I currently use Windows 8 but some of the programs I need run on Windows XP. How to create a ready-to-boot Windows XP CD to use Windows XP when required?
On this matter, I suggest you try VMware Workstation. Using this software you can emulate a Windows XP OS and using it inside Windows 8. There is no official release of a Windows version that you can use without the need to install. However, to create a bootable CD you can use Nero.