- 1). Insert the Vista installation disc into the computer's optical drive (exit out of the Installation Setup window if it automatically pops up). Make note of the DVD's letter drive within Windows Explorer. Insert the USB flash drive into an open USB slot.
- 2). Open the Windows Start menu and type "cmd" to bring up the Command Prompt within the search results. Right-click the utility and select "Run as Administrator." Enter your administrator password to continue.
- 3). Type "diskpart" into the Command Prompt window and hit the "Enter" key. Type "list volume" and hit "Enter." Make note of the associated drive letter and volume number of the inserted USB flash drive (listed as "Removable Media").
- 4). Type "select volume #" (using the noted number) and hit "Enter." Type "active" and hit "Enter." Type "exit" and hit "Enter."
- 5). Type "cd D:\Boot\" (replacing "D" with the DVD's drive letter noted in step 1) and hit "Enter." This changes directories to the "Boot" folder on the Windows Vista DVD. This folder contains the utility needed to make the flash drive bootable.
- 6). Type "bootsect /nt60 E:" (replace "E" with the USB drive letter noted in step 3) and hit "Enter." Once the command completes, "Successfully updated NTFS filesystem bootcode" will be displayed and the USB drive is fully bootable. Exit the Command Prompt.
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