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Question

copy W7 to a usb and make it bootable.

May 9, 2015 10:30AM PDT

Ok: I have the product key for my W7 but I have lost the install disc I would like to make a copy of the OS on to a USB flash drive and make it a bootable drive.

Win 7 Home Premium 64 bit, 4 GB RAM Toshiba Satellite A665-S6086. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Gilbert K. Arnold

Discussion is locked

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Answer
It's not supported.
May 10, 2015 12:16AM PDT

Microsoft didn't enable running Windows 7 from USB. There are workarounds to this on the web but you have also lose your install or restore media.

-> THERE IS NO SUPPORTED METHOD TO TAKE THE OS FROM THE LAPTOP TO SOME USB flash drive to restore later.

You could clone the drive and restore that clone when needed.

Frankly? Make or order the restore media. Why feel beat up trying what's not supported?
Bob

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it's not supported
May 10, 2015 9:42AM PDT

Bob: when I was on line with MS tech support last week, they said there was a way to create a recovery disk on a usb flash drive. The only reason I want one is; if for some reason I cannot boot from the hard drive.
Gilbert

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So it's solved?
May 10, 2015 9:56AM PDT

Or is this a cruel MS tech?

However these are 2 very different goals.

1. " make a copy of the OS on to a USB flash drive and make it a bootable drive. "
2. " create a recovery disk on a usb flash drive. "

Until I can get a clear read on your goal, it will be IMO unsupported. I have yet to see any recovery system from an OEM on Windows 7 do what you asked. Boot from USB, recover as in back to factory condition.

I have seen folk put a full Windows 7 (again, be careful here as this is only the OS and no drivers/apps) on USB but that's on the web and is not what you asked for.
Bob

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User manual
May 11, 2015 12:55AM PDT

Section 1 talks about how to create restore discs.
That's the supported media.
Since discs are cheap it might be best to use those first and get them safely tucked away.
Then try to create using a usb stick.

Which ever way you go make sure the restore media will at least boot.