jlewitinn Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 I am in the process of aquiring parts for my new computer build, Both the motherboard and case do NOT have a single USB 2 port, only USB 3 ports. I know you can install WIndows 7&8 via a thumbdrive as that is my preferred method of installation, but I have only ever done it via USB 2 ports. When I tried (a long time ago) to install Windows 7 via a USB 3 it failed. So my question is; can I install Windows 8 onto my new build through a USB 3 port via a USB 2 thumbdrive? I hope this all makes sense and thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knightwolf20024 Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 yes it will work just fine usb 3 is backwards compatible with all usb 2 and 1 devices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
articuno1au Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 I think it bombs out if you use a USB 3 device (as opposed to port), but it might be device specific. I guess just have a USB DVD drive lying about just in case :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlewitinn Posted June 17, 2013 Author Share Posted June 17, 2013 Thanks guys, I have a external DVD drive, but hoping to not have to waste a DVD/time going that route. I dont have a USB thumbdrive yet so I cant try that. I will update with results once all of the parts are in later this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neo1911 Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 If you install Windows 7 through USB3 port, it will never work. Why? Because Windows 7 doesn't have native USB3 chipset drivers. However, you can inject your downloaded USB3 drivers in BOTH boot.wim and install.wim files of Windows 7 setup to create a custom installation which runs fine when booted off a USB3 port. Google "dism integrate windows 7 drivers" and follow the steps. You need to have basic commandline knowledge. Windows 8 has built in drivers so it shouldn't be a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGHammer Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 If you install Windows 7 through USB3 port, it will never work. Why? Because Windows 7 doesn't have native USB3 chipset drivers. However, you can inject your downloaded USB3 drivers in BOTH boot.wim and install.wim files of Windows 7 setup to create a custom installation which runs fine when booted off a USB3 port. Google "dism integrate windows 7 drivers" and follow the steps. You need to have basic commandline knowledge. Windows 8 has built in drivers so it shouldn't be a problem. Alternative - have your motherboard driver media in your optical drive, along with your Windows USB media in the USB3 drive. Unlike Vista (but like Windows 7) Windows 8 supports USB-based installation while being able to access SATA-supporting optical drives at the same time. Just make sure that your SATA ports are native (not third-party). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noir Angel Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 As long as you enable USB legacy mode in your bios it should work fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theyarecomingforyou Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 I couldn't install Windows 8 with a USB3 pendrive plugged into a USB3 port, despite changing various settings in EFI - when I plugged it into a USB2 port it worked without issue. However, I have no idea whether my problem is related to my specific motherboard or a general issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluberti Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 If the USB3 ports are on a separate controller and not using native drivers (I had an HP 8540w that had this issue with it's USB3 ports - they were hanging off of an NEC/Renesas controller, rather than on the motherboard natively), then you will find it just doesn't work right. I tried integrating the drivers, etc., but it just didn't want to work. In the end I used the USB2 ports and made sure my next machine (a Lenovo T430s) had native USB3 ports. It works fine on this machine from USB3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlewitinn Posted June 20, 2013 Author Share Posted June 20, 2013 I just wanted to update everyone or to be used for future reference. I finally assembled the computer and installed the OS, Win 8 Pro. It was through the USB 3.0 front panel header via a USB 2.0 thumbdrive. Everything went smoothly with no hicups. I have a Corsair C70 case with a ASUS Z-87 Expert MoBo. I appreciate all the input and help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carbon Fiber Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Thanks for giving this update, not enough people do that and when others find this thread via Google, they are clueless as no real answer was given. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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