Install Windows 7 From USB

This has been tested by yours truly and will work with Windows 7 and 8.   Advantages of using a USB bootable win7/8 drive are simple… If your computer doesnt have a optical drive, what are you going to do?  If your optical drive breaks, what are you going to do.  If you lose your windows disc or if your iso is on your PC when it dies, what are you going to do??!  Answer, nothing!!!  That is why you should do this now, and save yourself a headache later.

Requirements:

• 4GB Flash Drive
• Windows 7/8 Disc (iso will work too)

Follow the steps below to install a copy of Windows 7/8 on a USB flash drive.

1. Plug-in your USB flash drive to USB port be sure it is empty or that you move your beloved files to a safe place.

2. Open Command Prompt with admin rights. Use either of the two methods below to acheive this:

*Type cmd in Start menu search box and hit Ctrl+ Shift+ Enter.

*Go to Start Menu > All Programs > Accessories, right click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

3. You need to know about the USB drive a little bit. Type in the following commands in the command prompt:

First type DISKPART

Next type LIST DISK and note down the Disk number (ie: Disk 1) of your USB flash drive. The USB drive should show file size close to 4 gb.  Be sure you are selecting the correct disk.

Run the following commands withing the command prompt one by one:

SELECT DISK 1

CLEAN

CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY

SELECT PARTITION 1

ACTIVE

FORMAT FS=NTFS

(Format process may take few seconds)

ASSIGN

EXIT

Do not close the command prompt as we need to execute one more command at the next step. Just minimize it.

5. Next insert your Windows7/Windows 8 DVD into the optical drive and check the drive letter of the DVD drive. I assume that your DVD drive letter is “D” and USB drive letter is “H” (use “my computer” to know your drive letters).

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

D: CD BOOT and hit enter.Where “D” is your DVD drive letter.

CD BOOT and hit enter to see the below message.

BOOTSECT.EXE /NT60 H

This will update the USB drive with BOOTMGR compatible code.  Where “H” is your USB drive letter. Once you enter the above command you will see a message stating this has been successful.

7. Copy your Windows 7 or Windows 8 DVD contents to the USB flash drive.

8. Your USB drive is ready to boot and install Windows 7/8.

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

That it folks… If you have any problems feel free to let me know direclty by posting a comment below.