Create bootable W7 x64 USB from 32-bit W7 OS

[auen1]

Having some problems making this flash drive. It copies the files, but fails to make the USB bootable. Apparently creating a bootable Windows 7 x64 flash drive from within a 32-bit install of Windows is not as straight forward as it may seem. (See attachment.)

I'm using:
W7 x64 iso
W7 USB DVD download tool
32-bit bootsect.exe

I have followed these instructions:

Install the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool. Extract the 32-bit bootsect.exe file to the directory that the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool was installed to. This is usually something like “C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Apps\Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool“. Run the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool and select your Windows 7 disc image. Follow the remaining steps in this tool and your image should be created successfully!

And:

Copy file bootsect.exe to the installation directory of the program that is requesting bootsect.exe. If that doesn't work, you will have to copy bootsect.exe to your system directory. By default, this is: Windows 95/98/Me - C:\Windows\System Windows NT/2000 - C:\WINNT\System32 Windows XP, Vista, 7 - C:\Windows\System32 If you use a 64-bit version of Windows, you should also copy bootsect.exe to C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ Make a backup copy of the original files Overwrite any existing files Reboot your computer. If the problem still occurs, try the following: Open Windows Start menu and select "Run...". Type CMD and press Enter (or if you use Windows ME, type COMMAND) Type regsvr32 bootsect.exe and press Enter.

I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. Any ideas? Thanks!

[EzyStvy]

The BIOS have the Much Needed ability to boot off of an external device?

[MaxRat]

anyone close you could borrow their PC that has a 64-bit OS?

[SpywareDr]

The error message in your screenshot says:

Files copied successfully. However, we were unable to run bootsect to make the USB device bootable. If you need assistance with bootsect, please click the "Online Help" link above for more information.

When you click the "Online Help" link, what does it say?

[auen1]

@EzyStvy, I'm pretty sure that I have the BIOS set right. Boot to removable device, legacy USB, and full (slow) boot. Are there some other settings that I need to look at? I am also plugging the USB into the ports next to the network card.

@MaxRat, Right off hand, I don't have access to a 64bit computer, but that is a good idea. I'll keep my eyes open for someone who has one.

@SpywareDr, The online help sends you to the MS store, where they tell you that you need the bootsect.exe for mounting 64bit os usb from a 32 bit machine.
Link: Microsoft US Online Store

WHEN CREATING A BOOTABLE USB DEVICE,I AM GETTING AN ERROR ABOUT BOOTSECT To make the USB device bootable, you need to run a tool named bootsect.exe. In some cases, this tool needs to be downloaded from your Microsoft Store account. This may happen if you're trying to create a 64-bit bootable USB device from a 32-bit version of Windows. To download bootsect: Login to your Microsoft Store account to view your purchase history Look for your Windows 7 purchase. Next to Windows 7, there is an "Additional download options" drop-down menu. In the drop-down menu, select "32-bit ISO." Right-click the link, and then save the bootsect.exe file to the location where you installed the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool (e.g. C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Apps\Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool). Once the file has been saved, go back to the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download tool to create your bootable USB device.

Thanks for the responses!

I have also tried other USB boot software. ISO to USB, UBCD, Rufus, and UNetbootin.

BTW, if someone wanted to merge this thread with my other related thread, "64 bit?", (same computer,) it's ok with me.

[SpywareDr]

Did you try following those instructions?

[auen1]

Look at the second attachment in my first post. I included it for someone to double check that I got it right.

[SpywareDr]

Did you copy it to C:\Windows\System32 as mentioned in your first post?

[auen1]

Ya, that is also included in the second attachment in the first post. There are 2 screens side by side. I also tried the command line approach.

I am trying pasting the "bootsect.exe" directly into the "Windows7-USB-DVD-Download-Tool.exe" and see what happens, perhaps they left that part out of the instructions...

No, that didn't work either.

[MaxRat]

Did you make sure you put it in this location???

Extract the 32-bit bootsect.exe file to the directory that the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool was installed to. This is usually something like “C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Apps\Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool“.

You may have to click on the directory permissions to View hidden Files if you cannot see that folder...That is normally a hidden folder...

If you dont see it when clicking on you user name via the start menu click Tools on the top left and then Folder options and then select Show Hidden Files....

[auen1]

Originally Posted by MaxRat Did you make sure you put it in this location???

Does this attachment confirm the correct location?

Edit: Well I found someone with a 64 bit computer. He's going to make a drive tomorrow.

But still I'd like to figure out the original problem that I have.

I'm going to try the method in this link.

[MaxRat]

That does... I looked the first time... but you know I have to ask again

Not sure why it wouldnt work at this point other than a driver conflict...

[SpywareDr]

Originally Posted by auen1 Ya, that is also included in the second attachment in the first post. There are 2 screens side by side.

Can't see the file sizes ...

Originally Posted by auen1 I also tried the command line approach.

Was that the "copy bootsect.exe to C:\Windows\SysWOW64, reboot, get to a cmd prompt and type regsvr32 bootsect.exe" part of the instructions"?

[auen1]

OK, I figured it out. Finally.
Well even though the W7 USB/DVD download tool says it failed to make the USB bootable, (see first attachment in 1st post), it actually is.

My mistake was not to notice that there were 2 boot device settings in the bios. Not only did I have to change the "First boot device" to removable, but also needed to change the "Hard disk boot priority" to USB.

Thanks for all the help trying to help me figure this out!