboot(dot)pro/10126/ Just remember to use a fast drive, preferably a HDD or USB 3. My 16 GB Sandisk USB 2 was too slow, the install wasn't finished after 5 hours.. Also, remember to use Sysprep before swapping computer.
There is a detailed tutorial about Windows To Go published on Microsoft Technet « Windows To Go Step by Step » (I am not allowed to give the link because I have under 20 posts here at MyDigital Life ...)
My situation: bcdboot.exe doesn't work under XP. I found the way to run it. From power shell on Win7 installation dvd. It gives me message that it writes successfully, but usb drive doesn't boot anyway Tried syslinux - it doesn't install to NTFS. I created second partition on usb and my next try will be grub2. Also, another thing - Win7 USB DVD tool (from MS) successfully creates installation usb with Win8 - it boots.
To make the USB bootable for a Win7 MBR, try bootsect /nt60 DRIVE: /force /mbr from the command prompt in the same directory as bootsect.exe replacing DRIVE: with your USB drive letter. Bootsect.exe can be found in the directory "Boot" on a retail Win7 DVD \ ISO. /nt60 is for Win Vista \ 7 \ 8 and /NT52 is for XP.
Because on Vista/WAIK 1.1, the tool is called FIXBOOT.EXE or something (I can't recall), and works somewhat differently. Can't be bothered digging through my old WAIK files to check details though.