Is it possible to create a "Full" Windows 7 Live DVD?

Is it possible to install a full instance of Windows 7 to a DVD?

By full instance, I mean a running, bootable instance, e.g. not an installer and not the WinPE environment. I suppose WinPE tools could be used to create the instance, but the running instance must not be WinPE.

This environment is rather short lived, but it is necessary to not be WinPE.

A bit of background:

I'm trying to find a method of booting full Windows 7 without an internal or external HD. The strong preference is to boot the full instance from a USB flash drive, but I'm running into boot problems because of the removable media bit (not compatible with Lexar's BootIt).

I know this sounds goofy but there's a good reason for it.

Answer

Ok, based on all the information you've given:

You cannot run a "full version" of Windows 7 on a DVD. 1, a full install is too big and, 2, a full version of windows needs to be able to write to it's source, and so a DVD will not work.

If it is completely impossible to boot from a USB disk, and a full install of Windows 7 via DVD is out, you are much more limited in your options, but at least you now have a better idea of what you can and cannot do.

There are Live CD's of Linux and Windows, but if your needs are for .Net and Mono (a Linux-compatible implementation of .Net) will not work, then you need Windows.

Once again, the assumptions are:

1. There is no possible way to boot to a USB drive.


2. You need .Net and not Mono or any alternatives.


3. Windows will not run as a full install from a DVD, both for space and for needing a writable "base" media.

So the only option then is a Live Windows disk with preinstalled .Net components.

If Windows XP is an option, it is a lot easier to fit onto a disk, and .Net (up to Runtime 4 I believe) will run on it and can be installed as part of the Live disk setup. Try PE Builder if this option will work for you: http://www.instantfundas.com/2007/11/how-to-create-windows-xp-live-cd.html

I cannot find an option for Windows 7 live that explicitly states it allows .Net function. Though Windows 7 has .Net implemented by default, so unless it's a specific .Net toolset not included by default, you may find it'll work without needing anything special.

Here's another possibility:

http://www.hanselman.com/blog/GuideToInstallingAndBootingWindows8DeveloperPreviewOffAVHDVirtualHardDisk.aspx

These are instructions on how to boot from a VHD, or Virtual Hard Disk, such as the Windows 8 Developer Preview. Creating a Windows 7 VHD shouldn't be too hard and it should work with your licensing strictures.

If you've got a large enough USB drive, this may be a way around the problems booting from USB. It looks like you could replace the booting from USB steps with booting from a disk, and then mount the VHD stored in the USB drive at the appropriate point in the setup process.