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How to Make a Bootable USB Flash Drive from an ISO

This is a short guide on how to take an ISO file and use it to make a bootable flash drive.  We'll be using Rufus and a VMware ESXi ISO for the example.

Prerequisites

  1. You have an ISO file saved to your computer.
  2. You have a flash drive larger than the ISO file.
  3. You have an internet connection.

Instructions

Any existing data on your flash drive will be wiped, be sure to back it up before proceeding.

1. Connect your flash drive to your computer.
2. Download Rufus

Rufus is a free, lightweight tool that can be used to write image files like ISOs to disks.

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3.Open Rufus as Administrator

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4. Make sure the correct USB Drive is selected under Device.

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5. Press SELECT to pick your ISO file.

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6. Press START.

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7. Choose the Recommended option and press OK.

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8. Press OK to confirm that the data on the flash drive will be deleted.

Pressing OK will delete any data on the device you have selected.

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9. Wait for Rufus to copy the data to your flash drive.

Once the Status shows a Green Bar and the word READY, like the screen below, then your drive is ready for use.

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