Install Windows 7 TO (not from) usb flash stick

I have read a lot of threads in a lot of places of how to put Windows 7 on a flash drive to install 7 to a hard drive. But I want to install 7 TO a flash drive and run 7 right from the usb stick. Is this even possible? I already have 7 ultimate on a dual boot with XP, so the stick would be just for my backup computer which has only XP.

My laptop has Vista only but it will not boot from a usb stick so is it possible to run 7 on a stick even though it won't boot?

Also, can I run a virtual 7 on a stick? Or a virtual XP in a virtual program on a stick. Just basically because it is there, and I would like to learn how. I tried doing virtual XP on 7, but just can't get it going. I know it's me, just have to get the hang of it. Tried a couple of virtual programs, I need Virtual 101 for Dimmies :)

Requirements to install Windows 7 on USB:

# An USB flash drive with a minimum of 6 GB disk space to install Windows 7 or Vista. You can use a 4 GB drive to install XP.

# Bootable Windows 7 USB or DVD.

# Free time

So let’s begin with the installing Windows 7 on USB procedure:

1. First of all, connect your USB to the machine and backup all the data from the USB drive.

2. Download VirtualBox portable, double-click on the executable file and extract the contents to your USB.





3. Now, go to the VirtualBox portable folder in USB, and execute the Portable-VirtualBox (.exe) file.

4. From here onwards, you need to follow the onscreen procedure to create a virtual disk and install Windows 7 on USB. Follow the install Windows 7 on VirtualBox guide to complete the process or do the following:

5. Once you finish the installation process, you can safely close VirtualBox and remove your USB drive

6. You can now use this Windows 7 USB drive on any Windows machine that you want. To use Windows 7 on other machine, connect the Windows 7 USB, open USB drive, and run portable-VirtualBox file.


another method
Vista Installed on USB Hard drive - Vista Forums

More detailed
http://faelmar-tanada.spaces.live.co...entry?ccr=1921


Neither of these methods actually boot from the USB drive, but do give the same end result, so far no one has shown how to make a bootable W7 OS that actually runs from the usb drive

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How fast does this virtual Win7 USB run?

gregrocker said:

How fast does this virtual Win7 USB run?

Never tried it, but I assume running any full OS from USB is going to be slow at best.

Really depends on how fast the usb memory is also.

That sounds good then, if I can go virtual. I checked out the tutorial you gave, I might be able to handle that. I know there are several virtual machine programs, tried a couple and ended up at the black screen and came to a screeching halt. So maybe this tutorial might help. Would I have to create the virtual on the flash drive, or can I create it on the hard drive then move it to the flash. I ask because will things start looking for drive letters after I install it? Thanks for your help.
Soahs