I PURCHASED a package of various parts to build a new desktop PC from scratch, as well as a Windows 7 64-bit DVD. All was presumably well, until I REALIZED that the hardware package did not include a CD-ROM/DVD drive of any sort.

That's not necessarily a problem, because I have an external USB CD/DVD-RW drive. However, I do not know if BIOS will recognize an external disc drive connected via USB in order to install Windows. The items have not arrived yet, but I'd like to GET this issue out of the way first.

I realize that BIOS version may be a make-or-break factor. The computer's motherboard will be a ASUS Sabertooth 990FX with UEFI BIOS. I can PROVIDE additional information if needed, but that's all that I know of that would be relevant.

Thanks for any replies!It should be able to boot from USB devices if it was made in the past 4 years or so.There may be a SETTING in bios that needs to be toggled (ie, something like "enable usb at boot")Definitely made in the past 4 years, so this is great news. Thank you very much, both of you!