So I really believe that tricking Windows 7 into running from USB is the better way. you can have either Windows Explorer Shell or Command Line Shell, not both at the same time. Some of the functions in the system builder are mutually exclusive. Embedded is highly componentized, and in a way that makes it somewhat different from a componentized regular 7. My question to everyone about 'porting' of the Bootable USB Stack from Embedded to 7 still stands. In the meantime, vvurat, do you think it is possible to get a personal use license for Windows Embedded? I'd be really interested if you know a store where to buy that. I can certainly post the procedure I used for installing the Embedded onto USB. I also tried this myself with more success than any other approach (except, maybe, for WinPE). Whatever our assumptions may be ('burn to and install from USB' only), Windows Embedded does run completely from USB drives (both flash and hdd) this functionality is officially declared by Microsoft, and I know at least one device to have used this in a commercial product. For instance, you cannot install a Microsoft Office onto Windows Embedded, unless it is to support the primary application (the one that is enabled by using the Embedded version of the OS).

The license will explicitly prohibit using an installation of Windows Embedded like a regular universal workplace. Handhelds, other mobile devices, POS terminals, and so on. First of all, it is targeted to device developers who need an enabling platform. Although largely compatible with regular 7, it has licensing limitations.

However, unlike Windows 7, Windows Embedded is not for regular users and it is not seen as a complete replacement. Microsoft does not want us regular users booting from USB. Before that, I was trying the approaches found elsewhere (including boot-land) with rather limited success, because I'm after a really portable solution that would work anywhere.

Like I said, the result was booting off USB on several laptops.

Win 7 usb boot