Solved Can't get Windows 7 installed from USB

[D0M1N13]

Hi forum

This topic might already be touched on here but I couldn't find anything about it.
I downloaded from the internet AIO Windows 7 ISO. I burned the ISO with RUFUS on a NTFS USB. When I inserted the USB into my computer and tried to boot from the USB it gave an error saying something that it can't find NTFS drivers. Somewhere along those lines. So I googled for further information and found out that the file system on the USB is supposed to be FAT32. So I tried to burn the same ISO with FAT32 but it wouldn't let me because install.esd is 4.2GB and unfortunately FAT32 can't transfer anything above 4GB. So I googled again and found out that I would need to split the install.esd into smaller parts and then I could burn the ISO. So I did that but it's not letting me boot. I entered my UEFI BIOS and went into boot menu and put the USB to boot first. Even though I did that, it's not even booting or anything. It just goes into the OS like there isn't an USB. I disabled secure boot. Nothing still. May someone help me with this? I'm going mad here.

 

[SIW2]

We can't advise what might be the problem with a frankenstein iso.

 

[D0M1N13]

The ISO is good. It boots up find it I burn it on a DVD and then install it from there. The uploader who uploaded it is legit and I have no problem whatsoever with his ISO's because the install.esd was always under 4 GB except this one.

So any ideas?

 

[torchwood]

Hi

have a read of this tutorial
check RUFUS settings image, #5.

UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows | Windows 8 Help Forums

note see the size of the USB 4.1

Roy

 

[D0M1N13]

Hi Roy,

I think you misunderstood my problem. The USB size is not an issue. The issue is that the install.esd is greater than 4GB and it doesn't want to burn because of this. I tried several methods as mentioned in my original post but no success.

 

[torchwood]

No i didn't, that Iso download is to big, get it from a reputable site, thats why SIW2 said be wary.

see BleepingComputers agree

Roy

 

[Megahertz07]

Install.esd is the compressed file used to install.

Where you able to boot the Win PE with the GUI?

 

[D0M1N13]

I wasn't able to boot the Win PE with the GUI. Still can't figure it out

 

[Megahertz07]

Format the USB drive as Fat32
Copy all files and folders to the USB drive (with the split ed Install.esd)
To boot as UEFI you must add the Boot folder (attached) to EFI folder (see image)

Boot folder

 

[torchwood]

Hi

just grapped a newer lappy, was W10
Did a complete re-install UEFI using Rufus and Heidoc download W7 Pro SP1+ It was 5.1 GB, up and running all up to date, less than 24Hrs.

note
used Rufus latest version which does NOT include FAT32 option NTFS worked fine,
had to change BIOS options - NO secure boot and hybrid CSM.



Roy

 

[SIW2]

Heidoc download W7 Pro SP1+ It was 5.1 GB

What was the 5.1gb iso?

 

[D0M1N13]

To boot as UEFI you must add the Boot folder (attached) to EFI folder (see image)

Boot folder

What do you mean add boot folder to EFI folder? You mean on the USB? The whole folder? I see there is already a boot folder in EFI folder and it has a file called bootia32.efi.

 

[torchwood]

Hi SIW2
Coz it includes updates to 2018

Roy

 

[SIW2]

Ah, you got one of those. I prefer the original and update it myself.

 

[Megahertz07]

What do you mean add boot folder to EFI folder? You mean on the USB? The whole folder? I see there is already a boot folder in EFI folder and it has a file called bootia32.efi.

Under EFI\Boot folder there should be bootx64.efi

Your Win 7 installation disk isn't an original M$ so we don't know what you have.
You should use an original M$ Win 7 SP1 64bits installation disk and install the drivers and update.

Don't you have a M$ Win 7 SP1 64bits installation disk (Home, HP, Pro or Ultimate)?

 

[D0M1N13]

Ok so I solved my problem. The AIO ISO I downloaded was corrupt. I decided to use the full version of NTLite and create my own integrated ISO. I downloaded all the updates (the ones that are necessary) and other things in the NTLite that I wanted to remove and the total size of the ISO came out 4.57GB. I burned it on a FAT32 USB and it worked. Thanks all for all your answers!!

 

[Megahertz07]

Please mark this thread as Solved.

 

[JonW]

Ah, you got one of those. I prefer the original and update it myself.

Will you be using Windows 7 in the future?


Will the updates be available after the 14th January, or will Microsoft be shutting those servers down? I've read conflicting reports on this and am a bit confused. Should I make a backup DVD (or something) with all of the updates until the 14th and use this into the future?


There seems to be a week til Windows 7 is officially over (support wise) and I'm trying to figure out the best way to proceed going forwards into the future.

 

[SIW2]

:ar: Update your Win 7 installation media.

Will you be using Windows 7 in the future?


Will the updates be available after the 14th January, or will Microsoft be shutting those servers down? I've read conflicting reports on this and am a bit confused. Should I make a backup DVD (or something) with all of the updates until the 14th and use this into the future?


There seems to be a week til Windows 7 is officially over (support wise) and I'm trying to figure out the best way to proceed going forwards into the future.

 

[JonW]

I'm pretty good with this kinda stuff but have drifted away from it in the last year and have a lot of catching up to do. I now realise that this entire forum section has a whole bunch of stuff that I need to read and catch up on. Thanks for your help.