inaccessible boot device

[onebigdog]

I run W2k pro. I would like to be able to boot from an external hard drive connected by USB on my desktop from time to time. My external drive was originally a boot drive in the pc and now where I save my backup image files. Bios is set up, but when I try to boot from the external drive I eventually get a blue screen with inaccessible_boot_device error. Is it not possible to boot from an external drive?
obd

 

[wolluf]

It is - though I've not tried to boot 2k from external drive.

I'd guess its a driver problem - you could try doing a repair reinstall on the external drive (with internal drive(s) disconnected). If the 2k install process correctly sees the external drive and recognises it has a 2k installation, then it will probably install correct driver so it boots properly (this is just guesswork, but repair reinstall won't upset your data, so may be worth trying).

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;292175&Product=win2000

 

[PRPhx]

Here is a discussion as to the how and why USB external devices are made bootable:

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/storage/usb-boot.mspx.

Also, do a google search as there is a ton of info out there on how to boot from a USB device.