Ok, so I know that similar questions to this have been asked many times, but I think my situation is somewhat unique:
I'm trying to re-install Windows XP Pro on 3 older machines (they have OEM copies, so I am using the Product Keys on the stickers on the cases). I downloaded an .iso of Windows XP Pro 32 bit SP3 direct from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=25129
First, I tried burning an install disc on a CD-RW. The disc looked good (was not just an .iso file, had autorun and all the other things you would expect). In one machine, I would get the "Press any key to boot from CD" prompt, but nothing happened. In the other machine it wasn't even recognized.
Next, I tried burning a DVD. Again, everything looked good, but the machine still wouldn't recognize it or boot from it.
I tried downloaded Rufus to make a bootable USB (http://rufus.akeo.ie/), but I get the following error: "This version of Rufus only supports bootable ISOs based on bootmgr/WinPE, isolinux or EFI. This ISO doesn't appear to use either…"
Is this not the correct ISO? Is the problem that I've tried CD-RWs and DVDs, and should just use a CD-R? Any help would be much appreciated.
Best Answer
I made the same mistake. That file is just the service pack (a collection of patches), not the operating system. I have been unable to find an iso file anywhere for any version of XP, itself, for several years.