I gave up trying to find a way to install windows 7 to USB.

I don't think  it can be done. At least not easily.

You can download Windows 8 Enterprise evaluation edition free from Microsoft.

Then you can do a Windows to Go installation.

The evaluation edition expires in 900 days (90x10) if you use slmgr -rearm.

http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/win8/windows8-skiprearm.htm

http://arstechnica.com/business/2012/03/ordering-windows-to-go-how-to-create-a-bootable-windows-8-usb-thumb-drive/