[TD99]

After searching and trying about 20 different methods (some very complicated) found online over the past few weeks, I *finally* got my SanDisk Cruzer Micro (8GB) to boot into the Windows 7 Installer. And it was a simple process too! So I'm sharing it here in case anyone else is having similar issues:

1 - Using the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool v2.0.6*, I formatted the flash drive using FAT32 leaving all the boxes unchecked.

*Update: (Link no longer valid. Plus, based on the posts I've read, only v2.0.6 seems to work. Others versions, including newer ones, do not work for some weird reason. Therefore, use your friend Google to try and track down "HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool v2.0.6". Good luck!



2 - I mounted the Windows 7 Beta ISO using Virtual CloneDrive (free, www.slysoft.com).

3 - Then I copied the contents of the ISO (all of the Windows 7 files and folders) over to the SanDisk. That took about 7 minutes.

4 - Lastly, I renamed the file on the flash drive from "BOOTMGR" to "NTLDR".


That's it! I was able to finally boot off the SanDisk using my Dell Mini 9 and install Windows 7! It took about an hour, but it runs great. Then I followed the steps outlined here to install the necessary drivers (which wasn't many since Win7 detects just about everything, nice!).

Next up, going to try these SSD speed tweaks!

[dltv]

im giving this method a go.

previous ways never got my usb thumb to boot.

worked..

quick note to anyone we trys this.. i formated using windows and for whatever the reason it did not work. using the hp tool it make the usb work.

[TD99]

Originally Posted by dltv

im giving this method a go.

previous ways never got my usb thumb to boot.

worked..

quick note to anyone we trys this.. i formated using windows and for whatever the reason it did not work. using the hp tool it make the usb work.

Correct. The HP tool installs bootable files whereas formatting in Windows does not.

[dltv]

Thanks again.. easiest 4 steps I've found...

I'm surprised more people aren't using this method.

So far the mini 9 runs pretty fast with windows 7 IM STOCKED... no LAGS

[ch0wnag3]

Echoing thanks for this thread. I had my Mini up and running lickety-split thanks to you!

[Adhesive]

I don't have a USB drive over 1GB, but I do have a 4GB SD card with a USB adapter. Can I still use this method with the SD card in place of a real USB thumb/jump drive?

[WolfKeeper]

Yes. I used a 2GB MicroSD card with a USB adapter in the past for reinstalling Ubuntu.

[davico_rosello]

yeah, everything connected via usb should work, i've used my PSP once :mrgreen:

[Snow]

I have just tried using this method (formatted a 16gb USB drive with the HP tool - FAT32 no settings selected at all) copied the Windows 7 files (everything) over to the USB drive and changed the file to "NTLDR" and tried to boot off the device...

Press 0 upon boot, select 2 - USB

I get the error "Remove disks or other media. Press any key to restart"

Any suggestions?

[Netbook Abuser]

Originally Posted by Snow

I have just tried using this method (formatted a 16gb USB drive with the HP tool - FAT32 no settings selected at all) copied the Windows 7 files (everything) over to the USB drive and changed the file to "NTLDR" and tried to boot off the device...

Press 0 upon boot, select 2 - USB

I get the error "Remove disks or other media. Press any key to restart"

Any suggestions?

I got that too.. using my Mini 12. i used the HP usd disk thing changed the name and wham didn't work.. trying it on an sd card now tho..