Install Windows 7 from usb stick guide

[cyberghoser1]

Install a clean Windows 7 from usb stick

Hello, maybe many of you know how to install Windows 7 from a usb stick but maybe some don't know so i make here a fast and easy guide

The install process is the same as vista

1. Grab a iso of a Windows 7 Release (google is your friend)
2. If you are under vista you can use diskpart method, if you are under xp you wil need a bootsect.exe file and paragon partition manager.

Direct upgrade without any usb:
If you are under vista you can upgrade but be careful cause if you use a different version (e.g: vista basic and your project is to upgrade to windows 7 ultimate it will NOT work)

Under Vista:

Download a iso of windows 7 and extract it usig winrar

For easy use we will extract the content of the iso to C:\W7

Once all the files from the iso are in the C:\W7 folder, go to menu start and launch cmd (command prompt)

in there enter:

diskpart

A new window should appear, enter the following commands:

disk list (it will show you the disks attached to your computer, make sure you see your usb in there by checking the amount of space it has)

select disk 1 (if 1 is your usb of course otherwise give the right number)
clean
create partition primary
select partition 1
active
format fs=fat32 quick
assign
exit

That's done your usb is ready and bootable, now we have to copy the files from C:\W7

in the cmd again excute this command:

xcopy C:\W7\*.* /s/e/f X:\

(Where X is your usb key, replace it with yours)

This will take some time to complete,once done, start over your computer and set in bios to start from usb key or use the boot menu by F9 in the hp mini note.

That's it enjoy your install

Under xp:

Download a iso of windows 7 and extract it usig winrar

For easy use we will extract the content of the iso to C:\W7

Get paragon partition manager (again google is your friend)
Format the usb and make a primary partition and make it active, don't forget to apply all the changes in paragon so its done right.

use this bootsect, download it extract it somewhere in C:\

go into start then run and enter: cmd

go where bootsect.exe is and type:

bootsect.exe /NT60 X:

(where X is your usb key, replace it with yours)

once that done you should see a message that bootcode has been installed successfully in the target drive.

in the cmd again excute this command:

xcopy C:\W7\*.* /s/e/f X:\

(Where X is your usb key, replace it with yours)

This will take some time to complete,once done,that's it restart your computer and start over usb, enjoy your install

Thank you for following this guide, google helped me alot some time ago when i needed this. credits to the people who released those methods over the net.

[wvy]

So, is it possible to upgrade from Vista Basic to Windows 7 Ultimate or not?

thanks

[mikez]

So, is it possible to upgrade from Vista Basic to Windows 7 Ultimate or not?

thanks

If you are under vista you can upgrade but be careful cause if you use a different version (e.g: vista basic and your project is to upgrade to windows 7 ultimate it will NOT work)

What part of "will NOT work" needs translation?

[fauxpas]

What do you do when it restarts while installing? Unlike a disk install, the USB does not ask if you want to boot from it, it just goes to it...

[jasalo]

Hey there, if I have WinXP and also a free partition for installing Win7, will I be able to have a dual boot with WinXP & Win7 ? I mean, I've used Ubuntu, and GRUB handles this just fine, I installed WinXP, then Ubuntu and then I had the dual boot option, but my question is: Will Win7 recognize I have WinXP installed on my machine? I have a HP Mini 2133 KX870AT

[pumperley]

Your link for 'bootsect' download contains a number of irrelevant download links and pop ups with, as far as I can see, no relevant download!!- the last thing one needs when trying to follow the guide!!!

[pumperley]

...and under Windows Vista the first DiskPart command should be 'list disk' and not 'disk list'

[stellapeterson]

I was able to install Windows XP through these notes. However, one thing happened in my case. After installing and starting Windows, I use a bootable flash drive cam into Windows, then I deleted the flash drive and restart your notebook. I am surprised it did not start up, neither it to any messages, only the cursor blinking over. Then I inserted the flash drive, restart your computer and select interface. It guide. Now every time I start Windows I have to boot from the flash drive, then boot into Windows.