Install Windows 7 with a download. The laptop will never load the OS now as of three days ago. I can't even run safe mode! My Dell consultant recommended that I perform a custom re-installation of their Windows 7 upgrade on my laptop. I figured this was an opportunity to install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 through a discount purchase instead.
Learning has never been so easy!
Recently I came across a problem when attempting to install Windows 7 onto a Dell Precision 7710. I would boot up with a DVD that had an .iso image of Windows 7 installed on it, but when after clicking the install windows button, I would get a notice that the installer couldn't locate the CD/DVD driver and I needed to browse to locate it. Well, I thought I would be smart and instead do the install via a USB device. Same error. Well, how does this make sense? It's asking for a DVD driver when using a USB device. That's like your car throwing a CEL for the carburetor not working when you're using fuel injection.
This issue is caused because the installer media doesn't have a driver to install through a USB 3.0 port. You might ask, well why did the DVD drive throw the error? Well, that's because the DVD drive was an external because there is no internal DVD drive on this model laptop. So I now know my problem. USB 3.0 drivers need to be added to the boot media. Follow this guide and I'll show you how to accomplish this using the CMD line and the DISM utility.
9 Steps total
Step 1: Download the USB Drivers
Now, I had all intention of describing this how-to specifically for adding USB 3.0 drivers, but it can also be used for adding any number of drivers to the boot media as well.
First thing you're going to do is to download the USB drivers from either your computer's manufacturer or from your motherboard's manufacturer. With the Dell Precision 7710 I went to http://www.dell.com/support, punched in my service tag number and proceeded to download an entire driver pack in .CAB format.
Step 2: Extract the drivers
Depending on the type of file you downloaded, it could be an .exe, a .cab, or a .zip, so you'll need to unzip the drivers out of this file. Driver files are historically mainly .inf files, but you don't need to pick and choose the individual files because this next process makes it automatic for you. The DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool) is smart and will automatically grab the correct files.
1. Create a folder on your desktop named 'Drivers'.
2. Create two folders inside of the 'Drivers' folder, 'mount' and 'USB'.
3. Extract or copy/paste the driver files directly into the 'USB' folder. I used 7-zip to extract my driver files directly into the 'USB' folder.
2. Create two folders inside of the 'Drivers' folder, 'mount' and 'USB'.
3. Extract or copy/paste the driver files directly into the 'USB' folder. I used 7-zip to extract my driver files directly into the 'USB' folder.
Step 3: Cut the 'boot.wim' and 'install.wim' files
Locate these two files from within your boot media. This is easy if you are using a USB drive instead of a DVD, so that you don't have to reburn the DVD once we finish modifying these files.
Example: If the USB drive is plugged in and has been given drive letter 'P:' you will locate the 'boot.wim' and 'install.wim' files within the path: P:sources
It is best to just cut them out of the install media, but if you want to have a backup copy you can copy and paste. You are pasting into the 'Drivers' folder on the desktop. Just make sure to overwrite the old files with the new updated ones once we're finished with this process.
Step 4: Open up CMD prompt as Administrator and navigate to the 'Drivers' folder on the desktop
Windows 7:
1. Start, type in cmd, right click on the icon and choose Run as Administrator
Windows 8:
1. Windows Key + Q
2. Move mouse to top right corner and search, type in Command Prompt, Right click and Run as Administrator.
1. Start, type in cmd, right click on the icon and choose Run as Administrator
Windows 8:
1. Windows Key + Q
2. Move mouse to top right corner and search, type in Command Prompt, Right click and Run as Administrator.
Next, you will need to change the directory path so that it isn't pointing to the default of C:WindowsSystem32.
Type in: cd C:Users%currentuser%DesktopDrivers - Then press Enter.
*Note: Make sure to change the %currentuser% to that of the user profile where the 'Drivers' folder was saved.
*Note: Make sure to change the %currentuser% to that of the user profile where the 'Drivers' folder was saved.
Step 5: Update the 'boot.wim' file.
In the cmd line now displaying the cd pointing to the right directory, type in these commands pressing enter after each one.
dism /mount-wim /wimfile:boot.wim /index:2 /mountdir:mount
Explanation: This command mounts the boot.wim file, index points it to the correct boot parameters for the correct OS, and /mountdir:mount points it to mount the file to the 'mount' folder we created in this directory earlier.
Explanation: This command mounts the boot.wim file, index points it to the correct boot parameters for the correct OS, and /mountdir:mount points it to mount the file to the 'mount' folder we created in this directory earlier.
dism /image:mount /add-driver:'USB' /recurse
Explanation: This command automatically grabs the driver files that it locates in the 'USB' folder that we created earlier and copied the drivers to. This can take a while depending on the number of driver files that it locates.
Explanation: This command automatically grabs the driver files that it locates in the 'USB' folder that we created earlier and copied the drivers to. This can take a while depending on the number of driver files that it locates.
dism /unmount-wim /mountdir:mount /commit
Explanation: This command unmounts the boot.wim file and saves the information. Think of this as a file transfer/compression process.
Explanation: This command unmounts the boot.wim file and saves the information. Think of this as a file transfer/compression process.
Step 6: Determine which index you're going to update the driver files for on the 'install.wim' file
This process wasn't necessary on the 'boot.wim' file, but it is in the 'install.wim' file. Each version of Windows can have a specific index number and we will need to locate which one it is in order to issue the command for the version of Windows you plan on installing. This is specific to the install media you are using because some install media only comes with one version of Windows 7, such as Professional, but some others may have multiple version of Windows 7, such as Home, Ultimate and Professional, just to name a few.
Issue the following command to determine what your version is:
dism /Get-WimInfo /WimFile:install.wim
You'll see in the screenshot that I have an index of 1.
Step 7: Update the 'install.wim' file.
You should still be pointed to the correct directory, so now issue the following commands to update the 'install.wim' file, using the index information you got from the step above.
dism /mount-wim /wimfile:install.wim /index:1 /mountdir:mount
Explanation: All exactly the same as the boot.wim file command, except the index is the only difference.
Explanation: All exactly the same as the boot.wim file command, except the index is the only difference.
dism /image:mount /add-driver:'USB' /recurse
dism /unmount-wim /mountdir:mount /commit
Step 8: Cut/Paste or Copy/Paste your new 'boot.wim' and 'install.wim' files
Since I used the Cut/Paste method to remove these two files from the P:sources location, I'm going to do the same to remove them from the C:Users%currentuser%DesktopDrivers folder and place them back into the P:sources folder.
Wait for the transfer to finish. This is going to take a little bit longer to copy back over to the flash drive because the files going back in are larger than they were before due to the driver files that you've added to it.
Step 9: You're Done!
Take out the flash drive and pop it into the machine you want to reinstall Windows 7 on. You should now find that you no longer receive the pesky CD/DVD driver missing notice.
Thank you all for reading through this. These commands can be adapted to suit whichever folder names you want to use. Good luck!
Published: Jan 20, 2016 · Last Updated: Nov 06, 2017
104 Comments
- Thai PepperCapef3ar Jan 28, 2016 at 06:39pmNice read - haven't run across this yet but good info to have just in case. Thanks!
- Tabascobethernet Mar 17, 2016 at 10:56pmTHANK YOU! I only wish I had found this 3 hours ago... It worked exactly as your directions said it would, and Windows 7 is installing now!
- Pimientojimnowotny Apr 4, 2016 at 02:48pmThanks! The problem with an older OS and really new hardware.
- Pimientohmasri Apr 13, 2016 at 05:28amIf its just USB 3.0 drivers for Win7 you want ...https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25476/Windows-7-USB-3-0-Creator-Utility5ryn
- PimientoMrMcG33k Jun 7, 2016 at 04:26pmThank You! I just ran into this issue and this resolved my problem!
- Pimientonicoserup Jun 10, 2016 at 08:43pmQuestion for point 6:
In my Windows image, I have unlocked all the versions, so which one should i pick?
- I haven't tried the guide yet though. - Poblanopalehmkuhl Jun 13, 2016 at 01:22pmChoose whichever version that you plan on installing Windows with.
- Pimientonicoserup Jun 16, 2016 at 02:41pmIt doesn't work for me yet.
In my version I have unlocked all of the versions, starter to ultimate.
I chose to mount it to proff.
But when i boot, I never get as far as to choose which windows version I want, before the message: Missing CD/DVD comes. - Poblanopalehmkuhl Jun 16, 2016 at 03:16pmOk, so you're booting into the Windows ISO using your image on a bootable USB drive and that's when you're getting the message about it missing the CD/DVD drive. Sounds like something didn't go as planned if you did the process I outlined above. Either that or the driver that you added to the USB drive isn't the right one for that computer.
- Pimientoscotthowell Jun 16, 2016 at 03:39pmFor some reason I'm unable to mount the install.wim. When i try to run dism /mount-wim /wimfile:install.wim /index:1 /mountdir:mount I get an error: 5 'access is denied' error no matter which index I use.
- Poblanopalehmkuhl Jun 16, 2016 at 04:14pmDid you run the command line as an administrator during this process?
- Pimientoscotthowell Jun 16, 2016 at 05:53pmYes, and the boot.wim worked just fine. I am using a Dell proprietary Win7 installation image, though.
- Poblanopalehmkuhl Jun 16, 2016 at 06:02pmThat might have something to do with it. I used a Win7 image that I downloaded from the Microsoft VLSC website. Generic. I don't believe this process is restricted to specific images, but you want to have the access to modify files in those directories. Try using a different Win7 bootable and see if you get different results.
- Pimientomikemccormack Jun 20, 2016 at 04:45pmExcellent KB...worked flawlessly - thank you for posting this!Have a great week!
- Pimientochristernordell Jun 29, 2016 at 03:35pmscotthowell: I experienced the same problem getting error 5 when mounting install.wim. Found out its McAfee that is blocking, see https://kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=KB76867. Deactivate McAfee during the mounting of install.wim solved the problem for me.In my case I had a rule that stopped handling .scr files and the mounting stopped when it reached the file bubbles.scr.
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Nov. 06, 2018 / Updated by Bessie Shaw to Windows Driver Solutions
The Asus Driver Problems on Windows 10 You May Get
Update to Windows 10 (either Windows 10 Preview or the final full version) but the Asus drivers on your computer don't work? We've seen many issues like Asus Phoebus App or the Dolby Home Theather app doesn't work after installing Windows 10, you have to manually install drivers but can't find them through the Setup, Asus sound card driver or the Asus g75VW VIA audio sound driver for Windows 10 won't work, no Internet connection (Wi-Fi and Ethernet problems), etc. The workable solution is to download Windows 10 drivers for your Asus desktop PC, laptop, notebook, or any other Asus device you use.
It's common that the drivers can't match the higher OS, so you will encounter Asus problems when you update to the new Windows 10 on Asus from Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, or Windows Vista. Such issues include Asus video driver problems, Asus motherboards problems, sound card driver problems, display driver problems, Asus keyboard driver Windows 10 g73 problem, or even your computer won’t run, etc.
If you are using other Windows OS and getting driver issues on your Asus computer, you can free download Asus drivers on Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista to fix the issues.
Asus Drivers for Windows 10
Here is the list of Windows 10 Asus drivers (64-bit or 32-bit) you need after upgrade to the new OS on your computer, including Asus laptop drivers for Windows 10, Asus desktop PC drivers for Windows 10, and Asus notebook drivers for Windows 10.
Asus All-in-one PCs Driver for Windows 10 | Asus motherboard drivers for Windows 10 | Asus monitor drivers for Windows 10 | Asus k52f drivers for Windows 10 |
Asus sound card drivers for Windows 10 | Asus video drivers for Windows 10 | Asus audio drivers for Windows 10 | Asus Bluetooth drivers for Window 10 |
Asus g50v drivers for Windows 10 | Asus monitor drivers for Windows 10 | Asus wireless drivers for Windows 10 | Asus touchpad drivers for Windows 10 |
Asus webcam drivers for Windows 10 | Asus u56e drivers for Windows 10 | Asus support drivers for Windows 10 | Asus mobo drivers for Windows 10 |
Asus g74sx drivers for Windows 10 | Asus USB drivers for Windows 10 | Asus g75vw drivers for Windows 10 | Asus g73jh drivers for Windows 10 |
Asus network drivers for Windows 10 | Asus k55n drivers for Windows 10 | Asus u46e drivers for Windows 10 | Asus k55a drivers for Windows 10 |
Asus g73sw drivers for Windows 10 | Asus p6t drivers for Windows 10 | Asus x83v drivers for Windows 10 | Asus acpi drivers for Windows 10 |
Asus graphics drivers for Windows 10 | Asus q500a drivers for Windows 10 | Asus camera drivers for Windows 10 | Asus x54c drivers for Windows 10 |
Asus u47a drivers for Windows 10 | Asus usb-n13 drivers for Windows 10 | Asus g73j drivers for Windows 10 | Asus keyboard drivers for Windows 10 |
Asus ux31a drivers for Windows 10 | Asus display drivers for Windows 10 | Asus x53e drivers for Windows 10 | Asus chipset drivers for Windows 10 |
Asus g74s drivers for Windows 10 | Asus g75 drivers for Windows 10 | Asus g75v drivers for Windows 10 | Asus a53e drivers for Windows 10 |
Asus xonar drivers for Windows 10 | Asus g72gx drivers for Windows 10 | Asus u52f drivers for Windows 10 | Asus drw-24b1st driver for Windows 10 |
Asus sata drivers for Windows 10 | Asus g73jw drivers for Windows 10 | Asus ux31e drivers for Windows 10 | Asus eee pc drivers for Windows 10 |
How to Free Download and Update Windows 10 Asus Drivers
There are 3 ways to safely get Asus Windows 10 drivers: through Windows Update, via the Asus manufacturer’s website, and by Asus driver download tool.
Update Asus Windows 10 Drivers through Windows Update
Microsoft Windows Update enables you to download many important drivers for the Asus. The defects are that it takes you a lot of time and some drivers are no longer available, which will cause failure.
Download Asus Drivers via Manufacturer's Website
Go to Asus manufacturer’s website and search the drivers you want. For lots of users, this is time-consuming and it needs some computer skills to manually install the drivers, especially for the greenhands. Therefore, we advise you to try professional Asus drivers download tool.
Download and Update Windows 10 Asus Drivers by Asus Driver Download Tool
If you want one click to do all the things: one click to download all needed Asus official drivers, or one click to update to the latest drivers, you can try the all-in-one Asus drivers tool, Driver Talent (formerly called DriveTheLife). From the feedbacks of users, Driver Talent works really well in downloading Asus drivers.
Free download and install Driver Talent on your Windows 10 computer (64 bit or 32 bit)
Editor's Note: DriveTheLife has been updated to the new version called Driver Talent with a fresh new look.
Step 1. Run Driver Talent. It can scan your computer to identify drivers problems.
Step 2. Repair the missing, broken or corrupted drivers. Driver Talent will start to download and install Asus drivers.
Step 3. Update to the latest drivers if there are any outdated ones. For computer peripheral devices (USB connected devices), go to the 'Peripheral Drivers' menu to install drivers.
Other Related Posts:
- Fix: Asus Laptop Keyboard Not Working after Windows 10 Update
You can leave a comment below or click the LEFT MENU on this page for more technical support when you encounter problems in downloading Asus drivers. If you have any other Windows driver-related issues, see Windows Driver Solutions section on this site.
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