Cannot boot to Windows XP CD?

Hey Eight Forums users,
I have an external hard drive that I formatted to install Windows XP on. However, when I try to boot from the disk it just skips it and boots to Windows 8. I have tried going into the BIOS and putting the CD/DVD drive as the first boot device, and I also tried disabling secure boot, but neither of these worked. So far I have not found a helpful answer and am hoping to find one on here, thanks!

-Tayler

The Win XP CD will not boot on a UEFI enable PC.
Also will not install to a external hard drive.

With the one exception of Windows 8 enterprise edition Microsoft has never supported installing Windows on an external drive. Installing XP on a relatively new computer will at the very least be serious challenge and one that may ultimately prove futile. One of the problems will be the lack of XP compatible drivers. Most manufacturers stopped supporting XP years ago.

If you really must run XP the best option is to install it on a virtual machine. Much easier than any other way.