Bootable USB from a USB partition?

[Alir]

So... I purchased Windows 8.1 Pro Student: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/Windows-8.1-Pro-Student/productID.288533400

 

I have the option to install the OS from a bootable USB. Is it possible to partition the USB, so part of the USB is an OS and the other part is usable to save files on?

 

Just want to clear this up - though I'll just go for a windows 8.1 disc - £10 extra and then create a bootable USB at some point in the future on a partition as a backup.

 

So... can I create a bootable OS on a partition?

 

Note: The bootable OS isn't the actual OS; it will allow me to install the OS onto another drive - in this case my SSD.

[Archangel1994]

You can just make the entire USB bootable and it needs to be formatted prior to that and I believe that automatically makes the entire flash drive one partition.

[Aniallation]

So... can I create a bootable OS on a partition?

 

Note: The bootable OS isn't the actual OS; it will allow me to install the OS onto another drive - in this case my SSD.

Just make the entire flash drive bootable, then make a folder on the bootable flash drive and use it to house your files. It won't affect the Windows installation, as the install just uses the files it needs. Any other files can be placed on a bootable USB normally without causing problems.

[Alir]

You can just make the entire USB bootable and it needs to be formatted prior to that and I believe that automatically makes the entire flash drive one partition.

 

 

Just make the entire flash drive bootable, then make a folder on the bootable flash drive and use it to house your files. It won't affect the Windows installation, as the install just uses the files it needs. Any other files can be placed on a bootable USB normally without causing problems.

 

Oh - thanks - I thought the partition with the OS would be unreadable or something. cheers

[Alir]

or unreadable when inserting it into a PC, with an OS already installed if that makes sense

[Aniallation]

or unreadable when inserting it into a PC, with an OS already installed if that makes sense

Nope. As long as you make the USB bootable first with something like the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool (don't worry about it saying Win 7, it works with 8/8.1/10) and all the Windows install files are present on the USB, the Windows installation doesn't care what else you put on the USB after. It will just take what it needs.

[Alir]

Nope. As long as you make the USB bootable first with something like the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool (don't worry about it saying Win 7, it works with 8/8.1/10) and all the Windows install files are present on the USB, the Windows installation doesn't care what else you put on the USB after. It will just take what it needs.

 

 

cheers