How to Install Windows From an External Hard Drive

Since the release of Windows XP, installing operating systems from a CD or DVD (as opposed to a floppy diskette) has been common practice. Some computers, like netbooks, however, don't have a disc drive, which prevents users from upgrading or reinstalling the OS. With the release of Windows 7, Microsoft enabled users to download the Windows 7 DVD as an ISO archive file from the Microsoft Store. If your DVD drive isn't working, or if your computer lacks a disc drive altogether, you can copy the archive file to an external hard drive and install Windows 7
via a USB port.

Prepare the Drive

Step 1

Download the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool (link in Resources).

Step 2

Launch the EXE file when the download completes. Follow the directions in the wizard to install the tool.

Step 3

Open the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool from the Windows Start menu. Click "Browse" and select your Windows 7 ISO.

Step 4

Click "Next." Connect the USB drive to the computer and then click "USB Device."

Step 5

Choose the removable drive from the drop-down menu. Click "Begin Copying" to create a bootable device.

Install Windows

Step 1

Restart the computer. Follow the directions on the boot screen to access setup. A message such as "Press to Enter BIOS Setup" will appear.

Step 2

Use the arrow keys to choose the "Boot," "Advanced," "Advanced BIOS Features" or similar option from the menu. Press "Enter."

Step 3

Select "First Boot Device," press "Enter" and select "USB" from the list, or use the arrow pad to highlight "USB" and press "+" to move the device to the top of the list.

Step 4

Press "F10" to exit setup. The computer will boot to the external drive. Choose your language and keyboard options. Click "Next."

Step 5

Click "Install Now." Review the license agreement and click "Next." Click "Custom."

Step 6

Choose your computer's hard disk from the list of devices. Click "Next" to install Windows 7 to the PC from the external drive.

Tips

• System setup varies from PC to PC. Check your computer's documentation for more assistance if you have any difficulty navigating setup.
• Transfer the files on the USB flash drive to another storage device before using the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool.

Warnings

• Installing Windows 7 to the hard drive will erase all of the data contained on the drive.

References

• Microsoft TechNet: Using the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool - TechNet Articles
• Microsoft Windows: Installing and Reinstalling Windows 7

Resources

• CNET: Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool