I'm trying to install Windows 7 Ultimate from bootable USB external hardrive (3.5 hardrive with IDE-USB conversion cable). All working good but the installer always skip autounattend.xml. If I copy autounattend.xml to USB flashdrive root, it proceed as expected.

Do I missed something here?

I'm trying to install Windows 7 Ultimate from bootable USB external hardrive (3.5 hardrive with IDE-USB conversion cable). All working good but the installer always skip autounattend.xml. If I copy autounattend.xml to USB flashdrive root, it proceed as expected.

Do I missed something here?

Probably it's one of those "Fixed" vs. "Removable" device problem.

An external Hard Disk is usually (please read as always) seen as "Fixed".

A Flashdrive is usually (please read as always) seen as "Removable".

We have for XP, a direct (dummydisk.sys) filter driver to make Removable devices seen as "Fixed", and a reverse one (rdummy.sys) to make Fixed seen as "Removable".

Cannot say if they are used (or can be used) with 7.

Check the "Install XP from USB" section (and yes, there are apps to make also install of Windows Vista and 7 from USB):

http://www.msfn.org/board/install-xp-usb-f157.html

I guess you might want to change this thread title:

Windows 7 installation on from USB external hdd

At first sight I thought you wanted to install Windows 7 ON a USB device or run 7 FROM it:

http://www.boot-land.net/forums/index.php?showforum=77

jaclaz