Running a Virtual PC on a USB: A Comprehensive Guide

Do you need a virtual PC that can run off a USB device? This guide will walk you through the steps required to install an operating system and applications on a USB drive. Follow these instructions to set up a portable virtual PC that can be run from any compatible computer.

Method 1: Installing an Operating System

To run a virtual PC on your USB device, you need a few essential components. These include an 8GB USB storage device, a Windows 7 DVD or ISO image file, the Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK), and the NT6 FAST Installer. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Download the Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK)

Start by downloading the Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) for Windows 7. Visit the official Microsoft website for the download link.

Step 2: Install the WAIK

Open the StartCD.exe file. Click on the Windows AIK Setup option, which is on the left side of the window. Click Next to proceed. Agree to the License Terms by clicking the appropriate button. Select the installation folder, either as the default (C:Program FilesWindows AIK) or another location. Click Next to continue. Confirm the installation settings. Click Next again. Complete the installation process. Once the installation is complete, click Close.

Step 3: Download and Extract the NT6 FAST Installer

Next, download the NT6 FAST Installer. You can find the download link on the same page from where you got the WAIK.

Step 4: Run the NT6 FAST Installer

Right-click on the downloaded zip file and select Extract to NT6_Fast_Installer. Right-click on the NT6_Fast_Installer file and select Run as Administrator. A command window will appear. Press Enter to continue the installation process. Press any key to select the install.wim file located on your Windows 7 DVD (found in the sources folder). Choose the operating system image number corresponding to your version (for Windows 7 Pro, choose number 4). Choose the target USB drive letter (for this example, K). Choose the target boot drive (again, K for this example). Confirm the installation by entering y for yes. Choose a Windows drive letter for the new installation (for the example, L). Press Enter to start the installation process.

Step 5: Boot the Operating System

Once your installation reaches 100%, you can boot the operating system from your USB drive.

Method 2: Installing Applications

Once you have your virtual PC running on a USB drive, you can install various applications that you might need when working away from your usual location. Here are some steps to follow:

Step 1: Determine the Required Applications

Based on your needs, you might want to install an email client (if your provider allows POP3 access), a web browser, and possibly office applications or entertainment software.

Step 2: Install and Extract Applications

Install and extract the chosen applications to your USB device. Make sure they are compatible with the version of Windows you’re using.

Step 3: Keep a List of Suggested Applications

Refer to a list of suggested applications to keep your virtual PC organized and functional. Here is a list of recommended applications:

Mail and Calendar: Outlook Browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox Office Suite: Microsoft Office, OpenOffice Entertainment: VLC Media Player, Spotify

By following these instructions, you can create a portable virtual PC that can be run from any compatible computer, providing you with full access to a complete operating environment and applications on the go.