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Windows 7: Install More Than one Windows Version with USB Flash Dr

28 Apr 2010  
XGUNTHERC

Windows 7 Ultimate Edition x64
445 posts
Viva Las Vegas
 
 
Install More Than one Windows Version with USB Flash Dr

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!

My System SpecsSystem Spec

28 Apr 2010  
Zepher

Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit
2,193 posts
Norfolk, VA
 
 

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.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
28 Apr 2010  
XGUNTHERC

Windows 7 Ultimate Edition x64
445 posts
Viva Las Vegas
 
 

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
My System SpecsSystem Spec
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28 Apr 2010  
Bill2

Windows 7 x64 pro/ Windows 7 x86 Pro/ XP SP3 x86
5,148 posts
 
 

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.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
28 Apr 2010  
Zidane24

Windows 7 Home Premium x64 - Mac OS X 10.6.4 x64
5,970 posts
North Carolina, United States of America
 
 

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

otherwise....great suggestions
My System SpecsSystem Spec
28 Apr 2010  
gregrocker

Win7 x 6 PC's
36,547 posts
California, Florida, Boston
 
 

I keep Windows 7 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 Windows 7.

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.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
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