The fastest way to install Windows 7 is from a USB flash drive . There are many ways to do this – but this guide was written to work with the most common setups. It is also possible to install Windows 7 from a USB DVD drive that has it’s own dedicated power source but it’s usually not possible to install an operating system from a DVD drive that is only powered by the USB port. This is because the ports do not provide power immediately upon powering up the PC.

What you need:

1. USB flash drive (4GB capacity or larger). You will be formatting it so it would be a good idea to backup any data before beginning.

2. Windows 7 ISO or DVD.

3. If you are using an ISO image you will also need an ISO mounting utility.

You may also want to backup your computer first. I like to delete the existing partitions and let the OS create a new partition during the setup.

Installation Guide

1. Go to Start menu > All programs > Accessories. Right click on Command Prompt. Select “Run as administrator”.

2. At the command prompt type “DISKPART”.

3. Type “LIST DISK”. Note the disk # of your USB drive.

4. Type “SELECT DISK 1″. Assumming your USB drive is disk 1!

5. Type “CLEAN”.

6. Type “CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY”.

7. Type “SELECT PARTITION 1″.

8. Type “ACTIVE”.

9. Type “FORMAT FS=NTFS”.

10. Type “ASSIGN”.

11. Type “EXIT”. Do not close the command prompt yet.

12. Using a PC with a DVD drive – Insert your Windows 7 DVD into the DVD Drive OR mount the Windows 7 ISO using your ISO mounting utility.

13. Type “E:” at the command prompt to switch to your DVD Drive or virtual drive (ISO mount). Replacing e: with the actual drive letter of your DVD or virtual drive.

13. Type “CD BOOT”.

14. Type “BOOTSECT.EXE /NT60 F:”. Replacing f: with the letter of your USB drive.

15. Now copy the contents of your Windows 7 DVD or ISO to your USB drive.

You are now ready to install Windows 7 from a USB flash drive. Reboot your computer and change the boot order in the BIOS. Select USB Hard Drive as your 1st boot device.