Is it possible to install OS from external HDD?
Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Is it possible to install OS from external HDD?

  1. April 12th, 2012, 10:56 PM #1
    Fuelm@n's Avatar
    Fuelm@n
    Fuelm@n is offline Content Adviser
    Join Date
    Jan 2002
    Location
    Austin, Texas USA
    Posts
    2,691

    Post Is it possible to install OS from external HDD?

    Was left with a Dell MTG (5 yrs old) computer 4 months ago to fix, I hadn't had the time to fix it. I believe the HDD is bad and the internal disc player does not work and a replacement for that model runs around 130$. Looking to replace the HDD, my only option is to see if I'd be able to reinstall the OS from an external HDD.

    Thanks everyone...
    "Dreams are born in your heart and in your mind, only there can they ever die." - Art Berg
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  2. April 13th, 2012, 04:09 AM #2
    Steve R Jones's Avatar
    Steve R Jones
    Steve R Jones is offline Administrator
    Join Date
    Sep 1999
    Location
    Clearwater, Fl.
    Posts
    22,609
    You'd have better luck with an external cd/dvd drive... But either way, you need to look in the BIOS to see what the Boot Sequence options are. Can it boot from an external source.

    You might be able to get a hard drive WITH the OS on if from Dell. They have em sitting around for warranty replacements.
    If you're happy and you know it......it's your meds.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  3. April 13th, 2012, 04:51 AM #3
    SpywareDr's Avatar
    SpywareDr
    SpywareDr is offline VirtualDr PC Specialist
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Maryland, USA
    Posts
    17,806
    External DVD burners start at $34.99, including shipping.
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ree%20Shipping
    Doc - Citizen Lab's "Security Planner" (Bruce Schneier advisor) - Motherboard's comprehensive "Guide to Not Getting Hacked" - EFF's "Surveillance Self-Defense" - Bleeping Computer - Security News

    MAGA = Make Aerosmith Great Again | Mexicans Always Get Across
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  4. April 13th, 2012, 09:10 AM #4
    Fuelm@n's Avatar
    Fuelm@n
    Fuelm@n is offline Content Adviser
    Join Date
    Jan 2002
    Location
    Austin, Texas USA
    Posts
    2,691
    Yes I meant to say installing from external cd-rom player. I can't see how to edit my post to correct my mistakes...

    I figured I'd have to change boot sequence in bios for this to work. Guess my real question should of been if I could boot from an external disc player...
    "Dreams are born in your heart and in your mind, only there can they ever die." - Art Berg
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  6. April 13th, 2012, 09:20 AM #5
    Steve R Jones's Avatar
    Steve R Jones
    Steve R Jones is offline Administrator
    Join Date
    Sep 1999
    Location
    Clearwater, Fl.
    Posts
    22,609
    IF the BIOS supports it, it should work fine.
    If you're happy and you know it......it's your meds.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  7. April 13th, 2012, 09:38 AM #6
    wonderinguy34's Avatar
    wonderinguy34
    wonderinguy34 is offline Virtual PC Specialist!!!
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
    Location
    Nanaimo ,B.C. Canada
    Posts
    2,337
    Another option is to use a USB/thumb drive ,if the BIOS supports it.I have found it useful on my Netbook,since it doesn't have a cd/dvd drive and there are several online how-to's depending on Operating system.It may be a cheaper option to having to buy an external drive,unless you already have one laying around.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  8. April 13th, 2012, 10:19 AM #7
    SuperSparks's Avatar
    SuperSparks
    SuperSparks is offline Friend of Site Staff
    Join Date
    Apr 2000
    Location
    Friern Barnet, London, England
    Posts
    46,565
    Or you should be able to install Windows from another computer on the LAN:

    http://tzim.net/page-win-netinstall-en/?lang=en
    Nick.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Forum Rules