The easiest way to create bootable Windows 7 USB drive?

[Brat Gvidon]

From what I understand, it is legal to create a bootable USB drive if one posses a legit copy of Windows 7. What is the easiest way to make that happen? I researched via Google, but each guide was either outdated and linked non-existing software or software required to be bought. Is there a single simple tool I can use to create a bootable Windows 7 USB drive?

Thanks!

[red_dog007]

This might have what you are looking for. Seems like a tutorial on making your own legit Windows PE disk which is a trimmed up bootable version of Windows. Its very cool. I use it all the time at work.

http://www.computerhope.com/forum/in...?topic=87312.0

[DarkNite]

How to Setup Windows 7 from USB drive.

[Scorpion1869]

I used the software by Microsoft. Pretty easy, just select the ISO and hit next. http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/...usbdvd_dwnTool

[russ18uk]

at some of the replies.

CMD
Diskpart
list disk
select disk #
clean
create partition primary
active
format quick fs=fat32
assign

copy contents from CD/ISO to USB. Boot from USB.

[idchoppers]

I used the software by Microsoft. Pretty easy, just select the ISO and hit next. http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/...usbdvd_dwnTool

This is what I use. Easiest way by far and nothing to remember lol.

[Langaleer]

at some of the replies.

CMD
Diskpart
list disk
select disk #
clean
create partition primary
active
format quick fs=fat32
assign

copy contents from CD/ISO to USB. Boot from USB.

That only works if the bootsector has been setup to boot! You missed the part to enable your USB bootsector, which is:


Insert your Windows7/Vista DVD into the optical drive and check the drive letter of the DVD drive. In this guide I will assume that your DVD drive letter is “D” and USB drive letter is “H” (open my computer to know about it).


Maximize the minimized Command Prompt in the 4th step.Type the following command now:


D: and hit enter then CD BOOT (where “D” is your DVD drive letter)


BOOTSECT.EXE /NT60 H: (Where “H” is your USB drive letter)


Copy your Windows 7/Vista DVD contents to the USB flash drive.


Your USB drive is ready to boot and install Windows 7/Vista. Only thing you need to change the boot priority at the BIOS to USB from the HDD or CD ROM drive. I won’t explain it as it’s just the matter the changing the boot priority or enabling the USB boot option in the BIOS.


Note: If you are not able to boot after following this guide means you haven’t set the BIOS priority to USB.

[russ18uk]

That only works if the bootsector has been setup to boot! You missed the part to enable your USB bootsector, which is:


Insert your Windows7/Vista DVD into the optical drive and check the drive letter of the DVD drive. In this guide I will assume that your DVD drive letter is “D” and USB drive letter is “H” (open my computer to know about it).


Maximize the minimized Command Prompt in the 4th step.Type the following command now:


D: and hit enter then CD BOOT (where “D” is your DVD drive letter)


BOOTSECT.EXE /NT60 H: (Where “H” is your USB drive letter)


Copy your Windows 7/Vista DVD contents to the USB flash drive.


Your USB drive is ready to boot and install Windows 7/Vista. Only thing you need to change the boot priority at the BIOS to USB from the HDD or CD ROM drive. I won’t explain it as it’s just the matter the changing the boot priority or enabling the USB boot option in the BIOS.


Note: If you are not able to boot after following this guide means you haven’t set the BIOS priority to USB.

I've taken brand new flash drives and followed those steps and got a bootable flash without applying bootsect :/

[Brat Gvidon]

This is what I use. Easiest way by far and nothing to remember lol.

Thanks! I just did that! I hope it didn't matter that my USB drive was formatted to NTFS and in properties was set to "Optimize for Performance". Some other guide I was following stated it needed to be default NTFS and set to "Optimize for Performance". I guess I'll just try to boot from it and see what happens.

Does installing Windows 7 SP1 from USB drive take less time than using DVD drive? Probably a stupid question.., but I figured speed is the reason why people make OS USB drives.

[russ18uk]

Thanks! I just did that! I hope it didn't matter that my USB drive was formatted to NTFS and in properties was set to "Optimize for Performance". Some other guide I was following stated it needed to be default NTFS and set to "Optimize for Performance". I guess I'll just try to boot from it and see what happens.

Does installing Windows 7 SP1 from USB drive take less time than using DVD drive? Probably a stupid question.., but I figured speed is the reason why people make OS USB drives.

Reasonably quicker. Not like installing Vista/7 is slow by any means.

And Lang, I just did another one, unpackaged flash pen and followed the instructions I wrote, copied the disk onto flash and booted. Satisfied I'm not losing my marbles