Install windows 7 from external USB HDD or USB flash drive?


  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    Install windows 7 from external USB HDD or USB flash drive?


    install windows 7 from external USB hdd whether it will work well?
    I use wd external USB drive NTFS format.
    whether it is more properly install windows from a USB flash drive?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,545
    Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
       #2

    Welcome to the Seven Forums, Pegatroid.

    Installing from a USB stick is easy and at least as fast if not even faster than installing from a DVD. Follow instructions in tutorial to see how: Clean Install Windows 7

    Step 1 in above mentioned tutorial tells you how and where you can download the Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool which is an easy to use tool to "burn" the installation ISO file to a USB stick.

    Kari
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Kari said:
    Welcome to the Seven Forums, Pegatroid.

    Installing from a USB stick is easy and at least as fast if not even faster than installing from a DVD. Follow instructions in tutorial to see how: Clean Install Windows 7

    Step 1 in above mentioned tutorial tells you how and where you can download the Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool which is an easy to use tool to "burn" the installation ISO file to a USB stick.

    Kari
    I usually install windows in a way, copy all the files from the windows installer dvd to my external USB drive (NTFS)(external HDD). and it can boot properly. and instaling Windows successfully.

    but I want to know, whether it is correct with the way I? (copy all the files from the windows installer DVD to USB harddrive) (NTFS)
    or better i install windows as you mentioned? from the USB flash drive.
    because I have problems with the windows install dvd, although successful but such files are not copied all the windows, probably due to my crappy DVD room
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17,545
    Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
       #4

    I prefer using the mentioned tool to burn the installation files to a bootable USB stick.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 9,606
    Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
       #5

    USB Flash drive will usually give the fastest way to install
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Kari said:
    I prefer using the mentioned tool to burn the installation files to a bootable USB stick.
    why?
    open it by copying all the files from the windows dvd to external USB HDD easier?

    --------------------------------------
    I ask it because I did not find a tutorial installing windows from USB external drive (HDD) in this forum
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Tutorials for Installation media types for Windows 7

    USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create - This will show you how to create a USB flash key drive that you can boot from to install Windows 7.

    Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool - If you would like to burn your downloaded or converted .iso image to a DVD or create a bootable USB flash drive, this free Microsoft utility is for you.

    Install Windows 7 Without Using Any External Device - With this you will be able to Install Windows 7 as soon as you download the ISO and extract it.

    Burn Disc Image - ISO or IMG file - This will show you how to use the built-in Windows Disc Image Burning Tool to burn a CD or DVD disc image from a ISO or IMG file in Windows 7.
    For Advanced Users
    Install Windows 7 FAST without a DVD or USB device - This method uses technology designed for advanced users. It doesn't require extra bootable media and it leaves your existing Windows install intact. It's fast, it's flexible and it's all command line suitable for scripting.
    Make bootable iso from student d/l - How to make an ISO file with the student down load that has these 3 files : Windows 7-HP-Retail-en-us-x64.exe, setup1.box and setup2.box.
    ----------------------------------------------
    Tutorial quick reference list for Installing Windows 7
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  7. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #7

    As the ASUS P8Z68 -DELUXE has a uEFI/BIOS firmware.
    How to install Windows 64 bit on a uEFI/BIOS firmware:
    UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with

    UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 3,371
    W10 Pro desktop, W11 laptop, W11 Pro tablet (all 64-bit)
       #8

    The problem with simply copying the install files to an external USB hdd is that you won't be able to boot from it. The solutions using a USB thumb drive provide a method to make the thumb drive bootable.

    I have a Zalman VE200 (no longer offered, VE300 now) hdd enclosure that has a unique ability to emulate a CD drive. This allows me the ability to copy many ISO install disks onto the drive then select which of those I want to use. I can then boot from the drive as if it was a CD drive and perform installs. Some people may think that this is nothing new since you can mount ISOs within Windows using various tools but the key is that you can boot from an ISO that resides on the drive without any modifications, simply copy the ISO onto the drive and it is usable.
      My Computer

  9.    #9

    In addition you need the bootable installer in case the install fails and for repairs.

    4gb Flash sticks are only $5 with free shipping on buy.com. You can even get a bigger one and store your stuff on it as long as you don't touch the seven installer folders which must remain in the root.

    Kari provided you with the installer ISO.. What works every time is UltraISO Software To Create Bootable USB Flash Drive.

    Other tips to get and keep a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 same for retail.
      My Computer


 

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