first things first, this is what i needed to build this image:
1. VMware Workstation (i used version 5.5.4 build-44386)
2. Acronis® True Image Echo Enterprise Server® Bootcd (build 8.076)
3. A Windows 7 install DVD (any version)
4. blackbalfur.iso (containing text files and an automated .exe file to add reg files to your image)
5. An USB-HD.
I used this software but you could use something simular ofcourse.
Now lets start, you have to setup your VM and install Windows 7 to it.
Keep it as basic as you can, so don't install any network connection to it and don't
install any driver software to it.
You can change the looks of Windows 7 as you wish and do a bit of cleaning up.
I had choosen a tiny version of Windows 7 to make this image (so that it is only 1,8 GB in size
when it is fully installed and still has most features in it)
But if you wish to use a full version that is possible too!
Now that you did all the things that you have to do to make the os as you like it
we will start making it "Universal".
I included a little blackbalfur.iso file with a folder called "blackbalfur" in it.
There is an option in VMware under devices-->double leftmouse click "CD-ROM (IDE 1:0)-->
Use ISO image--> sellect blackbalfur.iso
Start the VM and in the virtual cdrom you will find the blackbalfur.iso with the
blackbalfur folder--> copy/paste this folder to your desktop.
You have to run the shortcut i included in the make universal folder
(in the blackbalfur folder): devmgmt.msc
sellect "IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers"
there will be two options there rightmouse click the first option--> Update Driver Software-->
Browse my computer for driver software--> Let me pick from a list of device drivers on
my computer-->You will see that there is 1 option and you must choose "cancel" here.
I made you do this step to let you see there is only one option!!!!
Ok now we will take the other option under "IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers"
rightmouse click the second option--> Update Driver Software-->
Browse my computer for driver software--> Let me pick from a list of device drivers on
my computer--> now you can choose between two options sellect
"Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller"-->Next--> close.
Shutdown the computer unsellect the "Use ISO image" under devices and restart.
for the second time run the shortcut "devmgmt.msc" i've uncluded in this folder.
Follow this path: System devices--> Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System--> "right mouse click
this option--> Uninstall--> ok.
This will take some time let it do the magic!
It will ask you to restart the computer now--> sellect "NO"
You must first run the "universal registry.exe" file i included in the make universal folder.
Now shutdown your computer, it is ready to make a backup of it.
There is an option in VMware under devices-->double leftmouse click "CD-ROM (IDE 1:0)-->
Use ISO image--> sellect Acronis.iso (or another bootcd).
Now comes the tricky part we will start the VM again but when you see the boot screen
of VMware left mouse click in the black booting screen and press the "Esc" key.
You must do this fast (before you boot into Windows 7!!!)
Now you are in the Boot Menu of VMware.
Now it is time to plug in your USB-HD and wait a few seconds.
Go to the upper tool bar of VMware ( you can go out VMware by clicking "ctrl" and "alt" at
the same time)
Select VM--> Removable devices--> USB Devices--> your USB device (it will be in this list)
your USB-HDD will be unplugged from your physical computer and will be plugged in your VMware image.
Now you can select "3. CD-ROM Drive" in the Boot Menu of VMware.
your Acronis bootcd will boot and you can backup this Universal Windows 7 image to your USB-HD.
You got your Universal Windows 7 (Acronis) image standing on your USB-HD now and
it is ready to use.
Copy/paste this .tib file to your desktop and format your USB-HD.
Now let your fysical computer boot from the Acronis bootcd and restore the .tib file from
your desktop to your USB-HD.
So you have restored the Image to your USB-HD, now it is time to let your computer boot from
your USB-HD for the first time (set it to boot from USB).
It will find the right drivers on its own, this will take some time (4 minutes)
After installing all the drivers (only not the right video drivers!) it will ask you to Restart.
Don't do this but choose "Restart Later" and first run the "universal registry.exe" i've included
in this folder on the desktop of Windows 7!
Now you can restart the computer and enjoy portable
windows 7.
the first time you restored this image to your USB-HD your USB-HD will be the size you selected in VMware.
to expand it run the "diskmgmt.msc" that i've included in this Expand your hd folder
(In the blackbalfur folder on the desktop of Windows 7).
sellect your USB-HD in here and right mouse click it (It will be C: in here!!!!!)
Sellect "Extend Volume" and run it.
Now it will use your whole USB-HD.
If you want to switch to another computer you have to follow this path:
first run the shortcut "devmgmt.msc" i've uncluded in this make universal folder
(In the blackbalfur on the desktop of Windows 7).
Follow this path: System devices--> Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System--> "right mouse click
this option--> Uninstall--> ok.
This will take some time let it do the magic!
It will ask you to Restart Now, do that but remove your USB-HD when it is totally shutdown
and let your regular os boot the computer.
Take this USB-HD to the other machine and boot from it, it will find the right drivers again
this will take some time again, let it do the magic, it will ask you to restart again but
now sellect "Restart Later" and first run the "universal registry.exe" i've included
in this folder!
Now shutdown the computer and you are ready to stick this USB-HD in an other PC!!
Ps. for the ones that wanted to know what is in the "universal registry.exe"
It is an automated way to add some registry key's to the Register (silent).
Here is what it will add and remove:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\MountedDevices][HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\CrashControl]"AutoReboot"=dword:00000000[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\usbccgp]"Start"=dword:00000000"Group"="System Reserved"[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\usbehci]"Start"=dword:00000000"Group"="System Reserved"[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\usbhub]"Start"=dword:00000000"Group"="System Reserved"[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\usbohci]"Start"=dword:00000000"Group"="System Reserved"[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\USBSTOR]"Start"=dword:00000000[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\usbuhci]"Start"=dword:00000000"Group"="System Reserved"
This reg entries are the real magic i discovered to make this portable Windows 7.
Download blackbalfur.iso (326 kb):
blackbalfur.iso