How can I install the OS without an internal DVD drive?

[Guest]

Hello,

I'm trying to pick a case right now and some of the cases I'm interested in don't have any external drive bays, so I'm wondering how I would install the OS? I looked online to see if an external DVD drive would work and I saw some people say it did, others say it didn't so I'm not sure if it actually will work. If that won't work is there another way?

 

[ThatVietGuy]

Using a bootable USB drive is the most common way.

You can make one using a Windows ISO or Windows installation disk and a tool provided by Microsoft: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool

 

[Guest]

I checked that out and clicked on their Windows 8 instructions, but none of the expandable headlines say anything about installing via bootable USB. I don't even know how that would work honestly, would I still need to buy physical media or buy from MS store online?

 

[USAFRet]

An external DVD drive will work, or create a bootable USB with this:
Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool

Either way, you still need to buy it.

 

[Guest]

An external DVD drive will work, or create a bootable USB with this:
Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool

Either way, you still need to buy it.

Well I already have an external DVD drive so I'll just get the discs, thanks!