How to: install Windows (any version from XP to Win7) from a USB/flash drive
September 1, 2009 27
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I just posted about how one can attain a 90 day trial of Windows 7 Enterprise to see if you really want to purchase Win7 or not. In the post I mentioned to install Windows 7 Enterprise you will need to put the .ISO you download on a DVD or on a bootable USB. Now I figure I should explain how to create a bootable USB.
For the longest time trying to install Windows from a USB was a pain. You had to do this, do that, blah, blah. However recently freeware programs have been created to help make this task easier. Today I am going to tell you about two of such programs.
A Bootable USB
A Bootable USB is a simple application created by an AskVG.com reader. With this app, you can either transfer the Windows install directly from a DVD or use an ISO. You simply plug in your USB, run A Bootable USB, check USB, format USB, select the DVD or ISO you want grab the install from, and start the process of creating a bootable USB from which you can install Windows.
Take note A Bootable USB:
- Only supports Windows Vista/2008/7 installs;
- Only supports USB/flash drives larger than 4 GB;
- Officially works only on Windows Vista/2008/7 (the OS you create your bootable USB on not the one you are trying to install);
- Can be installed or used as a portable application.
WinToFlash
WinToFlash is an application which allows you to transfer Windows XP/2003/Vista/2008/7 install from a CD/DVD to a [bootable] USB/flash drive. Although officially the developer does not state WinToFlash supports .ISOs, you can simply mount your .ISO and trick WinToFlash into thinking it is a legit CD/DVD and create your bootable USB that way.
To create a bootable USB Windows install, simply follow the “Windows setup transfer Wizard”.
Take note while A Bootable USB was a one-time project by a zealous blog reader, WinToFlash is in constant development by its developer. Currently WinToFlash is in Beta and is also a portable app.
After you have created your bootable USB with a Windows install on it, with either A Bootable USB or WinToFlash, simply plug your USB into your computer and restart your computer. You should be able to boot from from the USB and install Windows now =). If you are unable to boot from it, you will have to go into your computer BIOS to change the boot order/settings to allow boot from USB.
You may download A Bootable USB and WinToFlash from the following links:
Woaah, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’ve been trying to do this USB Boot Project for my pc so many time, and it always screws up in the end (can’t figure it out, why, why? To many steps I guess, really confusing).
Ok, I’ll grab number 2 instead coz it’s fit me (XP-SP2). I’ll try it now (and praying not to fail again)
Thank you, Ashraf.
Ashraf…. you need to check the link for WinToFlash. ;)
@tejas: Whooops… thanks. Fixed now.
@Quro@75: You are welcome.
@tejas:
Look at the link when you mouse over – it just has an extra http in it.
I couldn’t even download the ” WinToFlash ” on theur home page, but my browser wasn’t IE7 or IE8 like it says that they tested it with, but ” Opera ” also failed.
@justnakenny: It works on Firefox just fine.
@David Roper:
Yeah, I know, I was just giving Ashraf a heads up. ;)
@justnakenny:
Failed with Opera here also….. works with Safari.
nice little program.
and kudos for supporting win 7.
Excellent post, I used it as well and it works nicely.
Be careful of “A bootable USB” it deleted all USB drives attached to the computer even though I didn’t choose so.
Maybe some bug or something, I don’t know.
A more manual and straightforward method can be found here http://kmwoley.com/blog/?p=345
If only i had a netbook! This would be perfect! Not to mention I already have the RTM version of Windows 7 Ultimate Cracked and Activated! ALL FOR FREE! HAAHA MICROSOFT IS SO SCREWED! But seriously Windows 7 is amazing.
Thanks for the info. I’ve known how to do this, but like you said, it can certainly be a pain having to do it “the long way.” In one of my IT labs we’ve been installing a lot of versions of windows from flash disks and I’m hoping this saves us some time.
As far as windows vista and 7 are concerned there are some very easy commands to make a USB bootable.
And as far Xp is concerned, i’ve used “WinSetupFromUSB” developed by users are another website for free. Its a great piece of work, and source code is included too.
p.s. win2flash download worked fine for me in Opera v10.
Hah, I just stumbled this page. Congrats. :P
hi superb information…. usefull for me…..
thank u very much
excellent post; nice info!!!
This hidden secret is revealed. I was looking for Windows 7 installation from USB. Here i got. Thanks for sharing.
A bootable USB no longer at the indicated link, but I found what I think is the same one at
http://d60pc.com/redirectdownload/a-bootable-usb.html
not familiar with mediafire, maybe the hosting time is short, but this is the message I got
Invalid File. This error has been forwarded to MediaFire’s development team
@Granny: Thank you. I updated the link with a working one.
Great info.
Beyond Syntaxibility
Excellent post… its very useful for me…
Thanks…
Well, I’m running a stable vista home premium but do not want the fuss of uninstalling and/or reinstalling it … is it possible to run the windows 7 virtualized from a external hd or a usb pen?
Hi Ashraf,
Thanks a lot for always posting excellent reviews. The software’s mentioned above would really help.
I just want to ask is it possible to install Windows (XP/Vista/7) on the USB itself ????
Thanks,
Sandeep
win2flash is a great tool and I tested this thing personally and shared it on my blog too.
@Sandeep: Yesterday one of my friend sent this link to me, I haven’t tested this yet but hope it will work, Check it out.
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-22_11-5928902.html