redflag46

So I'm ordering a new computer later today, and I have everything ready to go. The only problem is, all of the (decent) DVD burners are sold out on Newegg. I have a DVD of the Windows 7 RC burned already, but without the drive, obviously I cant install it.
I do however, have a 4gb flash drive. I've heard that most new motherboards allow for booting from USB drives, but would it be possible for it to boot the ISO from the drive without mounting it?
This is my motherboard.
If not, are there any workarounds available? I am obviously going to order a dvd burner when the one I want is available on Newegg, but until then, could I install it this way?

Thanks

JNielson

If there is a microcenter near you, just go buy a couple OEM DVD burners for $25 each or the SATA DVD burners are $30 or $35. This is at the microcenter in michigan and i do not know if they would be the same price there.

I have looked at a few pages saying vista can do install from flash drive. Im pretty sure you dont have to mount it and i do not think that would be the way to go if it did work. Just google installing windows from flash drive or something. I have never tried to install windows from a flashdrive but i think all you would have to do is change the first boot device to removable (that is what it is labeled on my POS mobo).

kingwilliam

I see no reason why it shouldnt work that way

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getbigtony

i can flash bios w/ it; not sure about OS
should it be an ISO or exe file?

Comp112

http://solsie.com/2009/01/installing...b-thumb-drive/

Use this easy guide

EDIT: I re-read the OP, you can go DL the ISO from the MS website if you have a spare computer to use.

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redflag46

Thanks for that guide, it looks pretty helpful. I do have the ISO file. The only thing is, when he says "copy the bits of the DVD" does he mean the ISO itself, or the contents included within the ISO?

superon

It's the contents of the ISO -- you can mount the ISO -- with something like daemon tools and then copy the virtual disc to the USB after making it bootable.

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