Install OS on a USB stick? Or via external enclosure?

knowlton · 1 Jul 2011 at 14:02

Hi all,

I have a bit of a tricky one..

I have a HP 2133 (netbook) which runs SUSE..

However I've concluded that I've had enough of SUSE and that I want to install Windows. Since the netbook has no CD-ROM drive and Microsoft doesn't release its OS on USB sticks, I was wondering if there's any quick fire solution to this.

I don't have an external CD-rom drive, however I do have a SATA external enclosure that I could plug into to another laptop.

UnworthyBean · 1 Jul 2011 at 14:05

If you google the guides on how to install windows onto USB and just download a Windows ISO and mount it, It will work.

kayomani · 1 Jul 2011 at 14:05

I managed to get the windows 7 install on my usb flash disk, there are plenty of methods of getting it done via google although I do remember it being a little bit of a faff.

Philtor · 1 Jul 2011 at 14:06

Good guide here.

darael · 1 Jul 2011 at 16:30

http://emea.microsoftstore.com/UK/en-GB/Help/Windows-7-USB-DVD-Download-Tool

robinbredin · 1 Jul 2011 at 16:42

This is not a bad guide to putting Win 7 on a USB stick,

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html?ltr=U

SparkyG · 1 Jul 2011 at 17:55

can you not borrow an external DVD drive from someone?

knowlton · 5 Jul 2011 at 10:45

philtorrens said:
Good guide here.

Thanks, I will give it a go. Only problem is that whilst I'm aware of the W7 USB/DVD download tool, I'm not sure whether it will work with the XP.

Since my HP is not the most powerful of netbooks, I'm worried that W7 will just tip it over!

knowlton · 5 Jul 2011 at 10:45

SparkyG said:
can you not borrow an external DVD drive from someone?

Nope - no one has one!!!

Whenever I asked it was... "are you from the 90s?!?!"

bledd · 5 Jul 2011 at 11:44

My netbook runs really well on W7

I upped the ram to 4gb and chucked in a 30gb SSD mind

This tool works for putting XP install files on a USB stick

http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/120444-how-to-install-windows-from-usb-winsetupfromusb-with-gui/

Deception · 5 Jul 2011 at 12:17

Ive used WintoFlash several times and it's worked very well.

http://wintoflash.com/home/en/

knowlton · 18 Jul 2011 at 14:04

bledd. said:
My netbook runs really well on W7

I upped the ram to 4gb and chucked in a 30gb SSD mind

This tool works for putting XP install files on a USB stick

http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/120444-how-to-install-windows-from-usb-winsetupfromusb-with-gui/

Thanks dude, I'll give it a try when I get my netbook back - currently 140 miles away at my parents' house!