Install from USB external HD

Hi all,
I'm installing Snow Leopard from a USB hard disk because the CD drive in my machine is dead. The install runs for about 10 minutes then gives me an error that states the CD is dirty. This is impossible because I'm installing from an external disk.
If I try rebooting into the image on the external HD then installing, the same thing happens except the installer complains about being unable to install support files.
Any pointers?

etresoft wrote:
V.K. wrote:
how did you get it on it in the first place?
Create a disk image of the DVD. Then restore that image to an external drive. I haven't installed anything directly from CD/DVD for several years now.
yes, I know the method of course. i wanted to see what exactly the OP did since their DVD drive is not working.

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Install from USB external HD

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