Computer Tips From A Computer Guy

Burn Windows 7 to DVD or Transfer to Flash Drive the Easy Way

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 03:19 AM PST

So you finally decided to upgrade to Windows 7. You purchased Windows directly from Microsoft… but, instead of getting an installation disk, Microsoft sent you an email containing a link to download Windows 7.

This is a common distribution method with discounted and student versions of Windows 7. Installing a downloaded version of Windows 7 is just as easy as installing from a disc.

However, downloaded versions of Windows 7 are only convenient for installing on one computer, the computer that you downloaded the install to. If you want to install Windows on other computers, it is much more convenient to have an install disc handy.

An install disk also gives you a physical backup of your Windows 7 download, a very convenient option if you were to ever have your computer crash or have to reinstall Windows for some reason. You can also choose to backup Windows 7 using a flash drive. This option is a must for netbook users trying to upgrade or install 7.

Luckily, Microsoft offers an easy solution for creating a bootable Windows 7 DVD or flash drive. To get started, download this utility. If you want to read the technical details before downloading, click here.

Upon download, double click the Windows 7 USB-DVD-Tool icon to start the installer. If Windows asks you if you are sure you want to run this file, click Run. Proceed through the install wizard and install the application onto your computer.

Time to get that backup disk or flash drive copy made. Launch the Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool by double clicking the icon on your desktop or using the path Start > All Programs > Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool. Upon launch, your screen should look like the picture below.

Click the Browse button and navigate to your Windows 7 ISO file on your computer. More than likely, this will be the file that you downloaded from Microsoft. Click the next button to proceed to the media type screen.

Click the DVD button if you want to create a backup disc of Windows 7. Click the USB device button if you want to create a USB backup of Windows 7. The next screen will simply ask you to verify settings.

If burning a disc, make sure that you have a blank DVD inserted. If copying to a flash drive, make sure that you have a flash drive inserted into one of your computer's USB ports. Click the Begin Copying button.

That's all there is to it. If you are choosing to burn a DVD, it may take up to 10 minutes at most, depending on the speed of your burner. You now have a bootable copy of Windows 7.