Creating bootable USB without original DVD/.iso file

Hello all,

Is it possible to use an installed version of Windows 7 to create a USB drive that can be used to perform a clean install? -- I know that sounds a bit wierd, let me explain.

I have recently purchased a laptop with Windows 7 on. It has not come with any recovery or installation DVD and I do not have a Windows 7 iso file.

I was thinking about changing the hard drive as I have a spare 500Gb one lying around. What I was wondering is, is it possible to compile all the necessary files from the existing OS to create a USB drive that can perform a clean installation.

The laptop hard drive is currently partitioned as so:

1st Partition:
System (Has no letter assigned)
9.28GB NTFS
Healthy (Ssyem, Active, Primary Partition)

2nd Partition:
Windows (C:)
223.61 GB NTFS
Healthy (Boot, Page File, Crash Dump, Primary Partition)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Brink, it's an Advent, bought in the UK.

cheers for that Brink. It looks like my laptop hasn't come with Media Recovery Creator. I have sent an email to Advent, hopefully they will provide a clean install disc.

well, it appears that 'the tech guys' (the support company for Advent) want to me to pay for another full Windows 7 disc!

The cheek.

Don't suppose anyone knows of a Windows 7 Home Premium iso I can download?

This is from PC World support web site. Check for your model.

http://support.pcworld.co.uk/Layout....e-d3386432e315}

Don't suppose anyone knows of a Windows 7 Home Premium iso I can download?

- If you search around, there are websites (usually legal torrent sites) where you can download the ISO and use your LEGAL license/serial key during the installation. Just make sure you match up the download correctly, Home license only works on the Home iso.

you can create an image while in windows 7 OS and dump it onto the 500gb drive

Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

I use Symantec Ghost, but I know there are other choices out there. PM me if you need more detail.