Running Windows 7 from a USB stick / Drive


  1. Posts : 5,941
    Linux CENTOS 7 / various Windows OS'es and servers
       #1

    Running Windows 7 from a USB stick / Drive


    Hi all
    I know there have been some discussions on this but I found this thread which actually DOES work for getting an XP system to work from a USB.
    (Not only the install but actually Booting and running).

    Ngine.de - How to install and run a FULL Windows XP from a USB drive

    In theory something like this *could* work for W7 --- anybody had a go yet.

    Note - instead of Disconnecting Hard drives as specified in the link just disable them in the Bios - it's quicker and easier.

    I know MS says its not possible but people seem to be able to find a way to do amazing things with computers.

    Cheers
    jimbo.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,360
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #2

    All I know is, if you can get Win7 running off a USB, I'd love one of those 32gb sticks with a full copy on it.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #3

    Even if it is possible, you wouldn't want to. The performance would be so bad, it wouldn't be usable. That's why eSATA was created, so you could run an actual OS from an external drive, if you needed to, for some reason.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4,573
       #4

    jimbo45 said:
    Hi all
    I know there have been some discussions on this but I found this thread which actually DOES work for getting an XP system to work from a USB.
    (Not only the install but actually Booting and running).

    Ngine.de - How to install and run a FULL Windows XP from a USB drive

    In theory something like this *could* work for W7 --- anybody had a go yet.

    Note - instead of Disconnecting Hard drives as specified in the link just disable them in the Bios - it's quicker and easier.

    I know MS says its not possible but people seem to be able to find a way to do amazing things with computers.

    Cheers
    jimbo.
    Search posts by ChuckR
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,360
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #5

    DeaconFrost said:
    Even if it is possible, you wouldn't want to. The performance would be so bad, it wouldn't be usable. That's why eSATA was created, so you could run an actual OS from an external drive, if you needed to, for some reason.
    I remember reading somewhere that you could buy an eSata stick.
      My Computer

  6.   My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,360
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #7

    Also with USB 3.0 on the way, wouldn't the performance be as good with that as the standard SATA?
      My Computer


 

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