We have shown you various ways to create bootable USB, install Windows 7 from USB, slipstream Service Pack 1 into Windows 7 DVD or ISO, and many other advanced methods to create bootable Windows 7 ISO and bootable USB flash drive.

When you create a bootable USB to install Windows 7 or when you slipstream SP1 into Windows 7 setup file to create a bootable ISO file, it’s always a good idea to test the ISO or USB to check if it’s bootable before actually trying it on the primary PC.

Though one can always test the bootable USB by rebooting the PC and then enabling the required BIOS setting, it’s a tough task for many novice users. Most of the free virtual machine software available today, don’t support USB booting for some strange reasons.

So, we have come up with a smart solution to test a bootable USB flash drive or bootable Windows ISO file without setting virtual machines.

MobaLiveCD is a free program that enables you to test a bootable ISO image file or bootable USB drive with a few mouse clicks. It’s a portable application and doesn’t require installation as well. The application uses an excellent emulator called “Qemu” to make it happen.

Check if Windows CD/DVD/USB is bootable

How to use MobaLiveCD to test your bootable ISO file or bootable USB drive:

Step 1: Download and run MobaLiveCD portable application with admin rights.

Step 2: On the main screen, click Run the Live USB button to test the bootable USB flash drive or click Run the LiveCD button to test the bootable ISO image file. Click the appropriate option and browse to the ISO file or USB drive.

Step 3: MobaLiveCD allows you to test ISO file or USB drive without creating a virtual disk image as well. When you are prompted with Do you want to create a hard disk image for your virtual machine prompt, click “No” button to start the emulator without the virtual disk.

Step 4: Once you are done with the ISO or USB testing, use Ctrl + Alt keys to exit the MobaLiveCD’s QEMU window. Good luck!

Note: You can also use this method to test drive Linux Live CD or USB on your Windows machine.