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    Flash memory / USB key as ODD replacement?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Jackboot, Mar 15, 2009.

  1. Jackboot

    Jackboot Notebook Deity

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    I am one of the rare geeks that has NOT purchased a USB key yet! :eek:

    However, I would like to try to ditch optical disks and it seems a USB key is a possible replacement. The reason that I've continued using ODD is to keep OS and ISO installations simple. But this also requires having a USB ODD since my notebooks have not had an integrated ODD for some time (Lenovo x-series).

    Am I correct that OS and ISO installations can easily be accomplished with a USB key? As I understand it, this is possible by:

    1) Using a utility like diskpart to partition the flash drive and assign it a drive letter
    2) Using a utility that will extract ISO contents so that they can be transfered from C: to the flash drive (what's the best freeware one?)

    Can anyone confirm this for me?

    Also, can anyone recommend a good 4GB USB key - fast, inexpensive, and easily available?
     
    Jackboot, Mar 15, 2009
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