Reinstallation, Laptop Maintenance And Questions

I am very much asking those who know on the site to help me and write the exact steps of the reinstallation with flash drive-XP to XP SP2. Windows 7 doesn't excite me and I definitely don't want it. I've been reinstalling my laptop for at least 4 years myself, but the DVD drive is broken and won't work with a disc. And that's the only way I know how to reinstall. I've never done it with a flash drive. I have Acer Extens. I know there are many other self-help sites, but somehow I prefer it to be explained to me from here, in an earthy, accessible language. I have a 4GB Kingson flash drive - will it be enough? With which program? Do you have any impressions of which version of XP SP2 is the best? I had the perfect one at home, but the disc seems to have left the baggage over the years as well ... I ask the moderators to allow links in this topic. My other question is which programs to run for review on the hardware - say motherboard, video, hard, etc., and what exactly to do. I also need an explanation for being stupid, if you can. I have never run such tests. Third, how to defragment an external hard drive? I have an LG 300 GB for 3 years now, but I don't know if I should support it in any way. I noticed a defective folder on it, which is not deleted in any way / on top of that, the files inside disappear mysteriously, but only sometimes .. /. What to do? !! I may have more questions in my head and I will add them when I think of them. I will be grateful for any help. which is not erased in any way / on top of that the files inside disappear mysteriously, but only sometimes .. /. What to do? !! I may have more questions in my head, and when I think about it, I'll add them. I will be grateful for any help. which is not erased in any way / on top of that the files inside disappear mysteriously, but only sometimes .. /. What to do? !! I may have more questions in my head and when I think about them, I will add them. I will be grateful for any help.