boot problem (USB)

I recently got a new Sony laptop and when I installed SP2, I got some Open MG errors (known error on Microsoft). I tried fixing it to no evail but didn't try to hard as it only came up when I ran certain files in Media player.

However I was removing some programs, decided to remove Open MG in the Add/Remove Programs list. It asked me to reboot, I didn't as I was busy. Then a few days later, finally rebooted and now it won't boot.

I just got it for xmas and it never came with a XP CD rom. However I want to create one on USB instead of disk (got a 8GB memory stick as well). I tried following the steps on Microsoft but got stuck on step 1.

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa940879.aspx

Is there an easy link to put it on my brand new empty flash drive?

If not can someone help walk me through the steps. I tried formatting the drive as in step 1 but don't know what the command prompt is. I tried going to Run on the start menu and put in the command/path.

 

Installing embedded XP is not what you want for your flash drive. For one, you do not have embedded XP source materials.

Creating an XP PE environment is what you want to repair a PC: http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/09/09/windows_in_your_pocket/

If all you want is to have the XP install CD on a bootable pen drive, Google this as there are several approachs. Google exactly this: xp install from usb drive

Anything else will lead you down a thousand pointless links.

Note:

Because you do not have any XP installation source materials, you are pretty much out of luck. Call Sony Support, tell them you had OpenMG issues with their Sonic software, and your machine is now unbootable.

 

I downloaded Bart PE tool and saved it on my flash drive. Do I need to run it or only have that program on the flash drive. If I try to run it, it wants to install it on the computer (C:bart) that I am using.

I'm tryin to go through the steps when I searched "xp install from usb drive" on google. However will I still need a CD rom? I can't call sony till I get home and find out what my serial number is, then I won't have a computer to get the stuff, so I'm tryin to get it before I leave work.

Would it be a million times easier if I simply went via CD? Is there a place that I can simply burn a boot cd? I think the reason I wasn't given a windows CD from Sony is because I get a free Vista upgrade. However that doesn't do me any good now.

 

You cannot create a Bart PE, or a native XP installation, without the XP CD.

Second point, Sony is under its license obligated to provide some means of restoring the computer. Whether they provide an XP CD, a "Restoration" CD, or use a hidden partition on the hard drive of the laptop, the re-installation materials are there. They have to be or they would not be allowed to install XP. The Vista coupon has nothing to do with this.

When you go home, call Sony Tech Support. They will walk you through the needed steps without a download being required.

 

As an FYI when ordering PC's:

Dell and HP have options (for extra charge - lately 20.00 USD) to include a OS Disc, either a CD or DVD in the case of MCE. You just have to be aware of it. Haven't looked at Sony so don't know how they handle this.

Usually, the "recovery" that the OEM includes as standard is either a "hidden" recovery parttition and/or recovery cd's taking the system back to the delivery condition - minus user data and programs added by the user. Little help if the OS "breaks ".

Regards - Charles