Windows 7 install without DVD

[ericwalker87]

I am about to put together my first custom PC and I have the Windows 7 iso file from school. Do I have to burn the iso to a dvd for the install or can I put it on a usb drive and install it that way?

 

[Chiefcrowe]

easiest thing would be to burn the ISO. I think making a bootable USB to install it more time consuming.

 

[SimMike2]

I would make a burn of the ISO also. It comes in handy if you need it for things in the future, such as repairs.

 

[jlchoi]

Microsoft has an application that'll make a bootable USB drive from the iso.

 

[MadScientist]

Yes, burning the iso to a DVD is the easiest way to go and you have a permanent copy, but installing Win 7 from a USB flash drive is also easy, and it will install faster than from a DVD.

Just mount the iso file with free Daemon Tools Lite and copy the files to a flash drive. http://www.daemon-tools.cc/eng/downloads

Discussed here: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2028192&highlight=installing+windows

 

[itsmevader]

you can do it with USB too and it will also save your disk cost.

 

[Cstefan]

I used a ISO tool LIKE the MS one, and a 160GB external USB drive. 10GB partition and 140. Put the bootable ISO on the 10gb and any additional stuff on the 160 and whenever I need it, I plug it in, boot and install. I have my own install scripts so I don't need to enter any serials or info.