Installing Win7 from USB

[cubensis]

I hope this is in the right place, so many forums here. Mods if this is in the wrong place please move I didn't want to make several threads around the forum.

I am trying to install Win 7 from a USB drive. When I go into the BIOS and select USB HDD (correct?) as my first boot device it has a dash (-) next to it. What does that mean? Also I copied the instructions for installing the Win7 installer files directly to a USB stick directly of Microsoft's website, only changing the drive letters to suit my machine. it won't work for some reason, actually booting from USB never worked sin ce I bought the machine, I can boot off a CD or DVD fine, and the USB drive with Windows 7 install works fine within Windows XP.

I currently have XP Pro on my machine (T60). When I install Win 7 will it give me the option to leave my hidden partition alone? If I like Windows 7 I will keep it till Windows 7 ships with new Thinkpads and purchase.

When I use my Thinkvantage software and backup my laptop, and I make a backup, can the backup be used to restore my machine to XP Pro? Or do I need to either use the hidden partition/R&R CDs to reinstall XP and then restore my system with the last full backup I made?

[Rick B]

You need to first make the USB drive a primary/active partition.

I used steps very similar to these to install Windows 7 from an external HDD connected via USB. Follow steps 1 to 3 (for some reason they are repeated further down the page). Also once the initial install is complete and you are prompted with the need to reboot (to complete installation) remove the USB otherwise you will restart the installation.

http://www.vista123.net/content/how-ins ... -usb-drive

[cubensis]

I decided to just use the old fashioned DVD route. Other than the Thinkvantage button not working and the software, I am loving 7.

[Truthfinder]

Why not just do a Ghost Backup of your ThinkPad.... Then add a partition and install Win-7. You will have a nice safe dual boot T-60.

Best you you, Steve