[REQUEST] Problems with Windows AIO flash drive.

[Valhalla_tech]

Hey gang:

One of the things I've never been able to figure out in a in-depth manner, is creating an AIO solution for installing Windows. Basically, I like have a flash drive with all the viable versions of Windows on it (7,8.1,10, etc.) I've tried to create on using a combination of tools, WinAIO Maker Pro, NT Lite (for slipstreaming updates), and, of course, Rufus. However, I had no luck. I could only get the installation to recognize only one of the versions of Windows, even though all of the versions were saved to the ISO. Could be because I was trying to make it dual architecture, which I don't think is possible, but I'm not sure.

Anyhoo, I got my hands on a, ready made, 64 bit AIO, with the aforementioned Windows versions. When I tested it on a virtual machine, that I used VMWare Workstation to create, it loads the setup with a Windows 10 interface and installed fine. However, I'm on site, ATM, and tried to launch recovery console on a Windows 10 machine, and now it's loading the setup environment with Windows 7 interface, and, of course, won't launch the recovery console, because it's trying to launch the Windows 7 recovery console on a Windows 10 machine, which doesn't work.

I'm wondering, how do I determine what interface the setup launcher uses? Why would the Windows 10 environment load on my VM, but Windows 7 load on a physical machine? And, ideally, what is the best way to create my own AIO, so I can customize it. What are the best and/or easiest tools to use, etc.? Thanks to any and all suggestions, comments, and support, in advance.



Cheers,

Fred Smith
Valhalla Tech

 

[Valhalla_tech]

Well, I'm an idiot. I just remembered I had the VM boot directly from the ISO I downloaded, and never actually burned it to the flash drive, because I wanted to test it first. So, the flash drive still had the garbage AIO image that I created. That's why the setup environments were different, lolz.

The other questions still stand. How can I determine what setup environment gets used and the best way to create an AIO installer.

 

[GTP]

I just use Rufus but I use a seperate USB for each OS. I like to keep it simple.
I do have a bootable USB drive that I created using Yumi with several versions of Linux, both 32 and 64 bit, Windows 7, 8.1,
NT password reset tool, and several backup and partitioning tools.

Some on here will have better systems/methods to suggest, but it's whatever works for you that matters.

 

[Larry Sabo]

Search for posts on Zalman or IODD. They make life so much more enjoyable when it comes to booting ISOs of various flavours.

 

[LostBit]

I like to make AIO isos for one Windows version, several Editions and one architecture only.

Then drop such isos onto a USB stick formatted and bootable with this tool:
http://www.easy2boot.com/

 

[Doc+Com]

Search for posts on Zalman or IODD. They make life so much more enjoyable when it comes to booting ISOs of various flavours.

As Larry Says....plus install an SSD in your IODD for installs in minutes....you'll never look back.

 

[Altster]

Y.U.M.I. is the easiest to use. I have made (all of) my AIO Windows 7 USB sticks which has both 32-bit & 64-bit editions on it. It's easy to do and there are many good references online on how to make these. Search for information on how to edit "efi.cfg" file. Such as:

https://www.raymond.cc/blog/create-x86-x64-all-one-windows-7-iso/

 

[HFultzjr]

Search for posts on Zalman or IODD. They make life so much more enjoyable when it comes to booting ISOs of various flavours.

^^^^^^^ This^^^^^^^^
Put them and all your other .iso on and update as necessary.

 

[Valhalla_tech]

Those virtual drives look perfect. I've never heard of them before. Thanks everyone.

 

[Valhalla_tech]

I'm wondering if I should get the IODD 2541 or 2531. I'm all about having the latest models, barring any bugs, of course. I've heard the buttons on the 2541 are cumbersome. Anyone know how accurate that claim is?

 

[Larry Sabo]

I've had the Zalman equivalent to both models and currently use the equivalent to the 2541. The buttons do take some getting used to and sometimes multiple presses to register but it's not a big deal. Personally, I would go with the 2541.

I've had three Zalman's of successive generations and the first two failed one after another. One can only hope they are getting more reliable as they evolve.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that you should press on the numbers beside the chevrons ("Vs") and not the chevrons themselves to go into sub-menus.

 

[Doc+Com]

I have an older Zalman and the IODD 2451. I used the Zalman all the time until I bought the IODD about 8 months ago and now I only use the IODD. Yes, the buttons can be a bit quirky but I got used to them and the menu system and its my 'goto' drive now.

 

[Markverhyden]

And for doing the heavy lifting I like WinAIO Maker Pro. About as simple as it gets.

 

[Your PCMD]

Get an iODD and call it a day. Really, its that simple. Money back on the very first job using it.

 

[Valhalla_tech]

Okay, so I pulled the trigger on the IODD 2541. I haven't tested it out in the field, yet, but I already love it. However, I've noticed that when transferring files to it, the transfer rate is sub-par; usually teetering between 20 - 130 MB/s. I have a brand new 120 GB SANDisk Plus SSD in it. All the firmware is up-to-date. And the scenario is the same whether I transfer from my portable Seagate external drive, PNY flash drive, or even my computer that has a Samsung 840 Pro SSD. I'm wondering if that is normal. Is it a limitation of the device or USB 3.0? I've never ran a SSD through USB before. It's not really a big deal; I was just expecting much faster transfer speeds, considering it's a SSD.

 

[Your PCMD]

Okay, so I pulled the trigger on the IODD 2541

Good for you, you'll be happy you did that. As far as the speed, I have a Samsung 850 EVO 500GB and it gets around 140ish to 160ish transfer, but that is the limitation of the USB3. With USB 3.1 I hit 200ish.

But thats not what you buy the iODD for. You got it for the ease of use when installing the OS from the _ISO folder and also, if you use Fabs and something like pStart on the same drive, you have an AIO solution.

I have 5 iODDs now all with the aforementioned programs and isos on it. 2 for shop, 2 for mobile and 1 for a backup. Best investment ever and paid for themselves multiple times over.

 

[Krynn72]

I'm wondering if that is normal. Is it a limitation of the device or USB 3.0?

Thats a pretty normal speed range, and yes its mainly due to USB 3. The reason for the wide range is due to the size/type of files which will take differing amounts of time to copy over as well. So yeah it seems normal to me. Main reason to use an SSD in them is not for speed, but for low power consumption so it can easily be powered by only one USB port.

 

[Valhalla_tech]

Thanks guys. I'm definitely not sweating the speed, it's adequate. Just wondering. As far as convenience, it more than pays for itself.

 

[Markverhyden]

Just the time saved not having to wank around with multiple USB sticks/DVD's is worth it alone.

 

[Briggsy]

Just the time saved not having to wank around with multiple USB sticks/DVD's is worth it alone.

Plus it stops clients from becoming angry should they catch you wanking around their premises.....