trying to install 7 w/o optical drive or USB drive (do have an external hdd)

Damian^ · Jan 20, 2011

I just built a computer but i do not have an optical drive nor do i have a large enough USB drive to use as a boot tool (cant buy one either)

However, i do have an external HDD. I know a lot of people say this isn't possible but here is what i want to do.
I want to be able to put the iso files onto my external hdd then once that is done with, i would take the hdd out of the external storage compartment and use that hdd as my main drive for my computer (using SATA cable, like if it was a normal hdd)

The problem is, im not sure how to transfer the ISO file onto the HDD all the while making it bootable.

Right now I am using a netbook. I already have the single windows 7 ISO file, along with a legit key.

DRDNA · Jan 20, 2011

The method you mentioned above will NOT work.

NdMk2o1o · Jan 20, 2011

Cant you install it onto the external drive then clone it? edit this wont work if you have no access to a dvd drive or usb.

DRDNA said:
The method you mentioned above will NOT work.

This is true, unless you can find a utility to mount it in DOS, I don't think it can be done.

Damian^ · Jan 20, 2011

is there ANYTHING i can do?

buying a usb is out of the question it seems like

NdMk2o1o · Jan 20, 2011

No way without USB or DVD

Damian^ · Jan 20, 2011

how come the external hdd can't be treated as a USB. It's plugged in via USB

brandonwh64 · Jan 20, 2011

This is why i keep alot of my DVD/CD drives that i get from used machines so i can use them to install stuff with. I also have a USB IDE/SATA/Floppy IDE converter so i can hook up a disc drive or a random hard drive to use as i need.

This device has worked wonders with fixing and building PCs

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812156102

[Ion] · Jan 20, 2011

Try this

EDIT: NVM, reading fail, not what you need....sorry

erixx · Jan 20, 2011

I use a SD memory card to instal 7, but it all depends of the BIOS options...

JrRacinFan · Jan 20, 2011

[Ion] said:
Try this
EDIT: NVM, reading fail, not what you need....sorry

This method is going to be trial/error on my part but here's my stab at it:

Use the guide he linked. Substitute in step 4, DO NOT FORMAT. Pre-format the hard drive with another PC/current windows install in NTFS format, then create 2 partitions. 1 to install from and one to install to. So in step 4 I beleive all you would have to do is a "clean" "select partition XX" & "active" command.

In step 5, use virtual CD/DVD software.

EDIT:

The only problem I see with above is how are you going to install while booting? Meaning, for it to boot wouldn't you have to be external but yet must install to an internal drive?

Damian^ · Jan 21, 2011

nah the above didnt work.

on the plus side i got a computer with a dvd drive, but its IDE and my mobo doesnt support ide.

I can just install my hdd into this computer, install windows 7, uninstall the drive, and then use it in the rig that needs the OS right?

sneekypeet · Jan 21, 2011

why cant the drive be formatted as a boot device and the files just dropped onto the drive? I mean if its USB why cant it be set just like a jump drive.

johnspack · Jan 21, 2011

http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/120444-how-to-install-windows-from-usb-winsetupfromusb-with-gui/

Download the app, create the bootable usb stick with it. Works perfect, with any os, every time. It's all I use now, have no use for dvds ect.

JrRacinFan · Jan 21, 2011

Yeah kinda thought it wouldn't work. But yes, after the system does it's first reboot. Interrupt the process and do not let it boot from the hard drive again until you have it in the system you want to install Windows 7 on.

@johnspack

No usb flash drive involved.

@peet

See my post above as to why it won't work. You can't install Windows 7 to USB.

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trying to install 7 w/o optical drive or USB drive (do have an external hdd)

Damian^

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DRDNA

NdMk2o1o

Damian^

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NdMk2o1o

Damian^

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brandonwh64

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[Ion]

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Damian^

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