Solved Bootable Windows 7 USB Stick

[timlab1955]

Today I'm getting my newest toy for my computer which is a Lexar Echo ZE 32GB USB 2.0 backkup Drive. These are the smallest USB I've have seen yet and the only reason why I got it was due to the size instead of having a regular stick, sticking out of my notebook and could possible hurt the port one day. Anyway, I've read, search on the fourm of how to make a bootable USB stick with very good instructions (step by step). What I want to do with this stick is in case (one day), I need to boot from it, I can and get my notebook up and running if need be. I'll already check the BOIS and yes I can boot from it. The windows 7 Pro disk I have is the one from DELL which has the OS on it. In addition to making this bootable, is there away to tell it to also load in all the drivers that I need? The other part (left over) of the drive will be used for storage (as if I don't already have enough storage for this computer. Thanks.

 

[Dwarf]

The only driver that I would consider integrating would be the storage driver if required. Other drivers, such as audio and graphics drivers, are best installed after the installation of the OS, and I would place these in a folder called Drivers so that they can be easily accessed (and updated when required, another reason for not integrating them as an update for these drivers would require a rebuild of the installation media if you are going to integrate them). Another folder to create would be Service Packs. All in all, I would set aside 8GB for this.

The rest of the stick (24GB) can be used for your own needs. I do, however, recommend to stick with 8GB sticks for this purpose, and only insert them if you are reinstalling, updating the drivers, or updating the service pack.

 

[VistaKing]

If you would like to create a bootable flash drive to install windows 7 you could use this tutorial http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html?ltr=U . If you would want to add your drivers to the Flash drive you could use the program called RT7lite from here RT Seven Lite - Downloads .

Just like Dwarf said you could add the drivers you want to install after Windows is installed. folder structure Sources\$oem$\$1\Drivers.

Note: You would have to create the $oem$\$1\Drivers inside the Source folder. What that will do is when Windows is installed it will create a folder inside your C: drive called C:\Drivers with all the drivers you need to install after OS is installed.

 

[timlab1955]

VistaKing -

This program that you mentioned "RT7lite", for me that is asking for trouble, as I would start clicking here and there just to see what it does. I might run it tho. Thanks.

Dwarf - I see what you mean about not integrating everything, but it seems like RT7lite can do it. Either way, I'll think about it and see what happens. I'm going to partation this new drive into 10 and 26 GB's. 10GB's for the OS and 26GB's for anything else. I might even make it into my sandbox play area who knows.

To all - I currently have everthing I need installed on my computer (program) that is. So let's say that I screw up my register (uninstalling something), or screw up something to where later on (4 hours later), I don't realize it and turn off my computer and then reboot it, I would like to tell the computer to boot off the stick and get back up and running (not re-installing things). So which is better, image of my c drive or backup? I still don't understand the differents between the two. But thanks for all your info.