I want to be able to use Windows completely from a flash usb card without to install anything on my drive at all (or at least - very a little bit) because I've already have 2 Linux distributives installed in it and I don't want to create a new partition because I'll be using Windows rarely. I'm aware about Virtual Machines but they are not what I'm looking for.

Your suggestions?

4

1 Answer

use 'NT 6.x fast installer to install windows directly to an usb flash drive.

download these files

• NT6_FastInstaller
• download imagex.exe, bcdboot.exe and bootsect.exe from Windows AIK or request hotfix KB2525084

NOTE: if possible use devices(Flash or HDD) with USB 3.0 or higher

PROCEDURE

1. format the flash/external HDD to NTFS and set the partition to active

2. create a new folder c:\nt6inst

3. extract the NT6_FastInstaller to folder c:\nt6inst

4. copy the files imagex.exe, bcdboot.exe and bootsect.exe to c:\nt6inst

5. right click on c:\nt6inst\installer.cmd and choose run as administrator

6. You should now see a green window with some text. Hit Enter and the Enter again.

7. Now find the Install.wim file on your Windows installation DVD (or mounted ISO volume) - double-click to select it

8. You will now be presented with a list of different Editions - these were all within the Install.wim file that you selected, choose the one you want to install (remember that you will need an activation key which matches the version you choose, if you want to activate Windows).

9. Now you will be asked to select the target USB hard disk that you want to install Windows onto:

10. Now enter in the same USB drive letter again for the boot partition (use the same USB drive letter again):

11. You will now be asked if the disk is a USB disk - answer Y. If however, you intend to disconnect the drive and put the drive inside another system (e.g. notebook) before you boot from it, then say No to this question.

12. Unless you have a Vista or Server 2k8 source DVD, you will be asked what drive letter you want Windows to use when it boots from the USB drive. Use the default by hitting Enter.

13. You will now be presented with a final summary screen - hit Enter to start the installation and wait a while.Check this carefully before you hit Enter! Note that the Target Drive letters should be the same if your USB drive only has one partition.

The windows will work as a normal installation on a hard-disk. you can install applications etc as you do on an installed windows.

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