[Rivera42]

I've noticed that the backup copies of my Windows CD don't auto-run like the original; I have to go in through Windows Explorer to reach the files. It's an exact copy burned from an .iso of the original, and it seems to work, but Windows doesn't automatically read it, launch anything or display the volume name in the corresponding locations (e.g. My Computer.) The original version of the disc does not produce these complications.

[Cheeseball81]

Check this out: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[zabusant]

Originally Posted by Rivera42

I've noticed that the backup copies of my Windows CD don't auto-run like the original; I have to go in through Windows Explorer to reach the files. It's an exact copy burned from an .iso of the original, and it seems to work, but Windows doesn't automatically read it, launch anything or display the volume name in the corresponding locations (e.g. My Computer.) The original version of the disc does not produce these complications.

Which programs did you use to make the iso's and burn the disks? The copies should work exactly the same as the originals. These kind of disks must be burnt as "boot disks", but most programs will do this automatically when burning an image.

I use CDburnerXP (freeware) - try it, if you think your software might be the issue.

[Rivera42]

PowerISO to make the image and DeepBurner (portable version) to burn it, because it's faster than PowerISO but delivers comparable results.

I don't think it's the software; check this out:
http://forums.techguy.org/multimedia...t-read-cd.html

When the XP cd produces a blue menu dialog with four or five options like "set up Windows," "browse this cd" and "perform additional tasks" along with a Close button that looks like the one from the start menu, that's the full version of the cd, right?

Lastly, in a gratuitous aside, I'd like to point out ImgBurn as another excellent free app for these purposes.