Win XP PC doesn't recognize Win7 bootable USB


  1. samhfoley
    Posts : 96
    vista 32 bit and 64 bit
       New #1

    Win XP PC doesn't recognize Win7 bootable USB


    I am trying to upgrade my dad's Dell Inspiron 530S to WIn 7. I have chosen removable from the boot menu for the 1st 2nd and 3rd options, but the USB keeps getting passed over on start-up. I cannot see any menu functionality that lets me add USB. Right now removable is listed as floppy disk. He is on BIOS 1.0.13 (just upgraded to 1.0.18 same issue) running Win XP service Pack 3. Ideas? Thanks in advance.

    Sam
    Last edited by samhfoley; 14 Jul 2012 at 10:54.
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  3. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #2

    Hi Sam -

    Try writing the confirmed ISO to flash stick using Universal USB Installer with Win7 in dropdown menu.

    Set the HD first to boot in BIOS setup, then tap the Dell F12 key at boot to trigger the one-time BIOS Boot Menu, look for stick under USB, Removable or HD's - you may need to expand each entry to find it.

    If this fails, try updating the BIOS to latest version from the XP desktop. Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United States].
    It appears to have needed improvements which may remedy the problem.
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  4. samhfoley
    Posts : 96
    vista 32 bit and 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    I see WIndows 7 installer listed under hiiren's boot CD, the next step is to find the iso file which I do not have. I only brought the USB bootable installer with me to my dad's house.
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  6. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #4

    Where did you get Win7? How do you plan to activate it?
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  7. samhfoley
    Posts : 96
    vista 32 bit and 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    I bought it, made a bootable install USB, wrote down the serial number and took the USB and the code with me to my dad's house.
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  8. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #6

    How did you make the bootable stick? Will it boot in another machine?

    Confirm the ISO was downloaded intact and burn another using the tool I gave or Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool.

    Does it boot using the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key, or after the BIOS update?
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  10. samhfoley
    Posts : 96
    vista 32 bit and 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #7

    I just used it a month ago to clean install my machine back home. It is a 64 bit version of Win 7 and my dad has a 32 bit version of Win XP. Could that be a cause? I upgraded the bios but still see no place to add a USB device and my removeable drive is still listed as floppy.
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  11. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #8

    With any less than 4gb RAM or a weak processor I'd use 32 bit Win7.

    Disable all entries for floppy in BIOS. I'd physically unplug the drive which can cause problems.

    If you've confirmed the stick is bootable on another machine and have it plugged in then it should be listed somewhere on the F12 boot menu. If not that Dell may not allow USB boot. Check all settings in BIOS.

    If not, burn the ISO to DVD using ImgBurn at 4x speed. Or start over to download the latest official ISO and write to stick or burn to DVD from Steps 1 and 2 here: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. These steps also give the best practices for Win7 install.
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