How to Create Bootable USB Drive in Windows 7 and Vista

Author: Mia Davis

USB flash drives are commonly used for booting into Windows. When you boot from CDs, Blu-Ray disks, DVDs and USB drives permits you to do diagnostic tests on the system which is not able to boot from the hard drive. Here’s how to create a bootable USB drive in Windows 7 and Vista.

Steps for Creating Bootable USB Drive in Windows 7 and Vista

  • Go to the elevated Windows command line menu by pressing on the Start option.
  • Enter cmd in the search bar.
  • Click on the Control +Shift + Enter keys together on the system keyboard.
  • Access these keys by going to the Start, Accessories and All programs menu.
  • You need to right-click with the system mouse on the Command prompt window.
  • After that, choose the Run as Administrator option.
  • Enter cd c:\windows\system32 by going to the command prompt window for changing the directory to the Windows System32 directory.
  • Make sure that the USB flash drive is already connected.
  • Enter DISKPART in the search box.
  • Click on the Enter button.
  • Enter List Disk in the search box.
  • After that, tap on the Enter button.
  • Now, you will get the list of the hard disk drives which is paired to the system.
  • You need to search the Disk partition number of the USB flash drive.
  • Enter SELECT DISK (USB disk #).
  • Now, it will start indicating that the USB flash drive is the hard disk which you have chosen.
  • In case you do not remember what hard disk is the USB flash drive, then safely remove the USB flash drive.
  • Reconnect the USB flash drive.
  • Start comparing the listed results.
  • You need to enter the listed commands and do not forget to click on the Enter button after entering every command.
  1. CLEAN
  2. CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
  3. SELECT PARTITION 1
  4. ACTIVE
  5. FORMAT FS=NTFS
  6. ASSIGN
  7. EXIT
  • You should have the Windows 7 or Vista installation CD.
  • Place the CD in the system CD drive.
  • Go to the My Computer option.
  • Copy the hard drive number is provided to the CD drive.
  • Return to the command prompt menu.
  • Type in D: CD BOOT.
  • After that, click on the Enter button.
  • Re-enter CD BOOT.
  • Tap on the Enter option.
  • At last, enter BOOTSECT.EXE /NT60 H:
  • Click on the Enter option.
  • You have to start copying all the contents stored on the CD to the USB drive.

Source:- http://en-mcafee.com/how-to-create-bootable-usb-drive-in-windows-7-and-vista/

Mia Davis is a creative person who has been writing blogs and articles about cybersecurity. She writes about the latest updates regarding mcafee.com/activate and how it can improve the work experience of users. Her articles have been published in many popular e-magazines, blogs, and websites.