Use MCT to create bootable Flash drive with previously downloaded ISO

NavyLCDR · 21 Apr 2018

With Windows 10 I've never had to use the bootsect command. I've always just used diskpart:

diskpart
list disk
select disk # <-replace # with the actual number of the USB drive
clean <- make sure you selected the right disk, this will erase it!
create part pri
format fs=fat32 quick
active
exit
exit

Then mount the ISO files and copy the files over. The diskpart commands take less than 1 minute to complete if you have them memorized. Copying the ISO file depends on the speed of your USB port and USB flash drive.

Bree · 21 Apr 2018

Try3 said:

- I go a bit further and hide the contents so that I can also use the install USB for other important files .... The install USB is perfectly happy to be used in this way...

Good point. I take a slightly different tack and copy the standalone installer for the latest Cumulative Update to the usb. Then I can install it after installing Windows. Saves a lot of download time if you are going to use the usb on a number of machines, also useful if there's no internet available when you do the install.

Try3 · 21 Apr 2018

@Bree -

Yes, the latest CU is one of the files I put on the same USB. I also put on my Office 2007 install files & their updates and the installation files for other 'core' applications so I can do a barebones reinstallation if I am travelling & it all goes horribly wrong. The install USB is one of those minute ones and it lives on my keyring so it is difficult to lose.

I am about to set up an alternative on my 10" tablet-with-keyboard. Its permanently-fitted AcronisRE USB together with sufficient spare space for a copy of my latest Acronis image gives me the opportunity to just step back to a known good state without any reinstallations being necessary. By setting this up with storage that is always fitted to the computer, there is nothing for me to forget to pack or to lose along the way.

Denis

MeAndMyComputer · 21 Apr 2018

Try3 said:

@Bree - I also put on my Office 2007 install files & their updates and the installation files for other 'core' applications so I can do a barebones reinstallation Denis

I might have to do a clean install on my sons Windows 10 Pro laptop: he has Microsoft - Office Home and Business 2013.
How can I put the install files onto a USB?
--- Is there a tutorial on how to do that and then get them back into the computer?
--- On the Microsoft - Office Home and Business 2013 updates, can I do the same?

Try3 · 21 Apr 2018

MeAndMyComputer.

I do not know Office 2013. However, my understanding of Download and install or reinstall Office 2013 on a PC - OfficeSupport is that it cannot be treated in the same way as Office 2007.

I suggest that you ask this as a question of your own in the Microsoft Office and 365 section of TenForums so that you can get an answer from somebody who knows Office 2013.

Denis

MeAndMyComputer · 21 Apr 2018

Try3 said:

I suggest that you ask this as a question of your own in the Microsoft Office and 365 section of TenForums so that you can get an answer from somebody who knows Office 2013. Denis

Good idea, thank you.