Install w7 from USB

[thestrangebrew1]

I had to order another copy of w7 for another htpc build I'm doing, adn this build doesn't have a dvd drive so I'm thinking of installing via USB. Can I just copy whats on the cd to the USB drive and run it? Or is there a w7 iso somewhere I can dl and enter the key? Never installed from a USB before so do I need to format the stick any special way to make it bootable?

 

[Mem]

Guide here http://arstechnica.com/business/2009/12/the-usb-flash-drive/

 

[thestrangebrew1]

awesome thanks

 

[lamedude]

If its UEFI there's an easier way. If its a really fancy BIOS you can point it to the bootmgfw.efi and skip renaming moving files part.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

If its UEFI there's an easier way. If its a really fancy BIOS you can point it to the bootmgfw.efi and skip renaming moving files part.

It's not UEFI. It's a basic BIOS for a Foxconn barebones kit I picked up before xmas. Thanks though. Good info!

 

[jiffylube1024]

I had to order another copy of w7 for another htpc build I'm doing, adn this build doesn't have a dvd drive so I'm thinking of installing via USB. Can I just copy whats on the cd to the USB drive and run it? Or is there a w7 iso somewhere I can dl and enter the key? Never installed from a USB before so do I need to format the stick any special way to make it bootable?

Yes follow the ARS guide for the procedure to make a bootable Windows 7 drive. It really is amazing how much faster a bootable USB drive is at installing Windows over a DVD (especially if you're using a fast drive).

Also, you should look in to how to make an "unlocked" Windows 7 boot disc (basically all DVD's contain images for Basic, Home Premium, Pro & Ultimate but they are typically "locked" to 1 version by a simple command line that can be changed).

I use a 120GB SSD in a USB 3.0 enclosure as a Windows 7 install drive. When I buy my licenses I don't even bother using the DVD's anymore because the SSD/USB enclosure combo is so fast to install that it saves tons of time!