Windows XP Embedded soon to be USB bootable

There doesn't seem to be any shortage of products based on Windows XP Embedded, with everything from laptops to LCDs to an array of devices outside our scope of coverage running on the thing. But it looks like we could soon be seeing even more of the embedded OS if the latest service pack update is any indication. Among other things, the excessively-named Windows XP Embedded SP2 Feature Pack 2007 (set to be released next month) adds USB 2.0 boot functionality, which means that a full-fledged version of the OS can be booted from any old USB Flash drive, opening up a range of new possibilities including, as jkOnTheRun speculates, quick-boot environments for games and other applications. Possible, yes, but with runtime licenses that costs $90 per unit, it may not be the most feasible solution for casual purposes.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

[Xchus @ Oct 30th 2006 11:02PM]

Seems like a nice addition, how about in Soviet Russia Windows boots you

[AJ @ Oct 30th 2006 11:11PM]

I can already boot windows XP from a USB device big deal, I can be working with XP and then just unplug my ipod and on the next computer I plug it into I just choose boot from device (USB) and walla right where I was when I unplugged my ipod from my computer at home. dont even have to start up windows because my ipod saves exactly where windows was working.

[Jonhimslf @ Oct 30th 2006 11:24PM]

AJ, can you please elaborate on that or at lest point me in the direction of a guide?

[Michael Parker McEachern @ Oct 30th 2006 11:24PM]

yea. this has been out for awhile

[Nick @ Oct 30th 2006 11:31PM]

Ha, awesome... Any idea if this will work with Macs in the future?

[Michael Parker McEachern @ Oct 30th 2006 11:42PM]

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/ there you go.

[Michael Parker McEachern @ Oct 30th 2006 11:42PM]

for jonhimslf

[tiuk @ Oct 31st 2006 12:31AM]

I just noticed the other day that I can get a free copy of XP embedded off MSDN:AA. I couldn't think of a use for it, though.

[tonydatigeryo @ Oct 31st 2006 2:55AM]

@tiuk

i'll take your license if you won't use it.. :)

[&& @ Oct 31st 2006 12:43AM]

@tiuk

*cough* torrent 'er up *cough*

[James @ Oct 31st 2006 2:52AM]

Bart's has some... issues, specifically it can be a real bitch to set up a system with a lot of custom drivers and there can be cache issues, among other things. XPE has a nice component generation tool, and as they say licenses are only $90/ea -- cheap compared to the MSRP for Home or Pro, AFAIK. Problem is, while an XPE system *can* be as full-featured as "plain" XP, the license specifically stipulates that it *cannot* be used on a "workstation", e.g. a system that's used as a "traditional" PC. It's meant for industry, so while some pirates might make good use of it, it's not allowed to be used in the manner described in the post.

That said, the first time I worked with XPE on a read-only device, I said to myself that my parents and a million others just like them (who only ever use a web browser and the very occasional word processor) would definitely be better off with XPE. Save your files to a thumb drive, and boot from a CD or write-protected SD card. BAM, the most virus-proof Windows OS written to date, and as an added bonus you can't accidentally install spyware/"toolbars"/crapware. I think MS should pick that ball up and run, run, run with it.

[soopergooman @ Oct 31st 2006 3:05AM]

PLEASE OH PLEASE someone port this to the PSP. PLEASE I beg of you......... of course I realize that I can boot it from the psp, but wxp that small would certainly run on the psp. if zx81 reads this, please try..

[zjman @ Oct 31st 2006 8:29AM]

Wow. Something other platforms have been doing for years.

[Alan @ Oct 31st 2006 11:47AM]

www.ubcd4win.com -- Based off Bart's-PE, but had driver and application packs already integrated. Or you could use nlite to build a custom version of windows, install it on a regular HDD, and use WPA-kill before copying the install to a flash drive to make it bootable from any computer.

[Victor Cornelius @ Jan 11th 2007 5:19PM]

any more news on this?

[websparc @ Mar 1st 2007 3:20PM]

This is a great feature

[k1d @ Jun 26th 2009 3:57PM]

Here's great one:

depositfiles.com/ru/files/kcnd005tt

Best Windows XP usb flash edition 2009