Windows 7 system image on 8gb USB stick

Guest2 · 16 Jul 2014 at 18:54

Do you think an image of Windows after fresh install will fit on a USB stick?

I ask because here it has been installed to a 9gb drive - http://www.techtalkz.com/windows-7/514412-windows-7-installation-guide-tutorial.html

Another searching points me to a 6.32gb size after install.

After a few basic drivers are installed I presume it will go on an 8gb stick, just?

Guest2 · 16 Jul 2014 at 22:03

I re-installed windows and it took 21.2gb without changing anything.

No idea how it can install on 9gb for some and most about 20gb (as Windows recommends) Some is hibernation and page file usage but I doubt 15gb!

stopper · 16 Jul 2014 at 22:30

If you completely remove any and all extras on Windows, it will probably come in around 6gb. The massive driver database, windows programs, etc.
You will be surprised at how much **** there is you will never actually use.

darael · 17 Jul 2014 at 10:45

If you get rid of the downloaded Windows Updates, system restore and the hibernation file it might fit.

After I've integrated all the updates for Windows 7 x86, the ISO is about 2.76 GB - x64 is about 3.88 GB. Admittedly there isn't much leeway in the x64 ISO, but you might just about get your most drivers on.

bledd · 17 Jul 2014 at 16:38

Guest2 · 17 Jul 2014 at 16:50

bledd. said:
Why?

So it can be put on an 8gb USB stick instead of wasting a larger one. Or was the question in reply to someone else?