Edit Article

Two Methods:Create a Bootable Flash DriveBoot from the Flash DriveQuestions and Answers

A bootable USB flash drive can be a pretty useful tool when diagnosing a computer. Luckily, they're easy to make and easy to use. Check out this guide for a complete walkthrough.


Method 1
Create a Bootable Flash Drive

  1. 1
    Decide on the purpose of your flash drive. An often-used tool is the MS-DOS bootable drive. Booting to MS-DOS will allow you to troubleshoot older Windows installations, as well as run a variety of diagnostic and repair tools. To create an MS-DOS bootable flash drive, you will need a blank flash drive, as well as the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool and the Windows 98 MS-DOS system files.
  2. 2
    Download the system files. Windows 98 MS-DOS system files can be found for free on the internet. They are completely legal to download.
    • The files will most likely download as a .zip file. Extract this file into a temporary folder that you can easily navigate to, such as on your desktop. You can delete this folder when you are done making the USB .
  3. 3
    Download and install HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool. This is a freeware tool created by Hewlett-Packard that will allow you to quickly format any flash drive. You will need it to create a flash drive with a boot sector. Insert the flash drive you wish to use into the computer and run the Format Tool.
    • Choose the flash drive from the “Device” drop down box. Make sure that the correct drive is selected.
    • The second drop down box, “File System,” should be changed to FAT32.
  4. 4
    Under “Format options,” check the box that says “Create a DOS startup disk.” Then, click the “…” button under “using DOS system files located at:”
    • Navigate to where you have downloaded the Windows 98 MS-DOS system files. Select the folder and hit “OK.”
  5. 5
    Click the “Start” button. The program will prompt you to proceed, warning that all data on the drive will be lost. Your MS-DOS bootable flash drive is ready.
  6. 6
    Explore other uses for bootable flash drives. A common one is installing Windows on computers without a disk drive, such as netbooks. To see how to create a Windows 7 or Vista install drive, check out our guide here.

Method 2
Boot from the Flash Drive

  1. 1
    Plug in the flash drive. Make sure that it is plugged into the computer itself and not through a USB hub.
  2. 2
    Turn on the computer. Every computer manufacturer has a different boot screen. As soon as you see the logo, you will need to hit either F2, F10, or Del to enter the BIOS menu. These are the most common keys for entering the BIOS menu. The key you need to press will be displayed under the logo.
    • This part of the boot process can occur quickly, and you may have to restart the computer if you missed the chance to enter BIOS.
  3. 3
    Find the Boot menu. If you hit the correct key at the correct time, you should now be in the BIOS menu for the computer. This is where basic computer functions are set, before an OS (Operating System) is loaded. Navigate to the Boot menu. Every manufacturer has a different BIOS setup. Some have the menu in a column; others have tabs across the top. Here’s an example BIOS:
  4. 4
    Change the boot order. Once you are in the Boot menu, you will see a list of devices. This is the order of devices that the computer will attempt to find an OS on. Typically, the first device listed is the computer’s hard drive, usually followed by the CD/DVD drive.
    • Select the first boot device and change it to your flash drive. The menu will either say “Removable Device” or will display your flash drive’s model name. This will make the computer check your flash drive first after turning on, instead of the hard drive.
  5. 5
    Save and exit. Navigate to the Exit menu in the BIOS. Select “Exit and Save Changes.” Alternatively, many BIOS have a shortcut key displayed at the bottom that will save and exit with one keystroke.
    • Saving and exiting reboots your computer.
  6. 6
    Wait for your flash drive to load automatically after the reboot. After a few seconds, depending on what your flash drive is made for, you will be given control. If you made an MS-DOS flash drive, you will be given a command prompt after booting. If you made a Windows 7 install flash drive, the install process will begin automatically.

Questions and Answers

    Don't see your question? Ask it here: