What size USB Pen Drive for OS

Apem · 19 Nov 2014 at 17:25

Hey guys as in title what size storage do i need on pen drive to use that to install windows on instead of the dvd please?

wazza300 · 19 Nov 2014 at 17:32

4 gb should do it,windows data on the disc is roughly 3.5gb if I remember right

format the usb drive to ntfs aswell

Apem · 19 Nov 2014 at 17:42

Thanks Wazza

bru · 19 Nov 2014 at 20:35

4GB will do, but if buying from here the only 4GB stick is the same price as the 8GB stick. (there are other 8GB sticks that are cheaper.)

YOUR BASKET

1 x Team Group C118 4GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive - Black (TC1184GB01) £4.49
1 x Team Group C118 8GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive - Black (TC1188GB01) £4.49
Total : £8.98 (includes shipping : ).

Apem · 19 Nov 2014 at 22:09

Thanks

andy_mk3 · 19 Nov 2014 at 22:12

Just checked my Windows 8.1 USB, it's 3.19GB so 4GB will be fine.

Apem · 19 Nov 2014 at 23:04

Thanks all appriciate the help

AthlonXP1800 · 20 Nov 2014 at 05:54

£4.49 for either 4 and 8GB?

4GB is not enough if you install Windows 10 Technical Preview build 9789.

I would suggest InfoThink Extreme 16GB USB2.0 Flash Drive cost just £5.99.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FL-005-OE&groupid=1657&catid=1908&subcat=1763

boosfuk · 20 Nov 2014 at 07:59

8GB definitely. 4GB is too small now for some 8.1 (and 10) images (8.1 x64 with latest download tool is too big for 4GB). Also 8GB drives are as cheap as 4GB nowadays anyway.

ED209 · 20 Nov 2014 at 08:17

I have a 8GB USB stick, I would not go for 4GB as you will not get the full 4GB to use. on my USB stick of 8GB I have 7.21 useable

I install my OS from a USB stick all the time and 8GB is more than enough. anything over 8GB will be fine

bledd · 20 Nov 2014 at 10:20

Get 8GB.

That way you can create a \Drivers\ subfolder and install them too without faffing around.

I also add installers for commonly used programs too with silent switches.

So I just run one bat file and it installs the following..

CCleaner
Chrome
Defraggler
DirectX9
Firefox
Flash
MPC-BE
SumatraPDF
cleanup.bat after to get rid of any shortcuts I don't want.

One click, then wait a minute or so and they're all installed.

Apem · 20 Nov 2014 at 10:44

Thanks all.

Cheers bledd but no clue what bat file is hehe

but good idea about getting driver files ect as well.

KIA · 20 Nov 2014 at 16:46

8GB to 'future proof'.

Apem · 22 Nov 2014 at 11:47

Need some help please guys ive copied windows to the pen drive and changed priority in the bios but im getting this message on booting (BOOTMGR is missing press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart) can anyone help please?

darael · 22 Nov 2014 at 12:17

You need a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.

AthlonXP1800 · 22 Nov 2014 at 12:34

I been used Rufus before with Windows 8 ISO on USB last time but it didn't worked well then I tried Microsoft Windows USB/DVD Download tool and it was surprised worked.

If Rufus not worked for you then use Microsoft tool.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

Apem · 22 Nov 2014 at 12:40

using the ms tool but ive no idea where to find the windows ISO file i need tried searching goggle but that was no use, ive got the windows disk ect but no idea where or what to look for.

Mitzy · 22 Nov 2014 at 12:44

I seem to recall having to use a 8Gb stick for Windows 10 technical preview. I would future proof.

Apem · 22 Nov 2014 at 12:48

Past that but thanks Mitzy just dont know how to find the ISO file to make it work now

darael · 22 Nov 2014 at 13:36

To be clear, which version of Windows are you looking for? Windows 7, 8 or 10? And which version, ie: Home, Professional, etc.?