Linux Community Magazine

Linux flash drive is a basic USB drive which is made bootable for Linux. But before making the efforts one should check the operating system compatibility of their computer for USB Linux flash drive installations. To check the compatibility of the system there are many methods available on the chart but the following steps integrates to the most simple method for the cause:

1.Install Memtest86+ to the USB. Basically it is used to check the errors on the computer's memory.

2.Now reboot the computer and press F8.

3.A window opens containing a tab naming boot. Click on boot and change the priority order of the bios to USB.

4.Click on save and exit.

5.Now reboot the computer. On rebooting memtest86+ screen appears then it is verified that computer is enabled in response to booting through USB.

After the verification process is done, next step approaches i.e. your USB drive to be a bootable 'Linux Flash Drive'. It can be done by the method explained below in order:

1. Connect the USB pen drive into the USB port of computer. Minimum memory requirement of 4 GB should be fulfilled for efficient installation of Linux.

2. Copy your data on the pc in any drive other then drive used for operating system.

3. Format the USB drive.

4. Navigate through Start > All programs >Accessories > right click on Command Prompt. Make it run as administrator.

5. Proceed as follows: -

DISKPART, then press enter.And then type LIST DISK and then press enter. It will show the number assigned to the disk.

Enter the following commands in hierarchy

SELECT DISK 1:- It will select the disk 1 which is our pen drive in this case.

CLEAN: - It will clean the disk.

CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY: -It will create partitions on the memory of USB.

SELECT PARTITION 1: -It is used to select the partition 1.ACTIVEFORMAT FS=NTFS: - Formatting is preferred to be done by NTFS than FAT.ASSIGNEXIT

6. Do not close the command prompt, minimize it.

7. Insert the CD or DVD containing the windows into the ROM.

8. Pen down the ROM's drive letter.

9. Restore the command prompt and begin the execution of following commands in the hierarchy given:

D: CD BOOT, press on enter. D is the drive letter of ROM.CD BOOT, press on enter and BOOTSECT.EXE/NT60 H message will be displayed. H is USB drive letter

10. Copy contents of Linux from DVD to the bootable USB.

Now your bootable USB drive is ready for use. Follow the steps in hierarchy to install Linux through USB:

1.Plug in the USB pen drive in the corresponding port and restart the computer.

2.Before the start of currently installed operating system, start hitting f8.

3.A screen will appear on which there will be a tab named boot. Make a click on that and change the priority order and set it to USB on first priority.

4.Click on save and exit.

5.Processor will automatically detect operating system in USB drive and operating system set up screen will appear.

6.Enter the serial number of the operating system.

7.After installation is completed, computer will be restarted.

8.Install the drivers and computer will be ready for use.

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