Solved Copy CD to USB Stick?

MrWho · Apr 1, 2022

Happy April to all!

I recently purchased a desktop computer. It does not have a CD/DVD player/recorder.
I selected the components for the computer and didn't think I would need the CD/DVD.
I was wrong. Windows 10 is not recoverable from the SSD disk.
Instead, I have a disk.
So, yes disk, no disk player.
My question is this.
Can I copy the Windows disk onto a USB stick and use that in case of a needed reinstall?
(I can use my wife's computer to do this.)
Please note: I am not having any problems at this time. I just want to be ready if something bad happens in the future.)
Thanks for reading.
MrWho

z3r010 · Apr 1, 2022

There is no need for the disk.

You can create a USB with the latest up-to-date version of Windows 10 using the following tutorial, tbh I wouldn't bother unless you actually need it as Windows is being updated all the time.

Create Bootable USB Flash Drive to Install Windows 10

How to Create Bootable USB Flash Drive to Install Windows 10 from

www.tenforums.com

MrWho · Apr 1, 2022

I want a backup disk in case I must reinstall Windows. So if I make this USB drive as suggested I will have a backup. Right? Of course! Why didn't think of that?
Many thanks for steering me in the correct direction.
MrWho

Archigos · Apr 1, 2022

You can use that CD/DVD and create a backup USB from it, but as @z3r010 said, it's just easier/safer to create a backup USB from the latest version available instead of having to install your version and wait through all the updates.

If you want to make sure it's from the Disc you have... use your wife's computer and a program called "Rufus" to create the USB drive from that disc. There are many tutorials online (even some on this site).

NavyLCDR · Apr 1, 2022

MrWho said:
No, I want a backup disk in case I must reinstall Windows.

That is EXACTLY what z3r010 provided instructions to create in post #2. A USB flash drive that you can use to reinstall Windows.

Anywhooo.... you might find this useful in your endeavors:

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-create-a-bootable-usb-drive-from-your-windows-cd/

Berton · Apr 17, 2022

Another choice is a USB ODD, have a couple on hand for use with the Notebooks and maybe a Desktop without the drive included. I have 5 Notebooks without the ODD running Win10, Win11 and Linux that can use the drives, latest one has 2 cables with it as there are different small plugs for USB-C, older plug doesn't work with SmartPhones and other devices, it is the different shapes between the two.

It’s 2022, so why is USB-C still so damn complicated?

While USB-C has made life easier by making one type of port available on devices, it's hard to pick a right cable for it.

thenextweb.com

cereberus · Apr 18, 2022

Archigos said:
You can use that CD/DVD and create a backup USB from it, but as @z3r010 said, it's just easier/safer to create a backup USB from the latest version available instead of having to install your version and wait through all the updates.

If you want to make sure it's from the Disc you have... use your wife's computer and a program called "Rufus" to create the USB drive from that disc. There are many tutorials online (even some on this site).

It is better to use option on pc to create a rescue drive, as that includes all appropriate drivers. No need to do it on another pc and use rufus which may also miss drivers.

Archigos · Apr 18, 2022

cereberus said:
It is better to use option on pc to create a rescue drive, as that includes all appropriate drivers. No need to do it on another pc and use rufus which may also miss drivers.

If creating from the CD/DVD provided, that should contain the drivers needed, that's why I said to use the other system and Rufus... but yes, creating from the original system is better if you're creating a rescue drive.