XP won't do that. Ubuntu, however, will. Check it out at
http://www.ubuntu.com/ It's free.
Alias
Your subject line contains a different idea than the body of your post.
Are you trying to reinstall your operating system? If so, look at these
links:
To perform a repair install (which should keep all your data and
settings intact):
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
To perform a clean install (which wipes the slate clean, so to speak):
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
Note that you would not be "run[ning} windows xp from a CD-ROM." Rather
you will be running the *setup program* that is on the installtion CD.
That means you will be configuring your PC to boot off your CD-ROM drive
instead of the usual hard drive. See:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
Never heard of Google? Just a small sampling:
Bart's Preinstalled Environment (BartPE) bootable live windows CD/DVD
http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/
How to create Windows XP Live CD, complete with preinstalled programs -
instant fundas
http://www.instantfundas.com/2007/11/how-to-create-windows-xp-live-cd.html
--
Bruce Chambers
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safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell
The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot