How to boot from USB memory key?

[JEDI]

Link on getting a desktop/laptop to boot from a usb memory key?

 

[gaidin123]

Dell's instructions worked for me (all dell's at work). I used the boot into DOS, fdisk the key after disabling any hard drives in the system. This should work for any mass storage compliant (basically any) usb key and on any system with functional USB boot support. Sorry I can't find the link but here's the relevant text

Bootability (for advanced users)

The Dell USB Memory Key can be made bootable as if it were a hard disk drive under most operating systems. In order to boot to the Dell USB Memory Key, the following items must be available:

1. A computer system that supports booting from the USB port. Refer to the computer manufacture User's Guide to confirm support of USB bootability.
2. Similar to a blank hard disk drive, the key must be partitioned (with an active partition), formatted, and a bootable operating system transferred to Memory Key.

Any operating system that will fit on the available space offered on the Memory Key can be utilized.

Making the Memory Key Bootable Using the Dell Windows Based Utility

The Dell Resource CD, that ships with Dell PC, will have a Windows Utility that can be used to make the Memory Key bootable. The utility can be used to format the Memory Key, add an active partition, and transfer basic MS-DOS system files to the Memory Key.

Note: back-up any data on the Memory Key prior to using this format utility as all data will be lost.

An Example of Making the Dell USB Memory Key bootable Using Microsoft DOS

In order to make the key bootable using this example, the Dell computer must support boot from USB. Otherwise use the Windows Based Utility option listed above.

1. With the computer turned off, insert the Memory Key into the system.
2. Insert either a bootable MS-DOS floppy diskette (ex. Windows98 Start-up diskette) or CD-ROM (ex. Dell Resource CD).
3. Power the computer and boot to the floppy diskette.
4. At the A:\> prompt, using the fdisk command, add a partition to the memory key and make the partition active.
5. Using the Format command, format the drive with the /s switch in order to transfer the MS-DOS system files to the Memory key (ex. "Format /s 'X:'" where 'X:' is the drive letter assigned to the Memory Key).
6. Power the system off and remove the bootable floppy or CD-ROM media.
7. Power the system on and confirm that the system boots from the memory Key to the C:\ prompt.

Note: MS-DOS does not allow for multiple drives to be made active partitions. It is possible DOS will not allow an active partition to be added to the USB Memory Key if there is a partition active on the local hard drive on computers that do not place the Memory Key in the primary drive position. To workaround this limitation, either disable the hard drive in the system setup (BIOS), or remove the hard drive from the system.

For help using any DOS commands listed here please refer to the Microsoft support web site's Knowledgebase or the help files associated with your MS-DOS licensed operating system.