Configuring Your Computer to Detect a USB Flash Drive

  • Article

2/16/2009

Depending on the capabilities of your computer, Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 can now be installed to and from a USB flash drive. However, because each BIOS manages USB flash drive devices differently, your computer may require additional configuration to use this feature. This topic will instruct you on ways to make sure that your USB flash drive is detected so that you can install POSReady.

Startup From a Target USB Flash Drive

The following procedure will show how to startup your computer from the desired USB flash drive.

Note

If you have multiple USB flash drives connected to your computer, you may have to disconnect them all to determine which USB port has priority.

How to startup from a target USB flash drive

  1. Remove any CD or DVD in your computer's optical drive -- the BIOS may automatically try to start from the optical drive if media is detected.

  2. Access your computer's BIOS Setup and manually try to set the startup order. Some BIOS settings include an option to startup from a USB device.

  3. Insert your USB flash drive and restart the computer. It may take a moment to determine whether the computer is starting from the USB flash drive.

Startup Device Priority

Every computer's BIOS has a predetermined order for processing startup devices. Most computers have startup priority designated for hard disk drives and optical drives connected to the Parallel ATA (PATA) or Serial ATA (SATA) bus. Recent advances in USB devices have resulted in growing manufacturer support for USB startup. These improvements have made it possible to install a computer's operating system (OS) from a USB flash drive upon initial startup.

When you install POSReady, you will have to determine how your computer will manage your USB flash drive in order to start the installation. For more information, refer to your hardware manufacturer's documentation.

Troubleshooting USB Startup

If your computer does not start from the target USB flash drive, check the following:

  • The device is firmly connected to the USB port
  • The required USB startup files are included on the USB flash drive to support USB startup
  • If your USB flash drive is connected to a USB hub or extension cable, unplug it and connect it directly to a port on your computer
  • The activity light on your USB flash drive is active during startup (some USB flash drive models may not have activity lights)

See Also

Tasks

Installing POSReady by Using a USB Flash Drive