FlashBoot

To install a Windows operating system on a computer, a CD/DVD drive is obviously needed. You could say that it is the most important part of the computer during the installation process. If it fails, your computer will be without an operating system for some time. Scenarios like this can be avoided with FlashBoot. It is capable of converting a Windows installation disc to a bootable USB device and more. Instead of installing your operating system from a disc, you can install it from a USB drive.

The application works with different operating systems, such as Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, SysLinux or GRUB4DOS discs, Linux kernel and others. The 23.0 MB setup file may take a bit longer to download, with a slower connection, but the installation procedure is straightforward and fast.

Essentially, FlashBoot is a wizard. Once you pass the Welcome screen, you may choose one of five tasks and the wizard will guide you through different settings, depending on your choice. Besides converting an installation CD or DVD to a bootable USB device, you can also convert from a floppy disc or another USB drive. It is also possible to install a mini OS, like Windows NT password editor, FreeDOS, Minimal SysLinux and others, on a USB device.

Before the software starts converting an installation disc, you will have to select your disc drive, choose a scenario, like converting a Windows CD, extracting the recovery console from the CD and others. After selecting a USB drive, volume label and a file system, you may select one or more cluster sizes and different values for disk geometry or unallocated space at the end of the disk. When you are done with the settings, the program will format your USB device and it will start converting.

Alternatively, you can work with image files. The software lets you convert image files as well. Moreover, you may create an image file, instead of a bootable USB device. If you want to use a USB device normally, the software lets you format it or wipe it right away.