first I'm sorry for opening this topic as many people will say that everything about this has been said before, but... I've been trying for the last 2 hours, to understand how can I install my v-lited x64 vista ultimate from an usb flash drive using usb_multiboot_10.cmd. And I still don't get it. Do I have to use xp source files to boot using boot.ini and then select grub4dos to start vista bootmgr? I have formatted my usb using petousb.exe, using fat filesystem, then I started the usb_multiboot_10.cmd, chose 'n' in the first choice list cause I already formatted the drive. But then in the next menu I don't know what to do. If I press v to add vista source files the program stops. I tried various other things but it always asks me xp source files. All I want is to install vista from my usb drive, can anyone please tell me step by step what do I have to do to get there cause I'm going crazy searching this forums for answers and I'm lost. Thank you very much for your responses in advance.

This post has been edited by marauder16: Aug 30 2008, 12:24 PM

Use a Sandisk Cruzer with U3 and start reading here:

http://www.msfn.org/board/Install-XP-from-...th-t121502.html

MGE

This post has been edited by mg.eggink: Aug 27 2008, 11:03 AM

hm, I don't think you understood my question, let me make it simpler. I'm just wondering how to make my usb boot to the Multi_boot.ini menu? I believe I can manage from there.

Install vista via USB is so easy.
Just copy the setups files to the main root of the usb and launch.
Use the following command in cmd to copy:
xcopy d:\*.* /s/e/f e:\

d:\*.* is your vista instalation files location
and e:\ is your usb drive letter.

He wants to boot off the USB not just copy the files to it.

I tried that way zach_h long ago, some guy has written a guide mentioning that way but I don't see how could it have worked without a different boot sector...

• Connect your USB-stick and Launch USB_MultiBoot_10.cmd
• Type H to Format with HP Format Tool - Select your stick and NTFS FileSystem - Start Format - End with Close
• Type 1 to Select your XP Source - necessary to get USB-stick XP BootFiles
• Type 2 to select your USB-stick
• Type V to Select your Vista Source
• Type 3 to Make MultiBoot USB-Drive
• In Message - XP Setup UserData winnt.sif - Select Cancel - you don't need it for Vista
• In Message - Copy XP Source To USB-Drive - about 15 minutes
  Select No = Only Copy EXTRA Sources To USB-Drive - ScreenShot 13
  (You don't need XP Source on stick but only the XP Bootfiles)

When the stick is Ready then Reboot from USB-stick

• Press F8 to Select USB-stick from BIOS BootMenu
• OR Press Delete / F2 to Change BIOS Settings so that USB-stick is First Harddisk as First Boot Device

In boot.ini Menu - black screen
Select 4. Start GRUB4DOS Menu - DOS FPY IMAGES + Linux + XP Rec Cons + Vista

In GRUB4DOS Menu - blue screen
Select title 12 - Start Vista Setup - Load bootmgr From USB-HD 0 - Partition 0

In Vista Setup After FileCopy then:
Exactly on first Reboot and NOT Before - Remove your USB-stick to Continue Vista Setup

More Info:
ScreenShots of USB_MultiBoot_10.cmd - ScreenShots
Tutorial on Install of XP from USB at BootLand Forum - Tutorial

This post has been edited by wimb: Aug 31 2008, 12:52 AM

thank you very very much wimb, first for this program, and of course for this post here. everything is now clear and in one place, thank you once more =)