Windows 7 Usb tool not recognizing flash drive.

[raguelsorednal]

I'm trying to create a bootable flash drive for windows 7 using their tool, however it is not recognizing my Sandisk glide 8gb flash drive. Whats going on?

 

[theclouds]

First, confirm the USB is recognized outside the tool. IF you were to go to My Computer, do you see it?

Yes? Then next step,

I usually recommend Windows 7 USB Download Tool, bc it breaks down each step clearly, and it looks clean. When it fails, I use Rufus.

Download link: http://rufus.akeo.ie/

Just choose device it should recognize your Sandisk, then the Windows 7 iso. Click Start.

TIP: Make sure you have .NET Framework installed. Cheers

 

[aignerad]

I just spoke with Sandisk Technical Support and they stated that they DO NOT RECOMMEND that ANY of their flash drive products be used as bootable drives. Which I wish I'd known before I shelled out money for this 16 GB Cruz. I wonder if there are any flash drive brands which ARE recommended?

 

[popatim]

Several Sandisks I have owned has software on it that loads when you stick the drive into your PC. Its been a while and I forgot what they call it. You will need to get rid of it, they have a utility to do it, and reformat the flashdrive as just a normal flashdrive and it will work fine.

 

[ssurell]

I just spoke with Sandisk Technical Support and they stated that they DO NOT RECOMMEND that ANY of their flash drive products be used as bootable drives. Which I wish I'd known before I shelled out money for this 16 GB Cruz. I wonder if there are any flash drive brands which ARE recommended?

That's all I use them for, the 4gb cruzer is big enough for a linux os and small enough to be compatible with older computer boot bios' I don't have a real answer though, I repartitioned my cruzer and now usb utilities don't recognize it as such and the os thinks it's a solid state hard drive. Still works as a boot drive though.

 

[ezzashater]

http://rufus.akeo.ie/
try this.... i think it will work .
Enjoy

 

[graemeevans]

The newer Sandisk devices I have identify themselves as fixed disks not removable when connected. Odd. It prevents them being seen by the Windows 7 USB tool... but Rufus works just fine.

 

[pcgneurotic]

Many, many thanks for the Rufus tip! I'm here in March 2014 with a new 8Gb Sandisk USB and my Win 7 ISO, and a Windows 7 USB Download Tool that refuses to recognise it. Et voila, Rufus has taken care of the entire process perfectly!

 

[stuntz0rZ]

I have a brand new Verbatim stor 'n go flash drive 4gb and i can confirm that the newer usb flash drives are not working in Microsoft Windows 7 USB / DVD tool. Some older ones worked just fine but not the new ones!

 

[chrishuff1]

The individual above who said they show up as fixed disk drives hit the nail on the head. My new 8gb drive is fixed disk while my 2 year old 32gb drive is removable. The 32 removable is seen while the 8 fixed is not.

 

[Tiago Moritz]

I was looking for the solution of this problem and i found it in this thread.. I used the Rufus program to rip my ISO to my scandisk stick that wasnt recognising with the "Windows 7 USB/DVD Downloads Tools" and Rufus works fine to me as well.. thanks!

 

[fcabanski]

I used Rufus. When I boot from the USB or from a DVD with Win 8.1, instead of beginning the install process it boots into the existing Win XP. I am trying to create a dual boot Win 8.1 on an existing Win XP system.

 

[CROOKID]

I don't mean to necro but I just wanted to thank the answer. Years later and you're still helping people!

I can't use the auto USB boot exe from MS because my key is from Win 8 (apparently a Win 8 product key does not work with a clean 8.1 install). I tried using the Win 7 tool as directed by an MS customer service rep and it would not recognize my USB 3.0 Sandisk thumb drive.

TLDR; Rufus worked flawlessly.