Question about creating a bootable USB flash drive

[mibaup]

Hello,

I wanted to create a bootable USB flash drive, and I saw that some flash drive aren't bootbale, like the one that I have, a SanDisk Extreme USB 3.0. (I saw in the reviews on Amazon so I didn't even try).
Is there a list of bootable flash drives I can use to create an installation media for my Windows 8.1?
(Btw, how come a USB flash drive isn't bootable? what's causing it? just wondering how it works )

Thanks

**Edit: I decided to create a list for everyone to see what's working and what's not,
feel free to contribute :

Success
Transcend USB 3.0 16Gb
Team Group F108 64G
PNY Turbo 3.0 - 32GB
Lexar Jumpdrive M10 Secure 64GB USB 3.0
Patriot Rage 3.0 32GB
Sandisk Cruzer Edge 8GB


Failure
Kingston DataTraveler 100 G3 32 GB
Kingston DT R3.0 USB 3.0 32Gb
ADATA Pro s102 - 32GB USB 3.0
Sandisk Extreme 3.0 32GB
Sandisk Cruzer Blade USB 2.0 Flash Drive 32GB

 

[Nuccii]

Basically stay away from those that say "Windows 8 Compatible", they tend to be treated like a hard disk flash drive.

This is a list of what I have found.

Success

Transcend USB 3.0 16Gb
Team Group F108 64G
PNY Turbo 3.0 - 32GB
Lexar Jumpdrive M10 Secure 64GB USB 3.0
Patriot Rage 3.0 32GB

Failure

Kingston DataTraveler 100 G3 32 GB
Kingston DT R3.0 USB 3.0 32Gb
ADATA Pro s102 - 32GB USB 3.0
Sandisk Extreme 3.0 32GB
Sandisk Cruzer Blade USB 2.0 Flash Drive 32GB

 

[mibaup]

Thanks!
Btw, why is it not bootable? And, is there a way to make my SanDisk extreme bootable?

Anyone else feel free to add to the list, I can edit main post so that everyone will see

 

[Nuccii]

It is bootable but booting up is not the problem. With the Sandisk USB 3.0, just the windows setup won't work. It will initialize, start the setup, get to the disk partitioning step and then it simply won't be able to create any partition (or even use the existing Correct one) to install windows.

 

[alphanumeric]

It's how you prepare the drive that makes it bootable not who makes it. Also, Windows To Go certified drives show up as fixed disks where your normal USB flash drives show up as removable media. I have some Sandisk thumb drives that also show up as fixed disks. I can still make them bootable if I want though.

 

[Clintlgm]

What I have found is that at least with SanDisk, it they won't boot. I'll delete the partition completely =Clean, then create a primary fat 32 partition. Then they will boot.

 

[brummyfan]

Sandisk Cruzer Edge 8GB working as a bootable drive.

 

[mibaup]

Basically stay away from those that say "Windows 8 Compatible", they tend to be treated like a hard disk flash drive.

This is a list of what I have found.

Success

Transcend USB 3.0 16Gb

Maybe you have the exact model name of the Transcend? there are a few, thanks

 

[Nuccii]

I believe all 4 models work OK

 

[michaelclyde]

@ alphanumeric,
Would you share your prep procedure? I have a Lexar 2GB 2.0 that I'm wanting to boot Slax off of. It works with my Mushkin and my Silicon Power. I've re-partitioned with Windows and GParted. I've used the .bat files in the Linux distros. I've used Bootice, Rufus, Unetbootin and some others that I can't recall. I've never used disk-part because I didn't think it would help with booting Linux. I have flipped the removable bit both ways, tried Ultraiso's HDD and Zip Drive and everything in my BIOS. It used to boot, I just don't remember the particulars. So, will you enlighten me to your prep routine?

thanks,
michael clyde

 

[alphanumeric]

I use diskpart to make my bootable Windows install thumb drives. Option two here, http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/15458-uefi-bootable-usb-flash-drive-create-windows.html Then I mount my Windows 10 ISO and copy its contents to my thumb drive. Works for UEFI and Legacy installs. The tutorial is for Windows 8.1 but works the same way for Windows 10. I've tried rufus but find diskpart easier and faster. For me it is, as I have all the commands memorized now. And diskpat is already there waiting to be used.

 

[michaelclyde]

Thanks

 

[macom]

i can get an correct model of Transcend USB 3.0 16Gb ?