Boot & Run W7 on USB?

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Bowcaps

macrumors member

Original poster

• Jan 1, 2013

• #1

I'm not sure if this is possible, but I would like to boot my MBA from a USB stick with windows on it, I don't want to create a partition for windows, just boot and run of the USB.

The reason for this is that I have one program that will not run on a Mac OS. I only use this program once every 3 or 4 months.

Is this possible? And if so can you give me a few pointers in the right direction.

Thanks 🙂

 

007bond

macrumors 6502a

• Jan 1, 2013

• #2

It is possible to do this (I found this tutorial: http://www.rmprepusb.com/tutorials/win7onusb), but it will be extremely slow, even with a USB3 drive.

Since you don't use this software too often, I suggest you install VirtualBox (https://www.virtualbox.org) and install Windows in a VM.

If you want to save space on your SSD, you could put the Virtual Hard Disk on a USB drive. Just make sure it's a fast one.

 

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Bowcaps

macrumors member

Original poster

• Jan 1, 2013

• #3

Many thanks,

I'll give it a go. 🙂

 

007bond

macrumors 6502a

• Jan 1, 2013

• #4

Bowcaps said:

Many thanks,

I'll give it a go. 🙂

Click to expand...

Not a problem!

Out of curiosity, which method are you going with?

 

B

Bowcaps

macrumors member

Original poster

• Jan 2, 2013

• #5

007bond said:

Not a problem!

Out of curiosity, which method are you going with?

Click to expand...

I'll try the latter method first with VirtualBox.

One question [it may be obvious] but I assume the USB port not being used for W7 can be used to connect a dongle whilst in this OS environment?

Thanks for the advice.🙂

 

B

Bowcaps

macrumors member

Original poster

• Jan 2, 2013

• #6

Just an update, I found a bit of software from codeweavers and installed and hey presto my Windows VCDS software runs on my mac without installing windows!

Happy Days. 😀

 

007bond

macrumors 6502a

• Jan 2, 2013

• #7

Bowcaps said:

Just an update, I found a bit of software from codeweavers and installed and hey presto my Windows VCDS software runs on my mac without installing windows!

Happy Days. 😀

Click to expand...

Crossover totally slipped my mind! Yeah, for a piece of software that you don't use all the time, that may be a better solution. Glad it worked out!