Windows 7: USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create

I cannot seem to find "Enable Legacy USB storage detect in the BIOS" I have not tried an install yet but do you need to do this on all mobos? I can't find this option on my cheap mobo.

Hello Nate,

It may be labled slightly different for a different brand of motherboard, but should be similar. As a test, go ahead and see if you can just boot into the USB key. Most of the time this option is enabled by default anyways.

Okay, I will try it next build. Thanks a lot Brink.

Ok Nate. Please let us know how it goes.

I wanted everyone to know. I created an installation USB key on an x64 system for an x86 install (with x86 DVD) It worked. I have one question...on the 1st reboot, it tried to run the setup all over again (because I set the bios to boot from USB) to get around this, I removed the USB key and let it reboot. It then went on with the install and I inserted the USB key. It finished fine. I don't think that's the correct way to do it.

In the BIOS I changed the boot priority to HD from CD/DVD
Also changed the HD priority from the HD to the USB key

Was this correct? Did I only need to change the BOOT priority not the HD priority?

Also am I free to format this USB drive back to FAT?
If I use it again for an install, do I just need to follow the ENTIRE tutorial again? Thanks.

And thanks for the wonderful tutorial Brink. It does shave about 5-10 min off an install.

Normally you can just set the boot priority to boot from the USB key. If you have to set the HD Priority as well, then sometimes you may need to change it back to the hard drive after the computer restarts the first time during installation to prevent it from booting right back into the USB key again and starting the installation over.

Okay, thank you. That's what it did and it what I did wrong I guess. It's running great so...I guess you can create an x86 USB install on an x64 system just so you know. Thanks so much for your time.

P.S. What do you think? It seems to me I had to change the HD priority. If not, it would have booted from the HD instead of the USB. (the 1st time) I don't know if there is anything I could have done different. Maybe I will try it again and post back for others.

I suppose it's worth a try. Some will and some will not. 50/50

How much memroy does this take up on my memroy stick or how big will it need to be?

However large the file is. I doubt any of the ISOs will be over 4GB and none are small enough for a 2GB card, so you'll need at least a 4GB flash drive...probably nothing more unless you don't have anything else to use.