Installing Win7 via USB flash drive on EP45-UD3R?

[de8212]

Just got the Win 7 Ultimate RTM and will probably install it sometime late this week. I ran across a decent guide on installing W7 via usb drive. I have searched google and looked through the manual (but may have missed it) to see if my mobo can boot off a usb drive in this manner. I did update the BIOS via USB drive so I figure it can do it but wanted to ask.

Also, AHCI. Should I enable it before I install W7?

thanks.

 

[lopri]

If you want to use AHCI, then yes it should be enabled at the time of installation. Forget those guides with regard to "How to enable AHCI after Windows installation".

I have successfully installed Windows 7 off USB thumb stick, but to be frank there isn't much benefit to think of it. It is cool, but it's not any faster than installing from a DVD. If anything it took a lot longer to prepare the stick than burning a DVD.

If you want to know your board can boot off USB sticks (or you don't have a DVD-ROM), then why not. Go for it. But practically it's easier to install from a DVD-ROM.

 

[de8212]

Thanks for the quick reply. I thought I had read it was quicker for the install. That was the main reason I wanted to do it. Now, i am not includng the time it takes to copy everything over to the USB stick and prepare it. Since I won't be able to install for several more days (or even a week) I would just prepare the stick during that time.


And I am thinking of enabling AHCI. Just wanted some real world opinions for those that have done so.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

uhm, where did you just get rtm win 7 ultimate? is it still available and do you also need a key to activate it. could you post a link?

 

[de8212]

Sry. I have the one through MSDN or whatever you call it. I thought that was RTM???