MBA, Virtual Box and windows 7 on usb

fleeper · Mar 14, 2013, 03:07 PM

Is it possible to run windows 7 via usb stick and virtual box? I have seen tutorials about putting windows 7 on a memory stick and running it that way but it only works on another windows PC. Is there any way to run windows 7 on MBA this way? My MBA has the 64 gig SSD. I need windows for a very specific reason for work but I don't want to give up using my MBA for everything else.

Thanks.

simsaladimbamba · Mar 14, 2013, 03:20 PM

Yes, it is possible, as the VM can be stored almost anywhere you like. You will be just limited by the write/read speed of the USB flash memory thumb drive, as the cheap ones only offer 5 to 15 MB/s, the more expensive ones can saturate the USB 2.0 bus with its 37 MB/s.

stchman · Mar 14, 2013, 05:41 PM

If the OP's MBA is a 2012, the USB is 3.0. That's a significant speed increase over 2.0.

Corax · Mar 18, 2013, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fleeper

Is it possible to run windows 7 via usb stick and virtual box? I have seen tutorials about putting windows 7 on a memory stick and running it that way but it only works on another windows PC. Is there any way to run windows 7 on MBA this way? My MBA has the 64 gig SSD. I need windows for a very specific reason for work but I don't want to give up using my MBA for everything else.

Thanks.

Good idea, aspecially when you have a 2012 Air. I hope it'll work! Would be great and save you a lot of space.

dkl · Mar 18, 2013, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corax

Good idea, aspecially when you have a 2012 Air. I hope it'll work! Would be great and save you a lot of space.

I'm certain it does - coz I'm using it on my 2011 11" MBA! Just a tad bit slow on my Sandisk Cruzer Fit though.

Corax · Mar 19, 2013, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkl

I'm certain it does - coz I'm using it on my 2011 11" MBA! Just a tad bit slow on my Sandisk Cruzer Fit though.

Isn't a UHS-1 SD Card an option for you?

dkl · Mar 19, 2013, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corax

Isn't a UHS-1 SD Card an option for you?

The 11" MBA does NOT come with an SD card reader...

Corax · Mar 20, 2013, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkl

The 11" MBA does NOT come with an SD card reader...

Oh ofcourse, slipped my mind, sorry!

Mar 14, 2013, 03:07 PM	#1
fleeper macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jul 2008	MBA, Virtual Box and windows 7 on usb Is it possible to run windows 7 via usb stick and virtual box? I have seen tutorials about putting windows 7 on a memory stick and running it that way but it only works on another windows PC. Is there any way to run windows 7 on MBA this way? My MBA has the 64 gig SSD. I need windows for a very specific reason for work but I don't want to give up using my MBA for everything else. Thanks.
	0

Mar 14, 2013, 03:20 PM	#2
simsaladimbamba macrumors Core Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: in front of it	Yes, it is possible, as the VM can be stored almost anywhere you like. You will be just limited by the write/read speed of the USB flash memory thumb drive, as the cheap ones only offer 5 to 15 MB/s, the more expensive ones can saturate the USB 2.0 bus with its 37 MB/s. __________________ This is not amn attempt t write with two brokemn keybards
	0

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Mar 14, 2013, 05:41 PM	#3
stchman macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: St. Louis, MO	If the OP's MBA is a 2012, the USB is 3.0. That's a significant speed increase over 2.0.
	0