Loading w7 on to a USB

[Lioninstreet]

I actually have several genuine MS DVD's for this OS and could try another. Any chance the issue is because the WHS11 OS is a trimmed down version of s2k8r2, not w7sp1?

Also, I noticed that AOMEI (like WinToUSB) also has an upcharge for server functionality. I tried to use it to copy an existing install onto a stick and it told me I had to upgrade. No such error using a w7 terminal's DVD drive to do the WHS11 transfer to USB.

 

[Lioninstreet]

After having no luck trying a different disk with the server OS, it looks like the Windows to Go install issue has been finally isolated to the USB stick itself (a 256gb USB 3.0 PNY Elite-x Fit microstick).

This was found by using AOMEI, loading w7 (with USB 3.0 drivers slipstreamed in) onto the microstick, then trying to use it to boot a laptop and a homebuilt PC, both with native USB 3.0. It wouldn't run on either. The w7 OS was verified as working by loading it onto a old USB 2.0 PNY stick and running it on the original USB 2.0 target computer (albeit painfully slowly as SIW2 said). But it would run.

It's still possible that part of the issues experienced is AOMEI standard doesn't play nice with integrating the Server OS onto the USB stick. Another potential issue is the potential for an unusable OS speed, even when saturating a USB 2.0 port with a USB 3.0 stick.

Some time back, USB stick distributor of what appears to be somewhat questionable quality sticks ran HD Tune on their 8gb USB 2.0 & 3.0 sticks in both 2.0 & 3.0 ports. Natch the 3.0 trounced the 2.0, but it does show a nice improvement using a 3.0 stick with a 2.0 port.

USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0 Speed Test Results - Premium USB

2.0 stick - 2.0 port / HDTune Avg: 19.3 MB/sec
3.0 stick - 2.0 port / HDTune Avg: 31.2 MB/sec (+161%)
3.0 stick - 3.0 port / HDTune Avg: 54.9 MB/sec (+274%)

The only way to know for sure is buy a quality 3.0 stick with good NAND & controller that will run w7 on a USB 3.0 computer, then take it from there.

So the question is, should I be looking for a high end stick with a SSD controller on it (something like Corsair's GTX) or is that overkill?

 

[Snick]

I have a PNY 3.0 64 gb USB stick and it works find, either windows to go or Win to USB.

You might have a junk stick, it happens, from experience.

My Sandisk 3.0 Ultrafit 128 gb works better, faster read write!

 

[Lioninstreet]

Yea, too bad I threw away the packaging for the PNY Elite-x Fit stick or Id take it back..

The Sandisk 3.0 Ultrafit looks like a similar microstick design as the PNY. I'll give it a shot.

 

[Snick]

Lioninstreet

If you're going to invest in a microstick I would suggest

Sandisk 3.1 Ultra Fit

Yes, I have one, put Win 7 on it, it is faster than 3.0

Snick

 

[Lioninstreet]

Thanks for confirming Snick,

Im gonna order one and give it a shot

 

[Snick]

Lioninstreet

An external drive is even faster, especially a Solid State Drive.

 

[Lioninstreet]

I only have an unpowered eSATA and USB2.0 port to work with. Thinking a good 3.0/3.1 stick with quality flash will come closer to saturating the 2.0 port making the OS to be useable.

There is a little less than 3/8" under the top cover of the case that I could possibly fit a skinny SSD in, but the only port I could use to drive it is that eSATA and I'd still need to power it.