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There is another easy way to load your Windows 7 Installation DVD on a USB Drive. Check out this 3 minute video.
A special thank you to Tyler and Dave Heckendorf for metioning this tool in my prior post.
I will try and check the comments areas next time. Our search only looks at prior posted articles.
Background
Why do this?
There are times when we need to install Windows and a DVD drive is not available. Whether you want to run an installation on a netbook, a rack server or a new build, the USB Drive is the faster way to go!
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The download link (and help topics) to the tool can be found at:
http://store.microsoft.com/Help/ISO-Tool
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How Does It Perform?
I used the USB Drive I created above to load Windows 7 onto my new refurbished Dell Mini 10V last night and it took 33 minutes. Not bad for a netbook.
The process worked perfectly!
I hope you get a chance to try the process out.
Now We Know
Where's the love? I talked about this a week ago in the comments section (http://usingwindowshomeserver.com/2010/01/30/creating-a-windows-7-installation-usb-drive-on-a-friday-night/). At least I get credit from engadget sometimes…
Just kidding. Keep up the good work on this blog. I'm new-ish to WHS, so I like getting into all the tricks.
I had not looked at your link in the prior post. I updated this post at the top.
Tim
Haha. Thanks. Now I kinda feel like a jerk…I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers.
I upgraded my Dell mini to windows 7 using this method and I had never done anything like it but it was very easy to do and my dell mini runs great with now problems!
Check out Windows Media Center with your Mini. I was supprised how smooth the video is. I watched Lost on it and it was a great picture!
Can I use the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool to install windows 2003 server on my dell that does not have an optical drive?
I have a PC with windows 7 to set it up as well as an iso of 2003 and the original Media
LJS
With Server 2003 you might encounter some issues with drivers (and controllers) during deployment with older machines. I would start up and see if you can get to boot USB and go from there. If you get a error message or have to press F6 you are screwed. My last 2003 install was over three years ago so I have not kept up on installation techniques. Have you thought of 2008?