How do I set the BIOS to boot from USB?

[WIEZZY]

I just cloned my primary SSD onto an external SSD for backup purposes. I can access all the files in the new external drive via Windows Explorer like normal, but when I try to boot from the drive it gives me the "Reboot and select proper boot device" message.

I've never really booted anything from USB before, so I was wondering if there's something I need to enable in the BIOS that I'm missing.

Also, there are two options for the external drive in the boot menu, one starting with "USB:" and one with "UEFI: (NTFS)". Neither one boots, but I was wondering what the difference is. Here is a pic (StoreJet):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wiezzy/17323516385/in/photostream/lightbox/

Thanks!




System Info:
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate x64
MB: ASRock Z97 Extreme6
CPU: Intel i7-4790k
CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i
CPU Compound: GELID GC-Extreme
GPU: Nvidia Geforce 780ti
RAM: G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8GB) F3-2133C9D-16GXH
SSD1 (SYS): Crucial MX100 (512GB)
SSD2: Crucial M500 (480GB)
HDD1: Toshiba DT01ACA300 (3TB)
HDD2: WD WD1502FAEX-007BA (1.5TB)
PSU: Raidmax RX-1000AE
Chassis: Apeva X-TRP-GN
BR Burner: Lite-On IHBS112-04
Card Reader: Koutech IO-RCM430
Fan Control: NZXT Sentry-2
WiFi Card: ASUS PCE-N13

 

[clutchc]

I don't think Win7 allows booting from an external drive. I believe the OS and boot sectors must be on C: drive only.
You can verify by tapping the boot menu key for your motherboard (usually the same key as for safe mode (F8). Or possibly F11) at start up. Then see if the USB drive is offered for a boot option.

 

[WIEZZY]

I don't think Win7 allows booting from an external drive. I believe the OS and boot sectors must be on C: drive only.
You can verify by tapping the boot menu key for your motherboard (usually the same key as for safe mode (F8). Or possibly F11) at start up. Then see if the USB drive is offered for a boot option.

The external drive is offered in both the above versions (one starting with "USB:" and one with "UEFI: (NTFS)") in the F11 boot menu, but the result is the same when I select them.

 

[clutchc]

Okay. Maybe that doesn't prove anything, after all. But if the OS on the USB drive is a "clone" of the one on the SSD, I suspect the boot sector does not contain the correct pointers to boot the OS since it is now on a different drive. You'd have to actually INSTALL windows to the USB drive. If that is your goal, maybe this will help: http://www.nextofwindows.com/how-to-easily-install-windows-7-8-onto-an-external-usb-storage-with-pwboot/

 

[WIEZZY]

Okay. Maybe that doesn't prove anything, after all. But if the OS on the USB drive is a "clone" of the one on the SSD, I suspect the boot sector does not contain the correct pointers to boot the OS since it is now on a different drive. You'd have to actually INSTALL windows to the USB drive. If that is your goal, maybe this will help: http://www.nextofwindows.com/how-to-easily-install-windows-7-8-onto-an-external-usb-storage-with-pwboot/

I don't think so.. I've cloned drives plenty of times and they always boot - but they've always been to normal, internal SSDs. The only difference here is the USB/external factor.