I am trying to install Windows 7 Professional x64 from a bootable USB stick. I have used the Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool to create the media from an ISO.
The machine boots from USB fine, and enters the Windows installation wizard but then I get an error stating:
A required CD/DVD drive device driver is missing. If you have a driver floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB flash drive, please insert it now.
I have tried setting the SATA controller in the BIOS to both AHCI and ATA but neither appear make any difference.
I've also tried both the USB 3 and USB 2 ports with no difference.
I've also tried to use the files from an official Dell recovery CD as this is a Dell laptop but again, no dice.
All this because there's no optical drive in the machine!
Dell Vostro V131 / i5-2450M / BIOS A04
Can anyone offer any advice please?