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Creating a bootable USB thumb drive
Page 1 of 2
Most of the motherboard and video card manufacturers nowadays offer Windows based software for flashing your hardware (updating BIOS), but it is well known, that flashing in DOS environment is way safer than in Windows. When you are flashing your BIOS, you want to take all the safety precautions you can, because if something goes wrong, the piece of hardware becomes pretty much useless. In DOS you can also always flash to an older version of BIOS, which is not always possible in Windows and we all know, that new BIOS-es are not always better so you may want to go back to an older version sometimes. In the old times there was no problem in creating a bootable device, since every computer had a floppy drive and Windows had a special option for creating a bootable floppy. Now we are living in a world of USB thumb drives and flashing your hardware from a bootable flash drive is the easiest way. The only problem is making the USB drive bootable and aim of this guide is to learn you how to do it. Before we begin, you have to download bootable_usb.rar and extract it somewhere on your hard drive (you will need WinRAR if you do not have it already). After that just follow these steps:
  1. Run HP bootable media.exe and install it by following the pictures below.
  2. Once you have successfully installed the program, please run it (HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool - in Windows Vista you should click on it with right mouse button and select "Run as Administrator" to avoid any problems). There you have to tick "Quick format" and "Create DOS startup disk", selecting "using DOS files located at" like in the picture below. Click on the three dots button and guide the program to the location on your hard drive, where you have extracted *.zip archive. Select the "DOS files" folder and click "OK". All you have to do now is click on "Start" button. Because you are formatting your USB thumb drive, program will warn you, that you are about to erase all data from it. By clicking "Yes", all the data on your thumb drive will be lost, so you better back it up before proceeding.


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Comments (53)
  • 2010-07-14 16:24:02 |64.255.164.xxx| joans  - discover something new

    i just found something...some times when i start the computer it go through the window but got eror when start and i try to install new windows after about 3 times restart its black screen again i dont now maybe until the devil gone again....did you now something? note:the update bios never work when work need command promt and i dont now the command???sorry bout my english

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  • 2010-07-11 18:37:42 |93.103.31.xxx| sonac  - You can use FAT32 too

    Everything will be just fine if you format it to FAT32, go ahead ;)

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  • 2010-07-11 06:04:45 |64.255.164.xxx| joans  - bios problem

    did the file sistem must be ''FAT'' my laptop only show 2 choice ''FAT32'' and ''NTFS'' please help!!

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  • 2010-06-05 22:29:52 |117.204.211.xxx| nirav  - norton ghost 14.0 or 15.0

    i want to make norton ghost 15.0 boot from usb. i have bootable cd of it. can i simply copy all files to my usb.. will it work to boot my computer with norton ghost?? thankx for reply

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  • 2010-05-30 11:04:14 |62.220.121.xxx| azadifar  - Notebook & PC

    This tool work fine for notebook but it does not work for pc. my pc bios options have USB-HDD , USB-FDD , USB-ZIP ,... i set all of them but none of them worked

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  • 2010-05-14 13:12:37 |202.46.14.xxx| Ardhi

    thank you !!!

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  • 2010-05-14 11:17:55 |117.198.54.xxx| dev007

    thanx so much for the wonderful info.

    but i want to know if i can create a bootable xp cd, as there is no cd rom in my computer.

    thanks

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  • 2010-05-06 16:45:15 |66.39.232.xxx| Lonewolf  - Suggestion

    This is a great utility. Thanks!

    A suggestion --could you consider adding support for PCRegedit? It's a freely available .ISO.

    http://www.pcregedit.com/

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  • 2010-05-05 04:53:09 |173.64.55.xxx| Steve  - Wow thanks man!

    I thought that i was screwed and my netbook was a brick. I LOVE U for giving me the tools and information to fix it!!!

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  • 2010-05-04 07:13:38 |123.201.89.xxx| Dhaval Chauhan  - problem

    i dont have USB Drive in my boot priority options
    so how can i boot from USB Drive?

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  • 2010-04-08 12:44:20 |94.139.131.xxx| lovepirat  - re:

    [quote=LVT]Hi,

    I need your help. I followed all your instructions to the letter but can't seem to add the command file from my DOS files sub-directory on my bootable_USB directory. Whenever I click on the arrow sign on my bootable_USB directory to get to the next level where my DOS file is, it won't allow me to. I even tried to manually type it in but it says that there are no valid system files in that location. However, when I manually go to that sub-directory, there is clearly the command file residing in that section. I did and redid these several times and reviewed all your instructions but to no avail. Any help would truly be appreciated. Thanks.[/quote]


    download windows enabler, its a small programe that can do alot ;)
    enjoy

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  • 2010-07-16 03:35:31 |69.118.211.xxx| Maverick Solutions  - Can't Find Files

    If I had to guess, you unzipped the files to your desktop or to a folder on your desktop, but when you run the HP tool as Administrator, if you select "Desktop," it's the administrator's desktop instead of the user's desktop. If that's the issue, navigate to C:Documents and Settings[username]Desktop instead of just clicking Desktop at the top of the tree.

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  • 2010-04-08 08:05:28 |93.103.42.xxx| admin  - Yes, you can

    After you make it bootable, it will still behave normally. You will not notice any difference but that you can boot your computer off it.

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  • 2010-04-08 06:31:33 |123.243.44.xxx| Anonymous

    ok once i do this whole making a usb bootable, can i still use the usb as a storage device after or will it stay like a bootable one?

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  • 2010-04-02 09:47:33 |93.103.42.xxx| admin  - Everything works fine now

    I have noticed, that for some weird reason users with Firefox could not download these files correctly (they would get corrupted), so I have replaced *.zip with *.rar and now it works like charm. Go ahead, try :)

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  • 2010-04-02 04:06:18 |121.45.55.xxx| Anonymous  - Corrupted

    zip file is corrupted.

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  • 2010-03-29 19:02:26 |89.28.125.xxx| mike  - ....booting...old stuff!!!! hehe

    guys..the best way to boot ur usb, with wat ever you like...is to understand how the boot prosses worked...i have tried every single programe on the net, free and non free once..and i can say that 30% of them worked...so the idea is to understand how its all happening..and to do that u need to read some tutorials on the net...for linux users "unetbootin" is the best tool, for windows users "flashboot" is the best tool, and for other(advanced users) ther mind is the best tool ;)
    and 4 who that they cant boot from usb for bios or even flash problems...they can always use plopboot maneger..boot it from a disk then select your usb device, and for advance users...they can install grub boot maneger on ther mbr and start surfing :)
    gd luck

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  • 2010-02-12 09:05:56 |84.192.43.xxx| Anonymous  - re: 5*

    [quote=Gbak Eng]thanx guys..epic guide![/quote]
    download a ubuntu live cd try before install open gparted format you usbpen as a ntfs format mark de pen as boot with the flag option copy bootfiles to the usbpen works like charm even a windows boot or dos boot

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  • 2010-02-07 20:05:20 |85.73.148.xxx| Gbak Eng  - 5*

    thanx guys..epic guide!

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  • 2010-01-16 20:02:54 |90.201.84.xxx| Kosh

    The use-DOS-files-located-at function doesn't work at all in Win7x64, though it works in XPx86.

    Then when I boot USB it gives me an "invalid system disc" error and prompts me to "insert disc and press key", if I do it tries to access the floppy disc, and fails.

    So it doesn't work. Neither does the other bootable USB program makebootable.exe either.

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  • 2009-12-30 01:00:40 |69.228.88.xxx| LVT

    Hi,

    I need your help. I followed all your instructions to the letter but can't seem to add the command file from my DOS files sub-directory on my bootable_USB directory. Whenever I click on the arrow sign on my bootable_USB directory to get to the next level where my DOS file is, it won't allow me to. I even tried to manually type it in but it says that there are no valid system files in that location. However, when I manually go to that sub-directory, there is clearly the command file residing in that section. I did and redid these several times and reviewed all your instructions but to no avail. Any help would truly be appreciated. Thanks.

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  • 2009-12-18 05:11:21 |87.66.79.xxx| lahbib

    hello,

    I did as you mentioned in the tutorial, and I tried to copy an Iso files of the files necessary to the bios update, but when I try to boot from the usb, It just displays STARTING ... and does nothing after that. I dont know where is the problem. The iso file I burned it on a CD and it worked fine on LAPTOP2 , the problem is that I dont have a cd drive on this laptop (LAPTOP 1).

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  • 2009-12-08 16:06:39 |84.72.115.xxx| Torben  - Thanks - great advice

    Works fine, when you discover where the DOS files are about ;-)

    Best
    Torben

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  • 2009-11-05 22:10:29 |76.25.98.xxx| Ray  - Thanks!

    Geez after searching for a long time for dos boot files that I could stick onto my usb flash dirve, I found them right here!!! Thank you so much!!

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  • 2009-11-01 08:18:31 |93.103.31.xxx| Sean

    Are you certain, that you have used this tool properly? You should not be having any problems booting a 64-bit PC with it, because all modern CPUs support both 32-bit and 64-bit applications. Actually - almost everyone has a 64 bit processor nowadays.

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  • 2009-10-31 20:00:12 |24.14.1.xxx| Angel of Feath  - Compatibility With x64 based pc 64-bit?

    Hi!

    It does not support x64based 64-bit pc. does any of you know what other utility i can use for x64 based pc?

    e:mail: deepclean911@yahoo.com

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  • 2009-10-18 00:00:13 |59.92.12.xxx| Ram Kumaran  - re: Thank you

    [quote=Niko]I did exactly what you told me but I am having a problem.

    First I tell you what I did:
    1. I did exactly what you said.
    2. Then I copied the Vista files from CD to the USB flash drive.
    3. I tried to boot on my notebook, so it would install VISTA on it.

    But when I boot it with USB flash drive, it stays on ms-dos and showing me C:/

    Please, tell me what I have to do!??[/quote]It has booted your Flash Drive, thats the point, from there you are on your own. In your case you have to start the setup manually by typing some commands. Search the internet or google you will find those commands easily.

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  • 2009-10-06 06:43:08 |80.160.75.xxx| Anonymous  - re:

    [quote=Anonymous]In paragraph 3 on page 2, when you say 'All you have to do now is add the files you need for flashing your BIOS on it' what do you mean exactly? Please explain the steps involved. Thanks.[/quote]

    damn i'm tired of those notices

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  • 2009-10-06 06:19:06 |213.149.135.xxx| Marjan  - ?

    after I do this, do I simply copy and paste the OS (XP sp3) files from extracted folder in USB drive?

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  • 2009-09-26 06:15:43 |90.129.197.xxx| Anonymous

    Man or woman whoever you are - I love you. I'm searching since three weeks and nothing works, but you did it perfect - thanks!

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  • 2009-09-25 19:09:24 |189.71.43.xxx| Cristina  - Thank you

    I need to restore my eee pc and have been searching and downloading crap for 2 days! Thank you very much for this download and instructions, it worked like magic!

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  • 2009-09-22 23:08:45 |62.195.32.xxx| Niko  - HELPPP

    I did exactly what you told me but I am having a problem.

    First I tell you what I did:
    1. I did exactly what you said.
    2. Then I copied the Vista files from CD to the USB flash drive.
    3. I tried to boot on my notebook, so it would install VISTA on it.

    But when I boot it with USB flash drive, it stays on ms-dos and showing me C:/

    Please, tell me what I have to do!??

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  • 2009-09-22 22:36:11 |62.195.32.xxx| Gerard  - re:

    Ok guys. I followed everything and what do I have to do now? Can I just copy the Vista cd files on my USB flash drive and then boot it on my laptop? 'Laptop DVD player is broken which is why I want to boot with USB Flash'.

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  • 2009-09-12 16:20:22 |93.103.31.xxx| sonac  - You can use these files

    You don't have to use files from your CD, because this USB flash drive will not rely on your installed OS in any way. simply download these files and it will work perfectly.

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  • 2009-09-11 18:34:08 |98.110.100.xxx| Edgar  - question

    i have the operating system windows xp sp3. i want to know if i have to use the dos files from my recovery cd or can i use the ones u gave. if i use the ones u gave wud it work?

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  • 2009-08-31 10:37:21 |123.23.8.xxx| dayfine  - thank you so much

    this really helps

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  • 2009-08-30 11:23:18 |76.195.2.xxx| volvomann  - Thanks

    Darn this works! Finally I've got a bootable usb stick thanks to you. Hopefully soon I can figure out how to put the ghost file on her so I can make images.
    Thanks again,
    -=Greg=-

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  • 2009-08-03 16:16:52 |85.199.49.xxx| happy usb formatter  - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

    After about two hours of searching downloading crap, running crap, creating bootable floppy disks and copying the files, and all kinds of generally crappy advice.... I am grateful to have found this.

    The key is to have the correct DOS Files to browse to... and this is the ONLY LINK THAT ACTUALLY PROVIDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE THE USB STICK BOOTABLE!!!

    Thanks again!

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  • 2009-08-01 10:41:22 |117.242.192.xxx| sreeju  - Install Xp from USBDRIVE

    i was able to boot using USbdisk by your method. but my issue is installing xp Spk2 using a usb disk as my laptop doesnt have a cd drive. Please let me know if u know the solution.

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  • 2009-07-23 01:18:08 |219.78.175.xxx| Anonymous

    I also found the bootable USB thumb made under your guideline unable to work.I think that it can work only on PC with a motherboard which accepts USB thumb as a booting device ie. some old motherboards only accept CD rom .HD as booting devices

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  • 2009-07-16 12:04:12 |86.70.98.xxx| Benjamin Fritsch  - Great post!

    Thank you for your post, it saved me a lot of time. Many websites tells you how to make usb devices bootable but none says it as well detailed and clear as you.

    Great effort giving away files with description !

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  • 2009-06-24 19:27:35 |71.227.244.xxx| Rich  - Thank You

    Your post has saved me so much time! Thank you!

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  • 2009-06-24 19:05:21 |173.18.101.xxx| Kenny Powers  - Half boot?

    So using this I drug all my files onto the drive and it is bootable, but it just sits at a black screen with a flashing white cursor. Any ideas on how to get it to boot Windows 7 install?

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  • 2009-06-06 16:29:28 |71.201.158.xxx| John  - re: Very nice if you need to hackintosh

    [quote=dml247]If you're needing to create a bootable USB drive for a hackintosh project to load Mac OS X on a netbook or PC this is a must have utility. THANK YOU![/quote]
    When using the HP tool it won't let me select create a start up disk when I select the thumb drive.
    The option is availble from the generic usb drives shown but when I select my flash drive the option is shaded out and I only can choose quick format or enable compressing. How come?

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  • 2009-06-03 19:20:24 |68.13.127.xxx| dml247  - Very nice if you need to hackintosh

    If you're needing to create a bootable USB drive for a hackintosh project to load Mac OS X on a netbook or PC this is a must have utility. THANK YOU!

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  • 2009-06-03 06:59:37 |88.83.78.xxx| Anon

    if i follow these steps will i then be able to boot e.g. tinyxp to my linux-machine...

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  • 2009-06-02 03:32:57 |213.167.0.xxx| George  - re:

    [quote=George]I formatted the stick with this software and now its not working :( The pc isnt find it as a new hardware... Its blinking but nothing in device manager...[/quote]Sorry... The problem was in my TV :)

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  • 2009-06-02 03:30:22 |213.167.0.xxx| George

    I formatted the stick with this software and now its not working :( The pc isnt find it as a new hardware... Its blinking but nothing in device manager...

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  • 2009-05-31 16:16:50 |71.59.172.xxx| Anonymous

    In response to this question:
    "In paragraph 3 on page 2, when you say 'All you have to do now is add the files you need for flashing your BIOS on it' what do you mean exactly? Please explain the steps involved. Thanks."

    What you need to do is extract the zipped file that you downloaded at the beginning of the article (bootable_usb.zip) to a location on your machine. When you do, there will be an executable file called 'HP Bootable Media' and there will be a folder called 'DOS files.' You'll run the executable file to install the HP USB Disc Storage Format Tool, and you'll point back to the 'DOS files' folder within the interface at the [...] window.

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  • 2009-05-27 12:12:51 |165.91.180.xxx| Chris Barnes

    These were by FAR the best, most concise, yet explicit instructions on how to make a USB thumb drive bootable.

    It took me 2 hours to find these instructions, yet only 2 minutes to follow them.

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  • 2009-04-29 16:33:12 |SAdministrator| admin

    Maybe this article can help you, but we do not have an article that would explain precisely, how to flash your bios. [url]http://www.lowfps.com/bios[/url]
    If you are talking about video card's bios, then please let me know and I will try to write an extra article about that topic ;)

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  • 2009-04-29 12:45:41 |168.99.138.xxx| Techy

    It means you will have to get the utility and bin file for your bios from your manufacturer. Just a warning be very careful when upgrading your bios. If it fails or lose power during the upgrade you could lose your motherboard.

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  • 2009-04-29 09:44:24 |218.190.56.xxx| Anonymous

    In paragraph 3 on page 2, when you say 'All you have to do now is add the files you need for flashing your BIOS on it' what do you mean exactly? Please explain the steps involved. Thanks.

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