Loading Windows thru PCI to USB card

[teather]

Thinkpad X40
I have a new HD, empty, and no easy way to load Windows. Boot options are only HD and PCI.
Can I get a PCMCIA to USB card and then use an external CD with Windows install disk to load Windows via the USB to PCMCIA?
Will this work?
Thanx

[sjthinkpader]

I used an USB DVD drive to load OS on my X41t.

[teather]

Thank you but the question is will it allow loading the OS through a PCMCIA / USB card. There is only a blank HDD BUT, the bios setup allows boot from PCI or PCMCIA port. There are no drivers for the USB ports since there is no operating system. Does this mean the BIOS alone will see the USB port?

[sjthinkpader]

I don't think PCMCIA is in the boot list.

[sojourner]

Thank you but the question is will it allow loading the OS through a PCMCIA / USB card. There is only a blank HDD BUT, the bios setup allows boot from PCI or PCMCIA port. There are no drivers for the USB ports since there is no operating system. Does this mean the BIOS alone will see the USB port?

Seems you want to boot from a PCMCIA card USB ports ... never tried it. But why not boot from the lappie's USB ports?

Will the install work booting from the TP USB ports (not PCMCIA) in short, YES! No drivers are needed, no HDD even needs to be installed to boot from a USB CD. Owned an X40 some time ago but recall it's like the 'T-series' I use; set BIOS to defaults and any bootable CD will boot from a USB port before any HDD. Once booted Windows Install will see your HDD and proceed with installation. Pretty simple really

After install remember to D/L and install IBM drivers for your lappie !!