This article will teach you how to install Windows 7 using your Flashdrive. It steps you through using Windows Command Prompt to format your USB drive correctly.
Method One of Two:
Using an ISO File
1 Obtain a Windows 7 ISO file. This is an image file of the Windows 7 installation disc. You can either create this yourself or download an ISO file from various tech sites on the internet.
2 Download the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool. This is a free program developed by Microsoft that will automatically format your USB drive and copy the ISO file onto it. You can download it from the Microsoft website, and it can be run on virtually any Windows version.
3 Insert your USB device. When the installation files are copied onto the USB drive, any existing files on the drive will be deleted. Make sure that any important files are copied to a safe location. Your USB drive should be at least 4GB in size.
4 Run the Download Tool. You will be asked to specify an ISO file. Browse for the ISO file that you created or downloaded earlier.
5 Select your device. Click the "USB Device" button to choose a connected USB drive. You can also use this program to create a DVD installation disc if you desire.
After clicking "USB Device", make sure the right USB drive is selected in the drop down menu. Click the "Refresh" button if it does not appear right away.
6 Click "Begin Copying". The USB drive will be formatted, and the ISO file will be copied onto the drive. The copying process will take several minutes.
7 Change the boot order. Now that the pen drive has been formatted and loaded up with the Windows files, it's ready to be used to install Windows 7. In order to boot from it though, you'll need to change the boot order on your computer to load the pen drive first. See this guide for details on entering the BIOS and adjusting settings.
8 Start installing Windows 7. After changing the boot order, you can boot from the pen drive and start the setup process. Most of the process is automated, but you will need to create partitions and set some options at the beginning. See this guide for the entire Windows 7 setup process step by step.
Things You'll Need
4GB Flashdrive
Windows Installation CD
A Windows PC to work on
