If I pre-order Windows 10 on USB Flash Drive from Amazon and it arrives on the shipping date, will the Microsoft branded flash drive be write protected to prevent erasing the original installation files preinstalled by Microsoft?
The Dell Windows 8.1 flash drives were write protected. I don't see why Microsoft wouldn't write protect the ones they produce.
Will the Dell flash drive be protected against diskpart clean command? Is it possible test this drive by creating the image and then attempting to restore it back using Passmark imageUSB utility?
This would be a nice idea. They could ship them in smaller boxes, instead of slow old cds.
If I buy Windows 10 on USB from Amazon, can the flash drive be updated using the Windows 10 media creation tool or will it report that the flash drive is write protected and then ask for another blank USB flash drive? Is it safe to have just the Windows 10 USB and discard the old Windows 8.1 DVD? Are there any pros and cons of USB vs DVD concerning malware and writing or erasing its preloaded contents?
Malware is not an issue since it comes from MS. And a USB flash drive is much faster and less prone to damage like a DVD could be.If I buy Windows 10 on USB from Amazon, can the flash drive be updated using the Windows 10 media creation tool or will it report that the flash drive is write protected and then ask for another blank USB flash drive? Is it safe to have just the Windows 10 USB and discard the old Windows 8.1 DVD? Are there any pros and cons of USB vs DVD concerning malware and writing or erasing its preloaded contents?
Can this drive become infected if I insert the drive on the computer that is already infected?
Not unless it somehow has write permission to the flash drive. But I would make sure that the PC is virus free first.Can this drive become infected if I insert the drive on the computer that is already infected?
Really if the PC is infected in anyway, you would be better off performing a clean install, its the only way to be sure.
For the OP. Anything can become a carrier for an infection. I am sure someone has figured out how to use Bluetooth to transfer an infection to anything that uses Bluetooth (ie car radios, Sonos, etc..).
Give it a couple of years from now, you will not be able to purchase a desktop or laptop with an installed DVD/CD drive. Everything is moving to USB as the media choice for software if unable to purchase to download.
Every retailer is now offering the USB version of Windows, so that those who have the Surface or have disabled the DVD/CD drive in an office environment, but only allows admin's to use the USB drive. It will be the quickest way to go.
