May i know whether could i boot my laptop using an 'Operating System' - Windows XP on an external hard disk drive? I would like to install the 'OS' on the Ext. HDD and use it to boot up my laptop instead of booting from the laptop with security features involved. May i know what are the necessary steps i would need to implement to obtain this kind of features?

What Security features do you speak of Lebron?

Like a security key. The Ext. HDD would act as a security key to utilize the laptop.

Well if the laptop supports booting from usb then yes that's possible but have you thought about putting a bios password on the laptop?

if its a security key type thing you want why not go into the bios and set the system/bios password feature , this would stop all unauthorised access , and no one could utilize the laptop without your knowledge or permission

re : booting from a usb ext drive , you would need to check your bios to see if it has the boot option "to boot from usb"
if it does, then yes you could by setting your boot order to boot from usb

once you have created your operating system on the usb ext drive first of course

In fact I would go as far as to say that a laptop without an operating system would be rich pickings for a thief.

With a bios password on nothing happens until that password is entered and to my mind it would not be worth the thief's time to strip the laptop down.

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Hi

I would add that while a BIOS password can "in theory" be circumvented by removing the BIOS chip from the System Board and soldering a new one (about 20 minutes work with the correct tools) a Hard Disk Password is next to impossible to bypass.

We may be able to provide you with more information, if you tell us the maker and model of your Notebook.

It all depends on how much you value your Notebook, the information on it, or both.

1. With HDD password, your data is secured, but with a new HDD, anyone can have a fully working system.
2. With BIOS or Power On password, if it is stored in the CMOS, it takes 5 min tops to remove it.
3. With BIOS and/or Power On password password, if it is not stored in the CMOS, is VERY difficult to remove it, and only from the manufacturer, so it is fairly secure (useless for a thief)
4. With security key, you are the greatest risk: lose the key, and is bye-bye Texas.

Best thing I have seen, is Option 3 and never leave it unattended.