How do I go about re-installing Windows 7 using an .ISO on a USB?

kissenger · 2 Feb 2013 at 02:00

I lost my Windows 7 HP disc, but I still have my key and I've downloaded an .ISO of Windows 7 that I found online. How do I go about re-installing?

Is it as simple as this: format USB, put .ISO on USB, restart and boot from USB, follow installation instructions?

d_brennen · 2 Feb 2013 at 02:16

Use the Microsoft tool

Linky

KIA · 2 Feb 2013 at 10:16

Microsoft tool might not work if the image isn't "official".

There's always Win2Flash. http://wintoflash.com/home/en/

Baggins_451 · 2 Feb 2013 at 11:22

I have been using a utility called Rufus for a while, works a treat.

Eddie · 2 Feb 2013 at 11:25

I found Rufus a little temperamental, Win2Flash does the job very well though.

momentimori · 2 Feb 2013 at 11:47

KIA said:
Microsoft tool might not work if the image isn't "official".

There's always Win2Flash. http://wintoflash.com/home/en/

Win2Flash installs tons of junk, that is fiddly to remove, despite you telling it not to.

Smoogels · 2 Feb 2013 at 12:09

I just open the ISO to view files (with a tool such as Virtual CloneDrive), then extract the files contained in the ISO onto the USB and your done

KIA · 2 Feb 2013 at 13:40

momentimori said:
Win2Flash installs tons of junk, that is fiddly to remove, despite you telling it not to.

Only if you use the "Web install by BetterInstaller" link.

jotto · 2 Feb 2013 at 17:14

KIA said:
Microsoft tool might not work if the image isn't "official".

There's always Win2Flash. http://wintoflash.com/home/en/

Windows 7 is available to download, legit...most flavours. Think the files are stored at digitalrivercontent.net or something similar...google is your friend ( other search engines are available! lol )

d_brennen · 3 Feb 2013 at 00:01

KIA said:
Microsoft tool might not work if the image isn't "official".

There's always Win2Flash. http://wintoflash.com/home/en/

The Microsoft Windows 7 USB Download Tool even works with Vista images. Haven't come across a 7 image it won't work with

bledd · 3 Feb 2013 at 03:26

I use Rufus, seems to be the quickest, plus it's standalone

HighlandeR · 4 Feb 2013 at 00:04

yumi.... u can put any iso file onto a pen drive or multiple isos, it boots it works

booyaka · 6 Feb 2013 at 19:54

bledd. said:
I use Rufus, seems to be the quickest, plus it's standalone

agreed - simple and easy.

Daytrader · 27 Feb 2013 at 18:23

Why dont people just burn the iso to disc.

derfderfley · 27 Feb 2013 at 18:43

Daytrader said:
Why dont people just burn the iso to disc.

Lack of optical drive in the target machine usually..

Daytrader · 27 Feb 2013 at 19:37

Ah, i have heard of people not having a floppy drive, but not a optical drive

bledd · 27 Feb 2013 at 19:53

Yup, plus its far quicker from usb and easier to carry around.

marc2003 · 27 Feb 2013 at 19:55

what is this optical drive people speak of? :confused:

Daytrader · 27 Feb 2013 at 20:13

Does a usb external hard drive work the same as a usb pen drive then, when installing windows from ?