WinSetupFromUSB

USB Flash drives come in numerous shapes, sizes and colors, and their storage capabilities vary just as much. This is why they are no longer regarded solely as backup tools, but they are occasionally used to install operating systems off them, and such a tool that facilitates this action is WinSetupFromUSB.

This software solution features a well-organized users interface where users first need to specify the USB drive they want to use, then use the dedicated button to format it – all existing partitions are erased and a single one is created instead (all files are also deleted, so it is recommended to create a backup first).

The next step is to select the location of the target OS, and this tool supports several Windows and Linux flavors. As such, one can choose to copy the installation kits for Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Windows Vista, 7, 8 or Server 2008, by simply specifying the path to their sources and boot files. This utility also supports BartPE, WinBuilder, UBCD4Win and WinFLPC.

When users want to install a certain Linux distribution using their USB Flash drive, they can choose from several options: PartedMagic, Ubuntu, Grub4dos compatible ISO, SysLinux bootsector or a Linux distribution using SysLinux.

Before proceeding with copying the files, one can also access the Advanced Options window and fine tune the configuration even more. However, while the actual application can be used by novices and experts alike, the settings in this section should only be modify by professionals who have advanced PC skills.

Namely, users can enable custom folder and menu names for 2000, XP and 2003, or they can choose to display disk drives on all interfaces, not only USB; when they are done with the configuration, they can test their newly-created package in QEMU, a specialized process emulator. Once they make sure everything goes smoothly, they can proceed with copying the needed files onto the Flash drive.

WinSetupFromUSB does exactly what the name suggests, making a Flash drive more than just a portable storage device. The amount of operating systems it supports opens up doors for a large public and the friendly interface lets even the least experienced user quickly get acquainted with what it has to offer.