Forum Discussion
Create Hiren Boot CD Bootable USB for Windows 10 system repair?
My Windows 10 PC has crashed, and I'm trying to repair it using Hiren's Boot CD. However, I’m not sure how to create a bootable USB with Hiren's Boot CD to rescue my system. I’ve heard it's a useful tool for troubleshooting and repairing Windows, but I'm not familiar with the process.
Could someone please guide me step-by-step on how to create a bootable USB from Hiren's Boot CD ISO so I can repair and rescue my Windows 10 PC.
I have a blank USB drive ready, and I’ve downloaded the Hiren’s Boot CD ISO file, but I’m not sure what to do next.
7 Replies
- ChristianZhaoIron Contributor
This is a very simple task now. What you need is to burn the hiren boot cd ISO to USB to make it bootable. Here is a step-by-step guide for that: https://www.appleinsidez.com/create-windows-11-recovery-disk
- gastoneBrass Contributor
My preferred tool is easy2boot is more "tricky" than the other (rufus/y um i/sardu etc.) but you can have a more powerfull bootable usb key
https://easy2boot.xyz/create-your-website-with-blocks/add-payload-files/winpe-multi-function-hirens-type-isos/ - QandonIron Contributor
Creating a bootable USB from Hiren’s Boot CD ISO is a super handy tool, but it’s not without its downsides. Sometimes, the tools on Hiren’s Boot CD don’t have the latest drivers, especially if you’re using newer hardware. This can lead to issues where your system doesn’t recognize certain components (like GPUs, motherboards, etc.). If you’re working on a modern rig like an Intel i7, you might hit some snags. The interface can feel a bit outdated or clunky. If you’re used to modern GUIs, navigating through some of the tools may be a bit frustrating and counterintuitive. If you’re doing simple tasks, look for guides or tutorials beforehand to save some headaches.
When you create a bootable USB from Hiren's Boot CD ISO, Rufus formats the drive, which wipes it clean. If you accidentally select a USB drive that has important data, you could lose it all in a snap! Been there, done that—it’s not fun. Always double-check which drive you’re formatting, and back up any important files first.
Another way to create a bootable USB from Hiren's Boot CD ISO. You could consider using Windows PE (Preinstallation Environment) instead of Hiren’s Boot CD. It’s versatile and has a familiar interface for Windows users. You can customize Windows PE with specific tools that you may need.
- BarbarankIron Contributor
When creating a Hiren Boot CD bootable USB, the choice between MBR and UEFI depends on your system's firmware and how you plan to use the USB. MBR is an older partitioning scheme used by BIOS systems. However, MBR only supports drives up to 2TB in size. It allows a maximum of 4 primary partitions. It doesn't support modern security features like Secure Boot.
Instead, UEFI is a modern replacement for BIOS and offers more advanced features. It supports drives larger than 2TB. Allows more than 4 primary partitions. Provides faster boot times and better hardware initialization.
Important Notes for Hiren Boot CD
Hiren Boot CD is based on older Windows PE (Preinstallation Environment) and may not natively support UEFI booting. If you're using UEFI, you may need to:
- Disable Secure Boot in your BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Enable Legacy Boot or CSM if Hiren Boot CD doesn't boot in UEFI mode.
- If you're using a modern tool, it can often configure the USB to work with both BIOS and UEFI, making it easier to boot on different systems.
Recommendation
- For modern systems, use UEFI (GPT partitioning) if possible, but ensure Secure Boot is disabled.
- For older systems, use MBR (Legacy BIOS).
- If you need compatibility with both, use a tool like Rufus to create a USB that supports both MBR and UEFI.
Let me know if you need further help to create hiren boot cd bootable usb! The above solutions work well based on my experience.
- EmilyCowIron Contributor
If you’re more comfortable with Microsoft tools, to create a bootable USB from Hiren's Boot CD ISO, you can use the Windows Media Creation Tool or DiskPart. However, these tools are better suited for Windows ISOs than Hiren's BootCD. For Hiren's BootCD, Rufus is still the best option.
My Personal Tips for Success
1. Double-Check Your BIOS/UEFI Settings:
- Before booting from the USB, make sure your system is set to boot from USB and that Secure Boot is disabled if needed.
2. Use a Reliable USB Port:
- Some USB ports (especially USB 3.0) can cause issues. If the USB doesn’t boot, try a different port.
3. Keep a Backup of Your ISO:
- Store the Hiren's BootCD ISO file on your PC or cloud storage. This way, you can recreate the bootable USB if something goes wrong.
4. Label Your USB Drive:
- Once the bootable USB is created, label it clearly (e.g., “Hiren's BootCD”) so you don’t accidentally format it later.
- ChristianZhaoIron Contributor
I suggest using the free YUM1I tool, which is a free tool designed to create bootable USB drives that can hold multiple operating systems, utilities, and diagnostic tools. It is particularly popular for creating multiboot USBs, allowing users to store and boot from multiple ISO files on a single USB drive.
YUM1I allows you to add multiple ISO files to a single USB drive, making it possible to boot into Hiren Boot CD alongside other tools like antivirus rescue disks, Linux distributions, or Windows installation media. This is especially useful for IT professionals or advanced users who need a single USB for multiple purposes.
- Plug in your USB drive (ensure it’s at least 8GB and backup any data, as it will be erased).
- Launch the app and select your USB drive under the "Step 1" dropdown. Under "Step 2," select "Hiren Boot CD" from the list of distributions. Click "Browse" and select the Hiren Boot CD ISO file you downloaded.
- Check the box for "Format X:\ Drive (Erase Content)" if this is your first time using the USB. Click "Create" and wait for the process to complete.
- Restart your PC, enter the BIOS/UEFI settings, and set the USB as the primary boot device.
In fact, YUM1I is an excellent choice for creating a Hiren Boot CD bootable USB, especially if you want the flexibility of adding more tools to the same drive. Let me know if you need further guidance!
- AlmaiwIron Contributor
Not all USB drives are created equal. Some older or low-quality drives might not work well for bootable media. Always use a reliable USB drive with at least 8GB of storage. Format the USB drive to FAT32 before starting. This ensures compatibility with most systems. Creating Hiren boot CD bootable USB will erase all data on the drive. If you have important files on the USB, back them up first. I’ve lost files before because I forgot this step.
Many modern systems use UEFI instead of Legacy BIOS. If your system has Secure Boot enabled, it might block Hiren's BootCD from loading. You’ll need to disable Secure Boot or enable Legacy Boot in your BIOS/UEFI settings.
How to Create a Hiren's BootCD Bootable USB
Step 1: Download and Install Rufus
Step 2: Prepare Your USB Drive- Insert your USB drive into your PC.
- Open Rufus and select your USB drive under the Device dropdown.
Step 4: Configure Rufus Settings
- Under Boot selection, click Select and choose the Hiren's BootCD ISO file you downloaded.x
- Set Partition scheme to MBR (for Legacy BIOS) or GPT (for UEFI). If you’re unsure, MBR is a safe choice for older systems.
- Set File system to FAT32.
- Leave other settings as default.
Step 5: Create the Bootable USB
- Click Start and confirm any prompts. Rufus will format the USB drive and create the bootable media.
Step 6: Test the Bootable USB
- Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Del during startup).
- Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
- Save changes and exit. Your PC should boot into Hiren's BootCD.