Windows 7: How to make your external HD bootable

bashir26 · 06 May 2009

I have an external HD that I use to back up all my data when I'm upgrading or clean installing another windows OS.

Is it possible to back up all my music/documents and also make the HD bootable? I want to install the new Windows 7 RC and want to try using my external HD as the source instead of burning it onto a DVD.

Thanks!

Mark · 06 May 2009

Hi Bashir, I don't think it's possible to install an OS on an external HD.

torrentg · 06 May 2009

I think he wants to put the install files on the external drive and then install 7 from there to a normal one. That's how I understand it anyhow, could be wrong here.

If this is the case, I'm not sure of the correct answer for him then.

bashir26 · 06 May 2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Mr GRiM

Hi Bashir, I don't think it's possible to install an OS on an external HD.

Quote: Originally Posted by torrentg

I think he wants to put the install files on the external drive and then install 7 from there to a normal one. That's how I understand it anyhow, could be wrong here.

If this is the case, I'm not sure of the correct answer for him then.

Sorry I should of been more clear. I just want to put the install files on the HD instead of a DVD and install them on my laptop.

GatoSoft · 06 May 2009

+1 at Bashir26's question. I'm really interested in that. It would be really helpful, especially for netbooks that lacks optical drives. Also the fact that a cheap carry disk can speed up to 150~180 Mbits (~20 MBytes.) per second as minimun.
Hmmmm... I think I'll experiment with the external HDD that I use at work. If I get some good results, I'll share them with you all.

Labougie · 06 May 2009

hello, if you want, you can use this method, this is that i use. No dvd lost if the burn is corrupt. look here ==> USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create it's a very good option. labougie

GatoSoft · 06 May 2009

You readed my mind, Labougie. xD
I was thinking about trying the pen drive's method.
I hope I can get some time at work this afternon to give it a try. ^_^U

Labougie · 06 May 2009

hi Gatosoft,

i'm a french wizard

like OZ

labougie

GatoSoft · 06 May 2009

So, share with me some magic to help me making this external HDD booteable and working like a Windows 7 installation disk before this night. xD

Labougie · 06 May 2009

why don't you try with a usb key.

use the second method (written by Brink) and aplly it to your external hard drive.
do not forget that think Gatosoft, after you'll have prapare your hdd, you must modify your bios. Before playing with the bios, take a pencil and a piece of paper to write that you have change.
cause if you make a mistake, you'll can go back to you original bios sytem

labougie

Windows 7: How to make your external HD bootable

How to make your external HD bootable problems?