Installing W7 *to* a USB HDD or flash drive

[PhilT]

I got some info from a document i read that tells u have it's done.

please share, I haven't achieved exactly what I want yet.

 

[FyrmnJ]

I got some info from a document i read that tells u have it's done.

please share, I haven't achieved exactly what I want yet.

Also, if you know where to find info on how to create a usb flash drive to use as a DUAL BOOT repair startup disc.

FyrmnJ

 

[aem]

I hope this is what you guys are after.

"
Preparing the installation source.

​

​

USB
As of Windows Vista and Windows 7, it is possible to install the OS from a USB storage key.
From within Windows Vista, it’s possible to create a bootable USB key, as long as you have the
Windows 7 bootable media to copy to the USB key. To create this bootable USB key, follow
this procedure:
1. Plug the USB key into your computer, back up any data, and format it:
a. Open a command prompt and “Run as administrator”. This will place you in the
“c:\Windows\system32” folder
b. Type the following commands:
i. “DISKPART” to enter the Disk Partition command prompt.
ExamForce 70-680 Study Guide
9
ii. “LIST DISK” to display all partitions, including the attached USB key.
Make note of the partition number for the USB key.
iii. “select disk <number of USB key>.
iv. “clean”
v. “create partition primary”
vi. “select partition 1”
vii. “active”
viii. “format fs=ntfs”
ix. “assign”
x. “exit”
2. Make the USB Key a Bootable Device
a. Still at the Command Prompt (running as Administrator), navigate to the folder
containing your Windows 7 installation files and type the following commands:
i. “cd boot” (to get into the “boot” directory)
ii. “bootsect.exe /nt60 X: (where X: is the drive letter assigned to your USB
key)
3. Copy Install Files to the USB Key
4. Install USB Key into target computer and hit the “F” key to access the boot menu and​

select the USB storage device from the menu."

 

[gregrocker]

You can also format flash installer in Disk Management. Just be sure it is primary.

Files must be in root for it to boot, but I keep them in a folder with many apps/utilities folders otherwise. Then when I want to boot, I just spill the files out into the root.

It always shows up as a HDD in BIOS boot menu.

Another more automated method is to download UltraISO trial and use the Write tab to write the ISO to the flash.

 

[DeaconFrost]

If you don't want to follow the steps, just use this app.
WinToFlash - Install Windows from usb - Home page

 

[PhilT]

please stick to the subject

Oh no, not more "how to install windows from a USB stick postings and links.

Don't you get it folks, this thread is about running Windows on a USB device

ie the USB device has the OS on it, and the computer boots from it.

Clear enough ?

If not, imagine a PC without a hard drive and you plug in a USB stick and boot it up into windows.

Sheesh !!

 

[gregrocker]

Some have a hard time understanding you want to run Win7 on an external USB drive because almost everyone here knows that such an install is forbidden:

http://social.technet.microsoft.com...l/thread/8f381e7f-77d2-4739-a072-7e1becfca506

A better route might be to see how small you can shrink 7 using new Win7 Vlite to get it into your netbook SSD/HD. I Vlited 7 (using Vlite version before 7lite was released) last winter down to half the size without losing any performance. They have a forum, too.

 

[PhilT]

Some have a hard time understanding you want to run Win7 on an external USB drive because almost everyone here knows that such an install is forbidden

and the linked contains a posting by a guy doing it

"Forbidden" = arbitrary technological constraint, which can no doubt be overcome.

Which reminds me, I must look over at HyperOs Systems and see if those guys have done it with their "run windows as an application" approach to life.

But seriously folks, there are other threads to display your prowess in installing from a USB stick or in installing to an SSD or whatever. Retard I may be, but I don't want to do either of those things so they're off topic here.

Reminds me of Pulp Fiction, "Uncomfortable silences. Why do we feel it's necessary to yak about bull**** in order to be comfortable?"

 

[DeaconFrost]

Don't you get it folks, this thread is about running Windows on a USB device

I guess we could say the same, in terms of..."Don't you get it...performance would suck to the point it would be unusable". It's been tried for years with XP, Vista, and now Windows 7. Forums have been full of people trying it out, and all coming to the same conclusion. Just because something seems feasible and useful in concept and idea, doesn't translate into a reality.