bootable USB?
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- youngdesigner
So I'm having trouble starting an old PC running Windows 7 that I need to get some files off. I read that you can create a bootable USB thumb drive for Windows.
Is it possible to just load the operating system (and copy the files I need) using this, or would I have to do a complete install and wipe the hard drive clean?
- vaxorcist0
I'd remove the hard drive and put it in a USB enclosure, then hook that up to a good computer... check if the drive is SATA or IDE, 2.5 or 3.5,etc...
- youngdesigner0
Was hoping to do this without spending money. Going to try this: http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/i…
- prophetone0
do the usb enclosure method above or if you have another machine slave the drive and migrate thungs off of it. but the way above is better and like $20.
- plash0
this tool worked great for me.
http://www.microsoftstore.com/st…Windows 7 USB/DVD Boot tool
- youngdesigner0
plash that's what I was wondering. I created a boot USB using that tool...but it took me to an install screen. Is there any way to just boot Windows from the USB or do you have to install it? I'm not looking to reinstall Windows, just need to copy a few files.
- what was wrong with knoppix?
zarkonite - That's what I'm trying next..youngdesigner
- what was wrong with knoppix?
- plash0
Well, unless you already have the boot sectors created / alongside with the matching registry and other such critical system structures, it'll be tough to just 'copy' files and make it work. (tho it is possible) also a slipstream install really isn't the answer for file recovery; who knows what files have been corrupted or what's going on in the damaged drive.
There are better, safer methods in recovering crashed hard drive data. of course this all depends on the nature of the compromised drive, there are a host of free and paid tools out there that will batch transfer from one hd to another.
(in fact i just did this a few months back using backtrack)
if you're comfortable with linux, i recommend Backtrack.
http://www.backtrack-linux.org/boot it on a usb and attached the hd in question. this lin-disro has a bunch of auditing tools that will assist in diagnostics and recovery. the whole thing runs on ram so there's no write damage. if you don't know your way around command line or linux in general for that matter, i suggest using one of the many paid application available.
good luck!
- youngdesigner0
Well Knoppix worked like a charm (it's similar to Backtrack mentioned above). Booted into it from USB and had access to all my files. Pretty cool...never knew Linux could be used this way.
- Definitely the way to go.
Windows just wasn't built with this in mindanimatedgif
- Definitely the way to go.
- vaxorcist0
thanks for this:
http://www.backtrack-linux.org/I learned something .... I will try this on an old hard drive...
- Miguex0
- On a Mac you just reboot holding a key and boom, burn the USB boot drive. SO SIMPLE.monospaced
- youngdesigner0
I am no expert either Miguex. This is what I used to create the bootable USB:
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/uni…
It allows you to create a thumb drive that boots whatever Linux operating system you want on pretty much any machine.
You just have to download the operating system ISO file (torrent download is easiest), and then that program will do the rest.
- Unless there is a hardware error Linux on the thumb drive should work, choose as primary boot device.ZOOP
- Hombre_Lobo0
Wait, why are you paying?
If its just a case of accessing your files, just boot into Ubuntu using a cd (downloaded for free) and browse your drive then copy your files.
I've done it several times.Or have I completely missed the point :/
- Hombre_Lobo0
^also the Ubuntu website has guides on making bootable thumb drives. I always have a thumb drive with it on, as it's very useful to have.