Install More Than one Windows Version with USB Flash Dr

XGUNTHERC · 28 Apr 2010

Hey Internet, I know it's possible to install Windows to a PC using only the ISO on a flash drive, or pen drive. Whatever you wanna call them.

I have a new 32GB Flash Drive and I'd like to add a few different versions of windows to it so I have them at all times on hand.. Is this possible? I have a few disks for 7 Home and Ultimate and x86 and x64, and same thing for Vista, then just a XP HP since most have that. But I wish I could add all these to a Flash drive and choose what one to install from when I need to. Possible?

Thanks!

Zepher · 28 Apr 2010

It's possible.
There are tools to help build a bootable flash drive with bootloaders to choose what to install.
I'll look for a guide in a bit, kinda hard to type on this mini 9 I am currently on.

XGUNTHERC · 28 Apr 2010

Yea any help would be great. I'm currently using my Asus 1201N 12' Netbook, I can't imagine typing on that dell 8.9 incher. lol

Thanks! yea any info would be great

Bill2 · 28 Apr 2010

There are several ways of going about it.

1) Use MagicIso, it has a multi image boot editor. Heres a tutorial.

Using MagicISO to make multiple bootable image file

2) Use the MS deployment kit and WAIK.

Creating a Multi-OS Installation USB Key - The World According to Mitch

3) This way using a preexisting AIO disk.

Can I boot multiple Win Os's from a USB HD (to install only)?

Also, if you are into bootable usbs, check out these 2 sites. They have tonnes of good info.

Boot Land

www.msfn.org

Note: This is my own post from another thread.

Zidane24 · 28 Apr 2010

I am pretty sure MagicISO limits you after a file is so large (2GB?)

otherwise....great suggestions

gregrocker · 28 Apr 2010

I keep Win7 and Vista on my flash stick, written to there by Ultra ISO Bootable tab per this tutorial: USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create

When you first write either OS to the stick, it will place the seven files in the open root. When I am not installing either OS, I keep the files for each in their own separate folder. That way, I only have to spill the files of whichever OS I want to boot out into the root and it will boot per normal - either Vista or Win7.

I also keep all of my apps, utilities, tools and a copy of XP 9-in-1 on this stick and never go anywhere without it in my pocket.

One of the tools I use most is the Belarc Advisor which will audit all of your hardware, software, installed updates, license keys, etc and present a printable report.