WinToFlash Lite [The Bootable USB Creator] 1.13.0000

Overview

WinToFlash [The Bootable USB Creator] is a way to get around a Windows system that will no longer boot up.

The software can take an existing Windows installation disc and create a recovery USB or recovery CD that is configured either was WinPE or a Linux OS. This USB flash drive or CD can then be used to boot up. The system can take a copy of the installation to ensure that the new system will be similar to the current one before it refused to boot up.

The utility can turn a USB flash drive into one that can be used as a bootable device.

Discs and hard drives can be formatted if necessary in order to make them ready for a re-install of the Windows OS.

Boot locks can also be managed in Windows OS from XP to 8.1.

Installation

The installation completed without any issues at all. There was the small issue of de-selecting sending usage information to the developer with is already opted in during the install process. A pop up also showed later offering a different program in a cross-promotional partnership agreement.

WinToFlash [The Bootable USB Creator] requires Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7, 8 or 8.1.

Interface

The WinToFlash interface is quite business-like with a simple menu system with options for Task, View, Service and Help. There is a two large tabbed navigation for Welcome! and Advanced Mode.

The Welcome screen explains that the Windows setup files will be transferred to a USB drive which will enable the user to install the Windows OS just from a USB drive in the future.

The Windows Setup Transfer Wizard is included on the Welcome screen with an encouraging green tick.

The Advanced mode is next and this offers a more customized approach to what to send over to the USB drive.

There are also options to format existing USB sticks and this will also make the USB drive bootable as well.

Pros

• Transfer a Windows install disc over to a USB flash drive
• Format the USB drive before using it
• Create the option where Windows can be installed without the need for a CD/DVD drive access in the future
• Simple interface that has a wizard or an advanced options area

Cons

None.

Alternatives

AOMEI PXE Boot or GParted LiveCD/USB/PXE/HD.

Conclusion

WinToFlash [The Bootable USB Creator] is a good choice for creating a bootable WinPE or Linux OS option to setup Windows OS from a USB flash drive rather than only from the Windows CD.