Flash Drive > ISO (reverse of usual order)

06-08-2016, 06:40 PM

We all understand converting ISO images from USB or discs to work with. I regularly perform live Windows installs on 64GB USB drives each month (mainly full Windows 10) and aim to create a multi-boot USB. Can someone suggest a method to convert a currently used flash drive into an ISO file? This way, others could use tools like RUFUS to install the same bootable system onto another identical drive. Also, a quick question—any information on booting VHD files? I’m aware support for this feature was introduced after Windows 7 but am now exploring it.

HajsSieZgadza

06-08-2016, 06:40 PM #1

iiMiaaa
Member

200

06-09-2016, 06:12 AM

It seems there isn't a simple solution. Windows might react strongly if things are moved this way, and keeping the drives functional could be challenging.

iiMiaaa

06-09-2016, 06:12 AM #2

It seems there isn't a simple solution. Windows might react strongly if things are moved this way, and keeping the drives functional could be challenging.

ngaiyan
Member

141

06-10-2016, 08:20 AM

I realized that idea, though you can easily capture images of bootable drives. This works perfectly with an image file, and I’d be glad to do it using one. Just need the file size to stay under the drive’s total capacity. The goal is a compact 64GB SSD capable of multibooting several Linux distributions and running a functional Windows 10 live environment.

ngaiyan

06-10-2016, 08:20 AM #3

zrandall111
Junior Member

06-12-2016, 11:26 PM

You can generate .ISO files from USB in the same manner as from DVDs, etc. It’s unclear if creating a functional ISO image from a working system will behave identically.

zrandall111

06-12-2016, 11:26 PM #4

You can generate .ISO files from USB in the same manner as from DVDs, etc. It’s unclear if creating a functional ISO image from a working system will behave identically.

CrazyMadMan42
Member

06-13-2016, 02:49 AM

Imgburn has worked well for me before. I’m familiar with the dd command on Mac OS and Linux, though I prefer typing by keyboard.

CrazyMadMan42

06-13-2016, 02:49 AM #5

Imgburn has worked well for me before. I’m familiar with the dd command on Mac OS and Linux, though I prefer typing by keyboard.

Chalael
Junior Member

06-14-2016, 01:25 PM

Transfer all files from the USB to the HDD or SSD folder. Generate an .iso file using imgburn with the contents of that folder.

Chalael

06-14-2016, 01:25 PM #6

Transfer all files from the USB to the HDD or SSD folder. Generate an .iso file using imgburn with the contents of that folder.

Gigi29
Junior Member

06-14-2016, 09:07 PM

This would not preserve the ability to boot Windows, as the person is currently using it.

Gigi29

06-14-2016, 09:07 PM #7

This would not preserve the ability to boot Windows, as the person is currently using it.

Camouflagic
Junior Member

06-15-2016, 04:31 AM

I discovered a storage case from IODD featuring updated firmware capable of handling ISOs and supporting dual mounting via a single USB port.

Camouflagic

06-15-2016, 04:31 AM #8

I discovered a storage case from IODD featuring updated firmware capable of handling ISOs and supporting dual mounting via a single USB port.