Boot Flash-drive?

Maybe an odd title, but I have no idea how to describe otherwise.

I've been working on my partner's computer to sort out it's issues.
We've found out that the HD is starting to fail (chkdsk r saved it - for now), so we've been thinking and he came up with an idea.

He would like to know (as do I, by now ) if it is possible to make a USB stick (flash drive) your Windows-drive. Meaning it would boot from there, plus drivers.

Is that possible? If so, good or bad idea?

Thank you in advance

(And yes, mine's still throwing BSoD tantrums, but it runs )

 

You can with Win 8 or 10. Have a read here.

 

Only with 8 or 10? That sucks.. we have neither. Costly hobby..

 

I didn't say you cannot with 7, only that you can with 8/10. Maybe someone else knows how with 7?

 

We don't even have 7 *hides under rock* Quite costly to get everything in duplicate (2 machines).

Although, I might be able to attempt 7, I have a key for it (came with an HD I got from work).

 

If you see a bargain opportunity to grab an 8.1 system do so. As you've never had 7 then no point in getting it now, but 8.1 has many of the 10 features and can easily be tweaked to make it very usable.

 

Unfortunately, you can't boot an installed XP, Vista or 7 system from a USB connected drive. Windows 8 and above can be installed to USB flash/hard/solid state drives using a utility like WinToUSB and booted to.

 

You can get 8.1/10 ISOs for free with Microsoft's Media Creation Tools for either/both (Google for it/them). You'd need to purchase a Product Key.

You can purchase Pro Product Keys from here for $39 US each. I've used this site for several Product Keys and have not had any problems.

 

Purchasing is a problem, since it's not one machine, but 2.
Thanks for the tips though Appreciate it.

 

Sorry I couldn't find a cheaper price for Win 8.1 or 10. I recently purchased a Win 7 Ultimate Key for $16 but, no such price for 8.1/10.

 

Downside of Microsoft still having monopoly *sigh* Thank you for looking

 

Where?

 

Ebay. I think it's still available. Let me check.

 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...nal+license+for+1+Pc+(multilenguage)&_sacat=0

 

Thanks!