I am trying to install Windows 7 Professional x64 from a bootable USB stick.
I have used the Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool to create the media from an ISO.
The machine boots from USB fine, and enters the Windows installation wizard but then I get an error stating:
A required CD/DVD drive device driver is missing. If you have a driver floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB flash drive, please insert it now.
I have tried setting the SATA controller in the BIOS to both AHCI and ATA but neither appear make any difference.
I've also tried both the USB 3 and USB 2 ports with no difference.
I've also tried to use the files from an official Dell recovery CD as this is a Dell laptop but again, no dice.
All this because there's no optical drive in the machine!
Dell Vostro V131 / i5-2450M / BIOS A04
Can anyone offer any advice please?
Best Answer
Is the USB stick USB3? This error is encountered when you try to boot Windows 7/8 from a USB3 port because it does not have the drivers loaded to get past the part of the install where it prompts you to select the disk to install to. Are you SURE you have used a USB2 port as well? Do you have any devices hooked up to the USB bus at all other than the thumbdrive? I could see that causing issues during install as well.