Installing windows without an optical drive?

[Duke{CLR}]

I have read where you can make a bootable windows 7 USB key and install from that. I'm putting my HTPC together today and I don't have a USB key. Is it possible to grab an optical drive out of one of my rigs and install it with that? Would that cause any issues down the road when I remove it?

[juneau]

I have read where you can make a bootable windows 7 USB key and install from that. I'm putting my HTPC together today and I don't have a USB key. Is it possible to grab an optical drive out of one of my rigs and install it with that? Would that cause any issues down the road when I remove it?

No problems at all.

[Qicmee]

Like Juneau said!

And, you should get a USB flash stick eventually. They are super easy when you need to manually move files.
http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Extrem...+sdcz80-032g-a

[Duke{CLR}]

It worked perfectly, it also was handy for loading the chipset and TV tuner drivers, I left it in in case I need anyhting else, which remind me, should I install any of that Samsung software that came with the SSD? If so, what should I instal?

[Apache Warrior]

If Magician came with it you should use it. They also offer data migration if you need it.
Apache

[goldenfooler]

Get the bigger SSD. I had to cut some programs even at 250 GB before the migration. The software was very easy to use.

[juneau]

If Magician came with it you should use it. They also offer data migration if you need it.
Apache

This. Use it to enable rapid mode.

[WalkinTarget]

In the future, you may want to use this handy dandy tool to make a thumb drive bootable:

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/...usbdvd_dwnTool

I always find it somewhat amazing that MS can roll out some really well done and useful tools like this. Shocker, I know .. !!