A Bootable USB: Utility to Create Bootable USB Drive to Install Windows Vista, Server 2008 and 7

Imagine a situation where you need to install Windows Vista or 7 in a system but you don't have access to DVD drive. We all know Windows Vista, Server 2008 or 7 comes in DVDs and you'll need a DVD drive to install them. Then how will you install them? The solution is, you can create a bootable USB drive which can be used to install Windows without using DVD drive.

We have posted a detailed tutorial to create such bootable USB drive long time back, you can read about it here.

The above method is very easy to follow but wouldn't it be great if we can use a utility to do the whole task automatically? Our reader "Aris" has created a small utility exclusively for AskVG readers which creates a bootable USB drive to install Windows Vista, Server 2008 or 7.

Prerequisites:

A USB Drive (4 GB or more)
Windows Vista, Server 2008 or 7 ISO image or DVD
Host OS: Windows Vista (SP1 or SP2), Server 2008 or 7

How to Use:

Once you meet the requirements, run the utility. Its a portable utility so doesn't need installation. Simply run it and check the option "I have read and accepted the following License Agreement". Now click on OK button and it'll launch the main application.

It also shows a Help window so that you can use the utility easily. The utility requires only 4 easy steps to follow:

Check USB drive (To check whether your USB drive is attached or not)
Format USB drive
Choose DVD or ISO image (To copy the required files to USB drive)
Start the process to create bootable USB drive

Download Link

PS: It also works in 64-bit Windows versions.

NOTE: If you face problem while formatting the USB drive, click on "Options" button and then select "QUICK" option.

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This article was posted in Portable Apps, Software Zone, Windows 7, Windows Vista.

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116 Comments

Son

when i click to check for dvd apper the msg: "you have to override build number to see all drivers"
why? what's the matter?
Crusher

It's possible to make a bootable USB with X64 and x68 version of vista? (or 7)

I read that: http://www.askvg.com/how-to-create-a-single-dvd-for-windows-vista-x86-and-x64-editions/

but I can't make it work with your program.

Thank You
alex

good
i come from HK

THANKS!
it works for me.
the formatting process stopped at 73%, for ~10-20mins, but it's working, just need to wait.
then the ISO mounting takes another 10-20 mins, just need to wait again,
then it WORKS!
good job, thanks!
it would be great if there is XP version, but WIN 7 is very good already.

(my host OS : WIN7, target OS: win7, installed into a asus netbook)
Sylvain St-Amand (sst)

Hi, ...

Version: 0.9.0.4
Windows 7 RC x64

I have a USB format problem, when i use ReadyBoost. The function = "Format USB", stay for some minutes blocked at 79 %. (If i dont use ReadyBoost, no problem = it format without wait at 79%.)

Also, the program stay in foreground.

---------------------------
Sylvain St-Amand (sst)
MAGNUMHEART

this is great vg

thus, it cant be run on xp.

do u think we wud need the usb installer

if we have windows 7 or vista installed?

my point is we wud need to have install an os like windows 7 or vista

just to create a bootable installer?

what if we were running on xp? hmm
VG

^^ You can create the bootable USB on another system and then use it at your system. Simple.
vbb

Great utility.The installation of Windows 7 on Netbooks was a big concern for Microsoft.I hope they see this utility.This has a great potential.
Manan

Does this make use of only ISO or DVDs? Can't a folder containing the files be used?
JayC

This utility should also work with the Windows Home Server Restore CD ISO unless some specific code has been used to make it only work with Vista/7/2008 ISO's.