How to Install Persistent Ubuntu on a USB Drive
28,987
Published 2009-08-26
Unlike other videos, this installation does not require downloading any addition software packages, running any crazy hacks, or resizing your "persistent" partition. The bootable USB is NOT a LiveCD installer-- it's a clean virtual Ubuntu workstation.
To download the most recent version of Ubuntu, go here:
www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download
All Comments (21)
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Tested this with an external HDD, it works as a charm and is much faster than an USB Flash drive.
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If you mess up that step, you are install the "boot loader" to your hard drive, and not the stick. So when you plug the stick into another computer, you won't be able to boot from it. It will only work on the computer you did the install on. Also, it is possible that changing the boot loader on your hard drive might make it impossible to boot the operating system you installed there (like Vista or XP or whatever).
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I don't know much about compiz, but I've definitely seen people use the advanced effects with this (cube, fire effects, etc.). I don't think this has anything to do with the media (USB, hard drive, SD, etc.), but rather it depends on the hardware in the computer the media is being used with. If you plug into a computer with great video, you can probably use compiz.
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To fix the usb, you would simply need to redo the installation and do that last step correctly. To fix the boot loader on your computer, you would need to google things like "fix mbr on xp" or whatever, and follow those steps.
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If you mess up that step you *may* not be able to boot your pc, depending on how the boot loader was changed. To fix this, you could boot from a Windows install disk, or just a windows boot disk, and run some programs to fix the boot loader. It's too complicated to get into here, but Google is your friend. Just search for XP boot disk, fix XP boot, etc.
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Hey--I've seen slow installs caused by two things, but far more often by #2 than #1: 1. A damaged/corrupted CD 2. A low quality/damaged USB stick. Hope that helps for your next install.
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To install Linux Mint or Ubuntu (or any Linux Distro) on an 8GB SDHC card, or 8GB USB, click on this link, it seriously is the easiest thing ever, and it explains it perfectly for noobs (it really helped me). Check it out by going on Google and typing "install-linux-mint-11-on-an-8-gb-sdhc-card", click on first link. For installing on a portable Hard Drive go on Google and type in "install-ubuntu-11-04-on-external-hard-disk", click on first link. Note: url not posted, youtube blocks it.
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@LifeonRice1 "Persistent" means that when you shut down your computer, it remembers the state you left it in--the files, the background, etc. Your regular computer is persistent. Ubuntu has an "install to USB" mode that makes your USB into an Ubuntu *installer* that can be used to install Ubuntu onto *other* computers, and it forgets it state between uses (mostly). And yes, if you install correctly (to the USB and not the HDD), it will not affect the boot process of your host computer at all.
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wouldn't it be even better if you first taken out your harddrive and then boot with the live cd and then put your usb in then unmount and do the rest?
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No idea. I haven't used the Windows 7 installer yet. I'm sure Google can help you find out, as there are definitely Windows 7 fans out there who would have tried this.
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Finally a well made tutorial. Works also with Linux 10.10 Thanks
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i use windows generally (but i have found i tend to ruin it when i make a usb install because the system loader still expected to see it attached at startup- and have to keep it in like a key. the only way i did it with this not happening was to install it from an old pc i don't use so don't touch my main hdd) i think the debs should be easier to find so you don't need software centre to start over- its about not needing net access if you want to re-install your software, for me
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@LifeonRice1 Yes. Your hard drive on your computer is completely unaffected. If your USB is not plugged in, your Win7 will boot. If your USB *is* plugged in, then your BIOS boot order will determine which drive will boot. There is probably an option to select the boot device that flashes on the screen briefly when your computer turns on, too. If you don't understand what your BIOS is, or what a boot order is, Google is your friend. Good luck!
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I followed your instructions step by step with ubuntu 10.10 on windows 7 OS. It was difficult but it works ok!! but I maked a mistake on the process, I guess in the part you warned and when I had to select where to instal the boot loader, that part of the process was missing on my version, Now I cant run windows wothout the flashdrive attached, once attached and rebooted, I can sellect which OS to run. Of course you are not responsible for my mistake, but any help will be highly appreciated.
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greatings from edmonton buddy
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but you said if you mess that last step up you wont be able to boot your pc if you can't boot your pc how are you suppose to install that boot loader to the harddrive??
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If you follow these steps, anything you save on the USB will be there when you use it the next time. That's what "persistent" means. If you just copy the .iso to the USB, or do the built-in USB install from the install disk's menu, you will have the problem you describe.
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i want to to this on ubuntu 14.04 and i''m kinda lost. Help please
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Great video, but I had a problem trying to apply the instructions to 1104; I don't have a right-click option for "unmount." Tried "eject" and "safely remove", but then the installer doesn't recognise the USB as a drive, I'm left with my laptop's hard-drive as the only option. Actually what I really want is a persistent version of 10.04, as it's the last version that will accept a realtime kernel for audio production (I think?) Any ideas? Thanks, z.
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Hi, nice video. 1 question, can i boot from an SD card in a similar fashion? if so i can use ubuntu on my work laptop without editing any of their hardware and not have any delicately positioned usbs sticking out of my laptop.
