How to create ISO on USB for fresh install on new SSD

[Barty1884]

Hi all!

So, I finally got around to upgrading my RAM, and cleaned out the fan on my Acer Aspire 5733 (although I can't seem to secure the screen hinges back properly so I wish I didn't bother with the fan!), but I'm having an issue.

I cloned my HDD to the Samsung 840 EVO with the 'Samsung Data Migration' software, but the system won't boot. I didn't note down the exact error message but, by my research, I didn't ensure ACHI was set before I cloned? (IDE still shows beside the drive in BIOS, but I've enabled ACHI in the BIOS now).

Anyway, I'm back to the drawing board & I'd just like to do a fresh install of Windows 7 onto the SSD once it's installed.

My question:
How do I create an ISO file onto an external HDD to then install to the SSD?
I'm assuming once I've got the ISO onto the HDD, I change the boot order with USB as the 1st, then it'll install onto the SSD? Please let me know if I'm misunderstanding.

It's an OEM copy of windows, and I have the product key (if it matters).

Thanks everyone!

 

[pcgaming98]

You can use the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool.

https/www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

 

[Barty1884]

Will that work for OEM copies of Windows? And not just retail copies? It reads like I have to buy an ISO from the Microsoft Store first.

Also, am I correct in my thinking, once it's on the USB, boot from there & it will install on the SSD?

 

[pcgaming98]

It should work with any ISO copy of Windows.

If you happen to receive an "Invalid ISO" error, follow these steps:

Download PowerISO.

Open the ISO.

Under Properties, uncheck Joliet & ISO 9660. Then check UDF.

Save file as. Then it should work.

 

[Barty1884]

None of the links appear to work to obtain a Windows 7 ISO ?

Acer does have "Acer Recovery Management" which I believe can make recovery disks (hopefully it's able to create a recovery file on an external HDD too), I'll try that first.

Do I enable AHCI in BIOS before creating the ISO? Or before I install the OS to the SSD?

 

[photonboy]

I'd probably do THIS:

1) Install Windows 10 Preview (will post below)

2) Later when asked to Activate (July?) it's likely you would then just type in your W7 serial but it will be possible. You also won't have to reinstall W10 to replace the preview version; it will update.

 

[photonboy]

Windows 10:

1. Register, then download the W10 64-bit ISO image:
http/windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/preview-iso

2. BURN the image to thumb drive if no DVD drive
(I found your post confusing. The ISO isn't simply copies. Regardless burn a DVD image if DVD drive or use Rufus to thumb drive if no DVD drive)
https/rufus.akeo.ie/

(for DVD use imgburn or similar)

3. Boot to Installation media (may need to change BIOS boot order so DVD/USB is first ahead of Windows drive)

4. Install VIDEO drivers, other drivers/software as needed.

 

[pcgaming98]

If you're looking for us to give you a free Windows 7 ISO, we can't do that. Distributing piracy links isn't allowed.

 

[photonboy]

None of the links appear to work to obtain a Windows 7 ISO ?

Acer does have "Acer Recovery Management" which I believe can make recovery disks (hopefully it's able to create a recovery file on an external HDD too), I'll try that first.

Do I enable AHCI in BIOS before creating the ISO? Or before I install the OS to the SSD?

1) Acer Recovery requires you to burn the disks when Windows is still functional.

2) Acer will give you no support if Warranty is expired.

3) AHCI should be on prior to a fresh install. (and yes, that might have been your issue... I think there was a workaround such as forcing AHCI to Windows while running IDE in BIOS, then clone, switch to AHCI... but regardless I still recommend the W10 approach).

4) On before burning ISO image?
Not sure what you mean since I didn't think you had a working system. Regardless whatever system you burn the ISO image to DVD/Thumb drive the state of the BIOS doesn't matter. The data will be EXACTLY the same on the install media. Again, it really only matters that AHCI is on in the BIOS before you start installing Windows to the SSD.

 

[Barty1884]

No, I'm not looking for a free Windows 7 ISO (well, at least not exactly), I'm trying to figure out if I can create an ISO from my own (legal) version of Windows. I paid for a laptop, including an OEM windows license, so I assumed I wouldn't have to pay again simply to reinstall on a SSD (afterall, isn't that what recovery software is primarily for? Incase your HDD / SSD fails?)

I'm assuming Acer Recovery Management can create a recovery ISO that I can then install onto the SSD.

 

[Barty1884]

None of the links appear to work to obtain a Windows 7 ISO ?

Acer does have "Acer Recovery Management" which I believe can make recovery disks (hopefully it's able to create a recovery file on an external HDD too), I'll try that first.

Do I enable AHCI in BIOS before creating the ISO? Or before I install the OS to the SSD?

1) Acer Recovery requires you to burn the disks when Windows is still functional.

2) Acer will give you no support if Warranty is expired.

3) AHCI should be on prior to a fresh install. (and yes, that might have been your issue... I think there was a workaround such as forcing AHCI to Windows while running IDE in BIOS, then clone, switch to AHCI... but regardless I still recommend the W10 approach).

4) On before burning ISO image?
Not sure what you mean since I didn't think you had a working system. Regardless whatever system you burn the ISO image to DVD/Thumb drive the state of the BIOS doesn't matter. The data will be EXACTLY the same on the install media. Again, it really only matters that AHCI is on in the BIOS before you start installing Windows to the SSD.

1) Windows 7 is still functional.....on the HDD.

2) Warranty is LONG since expired. Worst-case-scenario, I'll just buy a new laptop. I've been trying to justify it anyway, but I'd rather get it up and running the way I hoped/intended.

3) AHCI is definitely where I think I messed up. Everything was still IDE when I cloned the drive.
I'll go the fresh install route & ensure AHCI is set in the BIOS prior to install.

4) Oh no, I have a 100% working system on my HDD. I simply thought I could clone everything to the SSD and continue

Thanks for your input photonboy, you've been a great help so far!
As far as Windows 10 goes, I just don't like the idea. I'm not a fan of W8, and W10 just looks like W8 on steroids (I know it's a vastly different OS, but I think I'll cling to W7 until the move is 100% necessary).

 

[Barty1884]

Found this:
http/acer--uk.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/14303/~/create-a-recovery-usb-flash-drive-with-acer-erecovery-management-5.x

Assuming it'll work & then install 'fresh' on the SSD (albeit with all the bloatware that came with the laptop initially)

 

[Barty1884]

Well, Acer's recovery didn't work.

I did however find an ISO online (a mirror of the DigitalRiver ISOs which have been taken down - I won't post the link here, as I'm not sure whether it's allowed or not),

Used Rufus to mount the bootable ISO onto a blank external HDD and installed from there. OEM product key was accepted for activation.

Love the lack of bloatware, and all drivers were available from Acer's website. Quick process all-in-all.