Creating bootable USB without original DVD/.iso file

[stu777]

Hello all,

Is it possible to use an installed version of Windows 7 to create a USB drive that can be used to perform a clean install? -- I know that sounds a bit wierd, let me explain.

I have recently purchased a laptop with Windows 7 on. It has not come with any recovery or installation DVD and I do not have a Windows 7 iso file.

I was thinking about changing the hard drive as I have a spare 500Gb one lying around. What I was wondering is, is it possible to compile all the necessary files from the existing OS to create a USB drive that can perform a clean installation.

The laptop hard drive is currently partitioned as so:

1st Partition:
System (Has no letter assigned)
9.28GB NTFS
Healthy (Ssyem, Active, Primary Partition)

2nd Partition:
Windows (C
223.61 GB NTFS
Healthy (Boot, Page File, Crash Dump, Primary Partition)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Brink]

Hello Stu, and welcome to Seven Forums.

What brand is your laptop? You may be able to create a set of OEM recovery discs from your computer using the system partition to be able to do a factory restore of Windows 7 with.

 

[stu777]

Hi Brink, it's an Advent, bought in the UK.

 

[Brink]

I found this that may help. Look under How do I create recovery disks? in the first post.

Recovery and Recovery Disk FAQs - read before posting : Advent Recovery Disk Support | Advent Support

 

[stu777]

cheers for that Brink. It looks like my laptop hasn't come with Media Recovery Creator. I have sent an email to Advent, hopefully they will provide a clean install disc.

 

[Brink]

I hope so.

 

[stu777]

well, it appears that 'the tech guys' (the support company for Advent) want to me to pay for another full Windows 7 disc!

The cheek.

Don't suppose anyone knows of a Windows 7 Home Premium iso I can download?

 

[theog]

This is from PC World support web site. Check for your model.

http://support.pcworld.co.uk/Layout...905}&ID={1d5da0f0-60f6-49fe-a9de-d3386432e315}

 

[Merlin2000]

Don't suppose anyone knows of a Windows 7 Home Premium iso I can download?

- If you search around, there are websites (usually legal torrent sites) where you can download the ISO and use your LEGAL license/serial key during the installation. Just make sure you match up the download correctly, Home license only works on the Home iso.

 

[PoPPeR]

you can create an image while in windows 7 OS and dump it onto the 500gb drive

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

I use Symantec Ghost, but I know there are other choices out there. PM me if you need more detail.

 

[D3ftOn3Z]

Don't suppose anyone knows of a Windows 7 Home Premium iso I can download?

- If you search around, there are websites (usually legal torrent sites) where you can download the ISO and use your LEGAL license/serial key during the installation. Just make sure you match up the download correctly, Home license only works on the Home iso.

Also be sure to get the "untouched" ISO of Win 7..It's not advisable to get cracked ISOs cause the installation files have been modified. Happy searching.

 

[stu777]

Thanks for all the advice.

I've sorted it now. I downloaded HDClone (it's free) and cloned the existing hard drive to the 500Gb (in a USB enclosure). Once cloned, installed the 500Gb and hey pesto.. Starts up fine, no problems at all.

HDClone even copied the 9Gb System partition used for OEM recovery.

Thanks for all the help.