To fully Install Linux Mint, you would create a bootable live Linux Mint DVD or on another USB flash drive stick from the ".iso" file like normal, and then bring it up, click to install it the same way you would to a hard drive, except during installation, choose custom install, point to the USB flash drive stick you want to use, select an "ext4" file system type, and a mount point of "/", and install the boot loader to the USB stick like "/dev/sdb". You cannot install Linux Mint from a USB flash drive stick that has been created this way, but it runs a fully installed version of Linux Mint very well. has a list of other manufacturer brands that would work well for this. It would be smart to find a very fast and durable USB flash drive stick if you are going to use it a lot, like Patriot Flash drive sticks. Works just like a fully installed version to a hard disk, and all changes are saved.
#Should i install linux on usb full#
What is your goal for running Linux Mint on this USB flash drive stick, and how large is it?ġ.) Install a full secure version of Linux Mint onto a USB flash drive stick of 16gb or larger for a backup, or for a portable version of Linux Mint. If you run " inxi -Fxzd" from the console terminal prompt, highlight the results, copy and paste them back here, that should provide enough information. It would help to know more about your system setup. The current version breaks up all that content, but the original page and its history can still be accessed here.Welcome to the wonderful world of Linux Mint and its excellent forum ! This page (Installing to a USB Flash Drive) was written by a bunch of contributors over the years, and it got really big. Try to enable 'USB device emulation' or 'legacy USB' in your BIOS setup. Why don't my keyboard and/or usb mouse work when I enter X windows? If you're using an old version of Syslinux, make sure it supports FAT32. Although the current version of Syslinux (any version 3.00 or greater) should work with FAT32, that was not always the case. Either method should work, but some users have found FAT16 works more reliably than FAT32. This is because of Syslinux and what it can/can't do.
#Should i install linux on usb windows#
Why does the from-within-Linux method require FAT16, but the Windows method works with FAT32?Ĭould I just leave and reuse an existing FAT32 USB partition using the Linux syslinux version?
If your system auto-mounts the USB stick, try it with the stick both mounted and unmounted. Try going without it, try going with it, try using sudo, try unplugging and replacing your USB stick. Some users have mentioned that grub-install whines about the -no-floppy argument. I just about finished installing, but then GRUB wouldn't install. Also, check that your bootloader ( GRUB or Syslinux) config files are set up right. Read the section on USB Booting, and read about Your BIOS and You.
There are actually lots of how-tos/walkthroughs for installing DSL to a USB Flash Drive. Check your BIOS setup screen, and pop in a USB stick at the next boot to try it out.įinally, you're probably going to wipe your USB Drive, so BACK UP YOUR DATA. If you're going to boot the USB drive (not just run it from within another OS), then you need to make sure your BIOS can boot from USB.A working operating system and an internet connection.512 MB is preferable, 64 MB will work in a pinch. If you're going to install to a USB drive, you'll need: Installing to an external USB Hard Drive does work, but some external enclosure hardware won't like being used as a boot source. It's cool to carry your whole OS in your pocket, so the kids install DSL to a USB Flash Drive for booting from a USB port.Ī USB Flash Drive is not the same as a USB Hard Drive.