hp pavilion a6742p cannot install Windows 7 Ultimate from USB

[Imalabil]

I need to replace Vista 64 bit since it's not supported any longer and have loaded the ISO Win 7 Ultimate file onto a USB, but cannot boot from the USB.  Have tried all USB ports  on the machine.  Am using the original BIOS that came with the tower.  I can find SMI_USB_DISK in the boot choices (ESC when booting up) but get Missing Operating System after choosing it.  I've confirmed the ISO file is on the USB.   USB choice does not appear in boot menue.  This computer uses Intel ICH9 family USB Universal Host Controllers.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

I suggest you put the ISO file on a DVD.

Use this tool to transfer the ISO file to a DVD so that the DVD is bootable.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

[Imalabil]

This did the trick - THANKS!

[mdklassen]

Computers that had Vista pre-installed were manufactured between April 2007 (when Vista was released) and early 2011 (when Windows 7 was released).  So, your disk-drive is between SIX and TEN years old, if you still are using the original disk-drive.

Would you drive an automobile with 6-year-old tires until January 2020 (when Microsoft's support for Windows 7 will end)?

Would you use a computer with a 6-year-old disk-drive for another 3 years?

I suppose that you could, if you regularly create good "backup" copies of your personal files/bookmarks/E-mail.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, @Imalabil .