USB Key Boot Utility that really works! (free!)

[MichaelD]

This is a really good find IMO, and I wanted to share it with you guys since it's something we all can use.

The floppy has been dead for a long time, but for almost as long, any workaround was difficult and sketchy at best. I think we're finally getting to where we need to be...and to put the floppy in the trash can!

I was using the free trial version of Flashboot, but it's only good for a one-time use (the DOS executable erases the bootsector after loading) so that was very inconvenient.

Most Google hits point to HPs 45MB download, but for some reason the link was dead for me (for 2 days now).

After much searching, I found THIS AWESOME UTILITY on www.thepcspy.com.

It just WORKS and works well. it's permanent; no silly overwriting happening. The only software you really need from that page is "Number 2" (HP USB Flash Drive Format Tool). That zip file also has other little software packages in there such as the "MOUSE" DOS application that loads mouse drivers and the DOS version of GHOST2003.

Here's what I did:

1. Download the zip file and extract it. Run the HP SP27213 installer.
2. Put USB key in USB port (make sure you know the drive letter!)
3. Run the utility from Start/Programs/HP/HP USB Key etc...
4. Utility auto-finds your USB key (drive letter). Choose "Create DOS Startup disk"
5. After it finished, I copied Ghost to the key.
6. Finished!!

I have successfully booted to the "A drive"/DOS on two different PCs. The USB stick I used was an old 256MB (4-5 years) PNY stick. So if it worked on this crusty old thing it's sure to work on a newer fancy stick. :thumbsup:

Enjoy!

 

[will889]

Nice find =)

 

[secretanchitman]

thanks for this OP! now it'll be easy to get into dos without getting out my floppy drive...

 

[slugg]

excuse my ignorance, but what practical applications does this serve? why would I want DOS on my thumb drive?

 

[skriefal]

Some people still need to boot to DOS for BIOS flashing, running disk imaging software, etc.

 

[tjcinnamon]

The next usful thing they should make is a utility to install an OS without an optical drive. Installing windows from a flashdrive when the optical is dead or in my case on a 12.1 tablet with no optical drive. That would be a similar program.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: tjcinnamon
The next usful thing they should make is a utility to install an OS without an optical drive. Installing windows from a flashdrive when the optical is dead or in my case on a 12.1 tablet with no optical drive. That would be a similar program.

I'm pretty sure that can be done now. I know for sure you can install Linux from a flash drive but I'm not positive about Windows. Basically, you'd have to have the USB drive emulate a CD drive.

 

[tjcinnamon]

I have tried, but I I did not invest a ton of time in it because by the time it got to that point I was running off of an incosistent external optical drive, testing installs with VM ware and trying to get the USB install set up through an Nlite image keep in mind also that I was up until 6AM at that point. By the time I had the USB drive ready, things were already installed. I have not had good luck in the past with that either. There has to be a better way!

JOe K.

 

[compman25]

Thanks

 

[OutHouse]

nice find, but on my servers i never know what the drive letter is going to be until i plug in the usb key.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: Citrix
nice find, but on my servers i never know what the drive letter is going to be until i plug in the usb key.

Not a problem. Plug in your USB stick and note the drive letter. Then run the program and enter your USB's drive letter accordingly.

 

[imported_wired247]

Originally posted by: slugg
excuse my ignorance, but what practical applications does this serve? why would I want DOS on my thumb drive?

When the day comes that you can answer that question yourself (i.e. you discover a reason you need it), you will realize just how awesome the OP is!

Thanks OP!

 

[redbeard1]

Can this somehow be used to install drivers for a windows cd install that you have to use the F6 additional driver prompt? If so that would make it worth it

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: redbeard1
Can this somehow be used to install drivers for a windows cd install that you have to use the F6 additional driver prompt? If so that would make it worth it

Nope. To do what you want, you need to SLIPSTREAM the drivers into your Windows CD. Download the 1.4.1 installer here.

It would be VERY easy just to put your SATA drivers in there. You can also put any Windows updates you want and even Windows Media Player 11, if you want to.

 

[Lorne]

Thats excellent, I had to make a CD that was a full image installed DOS that has many DOS utilities and does the full memory managment on bootup for these same reasons.
It can be used in USB CD drive as well (worked on my USB for Boot, I know some wont work).

I made the CD some time ago and filed it away so I could trash my floppies and drive.
Adendum, I also coppied the floppies to the CD as well so that I could remake them in the future for some odd reason.

Ive also been trying to get a windows XP/2000/2003 installer onto a pen drive, This would save so much time.

 

[WildHorse]

Originally posted by: tjcinnamon
The next usful thing they should make is a utility to install an OS without an optical drive. Installing windows from a flashdrive when the optical is dead or in my case on a 12.1 tablet with no optical drive. That would be a similar program.

Here's how:
One