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Install Windows XP up to Windows 7 from a USB Drive

September 2nd, 2009

Many of us may need to install Windows from a USB flash drive some time or another. For example, when I needed to install Windows 7 on my Asus Eee PC, I was out-of-luck because it has no optical drive. Luckily, I was able to create a bootable USB flash drive to get the job done. Follow this guide and you can too!

A Bootable USB

With this app, you can either transfer the Windows install directly from a DVD or use an ISO. You simply plug in your USB, run A Bootable USB, check USB, format USB, select the DVD or ISO you want grab the install from, and start the process of creating a bootable USB from which you can install Windows.

Take note A Bootable USB:

• Only supports Windows Vista/2008/7 installs;
• Only supports USB/flash drives larger than 4 GB;
• Officially works only on Windows Vista/2008/7 (the OS you create your bootable USB on not the one you are trying to install);
• Can be installed or used as a portable application.

WinToFlash

WinToFlash is an application which allows you to transfer Windows XP/2003/Vista/2008/7 install from a CD/DVD to a [bootable] USB/flash drive. Although officially the developer does not state WinToFlash supports .ISOs, you can simply mount your .ISO and trick WinToFlash into thinking it is a legit CD/DVD and create your bootable USB that way.

To create a bootable USB Windows install, simply follow the “Windows setup transfer Wizard”.

Take note while A Bootable USB was a one-time project by a zealous blog reader, WinToFlash is in constant development by its developer. Currently WinToFlash is in Beta and is also a portable app.

After you have created your bootable USB with a Windows install on it, with either A Bootable USB or WinToFlash, simply plug your USB into your computer and restart your computer. You should be able to boot from from the USB and install Windows now =). If you are unable to boot from it, you will have to go into your computer BIOS to change the boot order/settings to allow boot from USB.

You may download A Bootable USB and WinToFlash from the following links:

Click here to download A Bootable USB

Click here to download WinToFlash

– Thanks [http://dottech.org]

Entry Filed under: Asus Eee,Downloads,Hacks & Tweaks,Microsoft,Vista,Windows,Windows 7,XP