Creating a live USB
Solved
heliconius
Posted messages
584
Status
Membre
-
leliseur -
leliseur -
Hello,
I regularly use Linux and installing it on a hard drive is not a problem for me (preferably Debian or Ubuntu). However, I have never installed it on a USB stick (or a memory card), which I would like to do and for which I am asking for help.
Current laptops allow, at startup, to boot either from the system disk (hard or SSD, default option) or from a USB stick (or another device), which is my wish.
I understand that I need an .ISO image of the chosen system (Debian or Ubuntu or another) and then make the USB stick bootable with software like UNetbootin. But I am not very skilled in this area and would like some advice, or even procedures to achieve this. The choice of a live-USB stick instead of a live-CD/DVD is precisely to be able to work "normally" with file saving or program installation.
The available USB stick (or memory card) is 128 Go, in my opinion, sufficiently large if I refer to my 20 Go hosting under GNU/Linux Debian with AMEN.
Does anyone have any advice or procedures to follow?
Thank you for your help.
Configuration: Windows / Firefox 100.0
--
A problem without a solution is a poorly posed problem. (Albert Einstein)
I regularly use Linux and installing it on a hard drive is not a problem for me (preferably Debian or Ubuntu). However, I have never installed it on a USB stick (or a memory card), which I would like to do and for which I am asking for help.
Current laptops allow, at startup, to boot either from the system disk (hard or SSD, default option) or from a USB stick (or another device), which is my wish.
I understand that I need an .ISO image of the chosen system (Debian or Ubuntu or another) and then make the USB stick bootable with software like UNetbootin. But I am not very skilled in this area and would like some advice, or even procedures to achieve this. The choice of a live-USB stick instead of a live-CD/DVD is precisely to be able to work "normally" with file saving or program installation.
The available USB stick (or memory card) is 128 Go, in my opinion, sufficiently large if I refer to my 20 Go hosting under GNU/Linux Debian with AMEN.
Does anyone have any advice or procedures to follow?
Thank you for your help.
Configuration: Windows / Firefox 100.0
--
A problem without a solution is a poorly posed problem. (Albert Einstein)
7 réponses
Hello,
If you need to create it from Windows, using Rufus:
https://lecrabeinfo.net/creer-cle-usb-installation-bootable-live-cd-linux-ubuntu-debian.html
If you are starting from Debian, it is no longer recommended to use Unetbootin; you can use, for example, Etcher, but "purists" usually do it "via the command line":
https://debian-facile.org/doc:install:usb-boot
If you need to create it from Windows, using Rufus:
https://lecrabeinfo.net/creer-cle-usb-installation-bootable-live-cd-linux-ubuntu-debian.html
If you are starting from Debian, it is no longer recommended to use Unetbootin; you can use, for example, Etcher, but "purists" usually do it "via the command line":
https://debian-facile.org/doc:install:usb-boot
Thank you for your response.
I can't do it from Debian, I'm not at home and the laptop I'm using is not dual boot but running Windows 10 Pro. I'll read your second link when I'm home with Debian.
So I'll do it from Windows and I'll look for Rufus, but I see your first link: "https://lecrabeinfo.net/creer-cle-usb-installation-bootable-live-cd-linux-ubuntu-debian.html" and I hope to find the answer there because I want the support to be writable and not like a "live-CD" because it seems to me that I've read somewhere that there are two modes:
-- simple live mode non-persistent (like live-CD, Read Only), and
-- persistent live mode (possible recordings)
I'm going to read. For now, I do not yet consider the topic resolved.
Thank you.
I can't do it from Debian, I'm not at home and the laptop I'm using is not dual boot but running Windows 10 Pro. I'll read your second link when I'm home with Debian.
So I'll do it from Windows and I'll look for Rufus, but I see your first link: "https://lecrabeinfo.net/creer-cle-usb-installation-bootable-live-cd-linux-ubuntu-debian.html" and I hope to find the answer there because I want the support to be writable and not like a "live-CD" because it seems to me that I've read somewhere that there are two modes:
-- simple live mode non-persistent (like live-CD, Read Only), and
-- persistent live mode (possible recordings)
I'm going to read. For now, I do not yet consider the topic resolved.
Thank you.
A live CD means that your operating system will be stored in RAM (no need for a hard drive), but once the PC is turned off, the RAM is cleared, so the system and all data are erased as well. The live CD is ideal for troubleshooting a PC or testing.
In your case, you just need to copy the installation CD to a USB stick AFTER making the USB bootable (detectable as a boot device by the BIOS). RUFUS does this perfectly and simply, as Brucine mentioned. You need RUFUS (free) and the Debian .iso (free) ;)
In your case, you just need to copy the installation CD to a USB stick AFTER making the USB bootable (detectable as a boot device by the BIOS). RUFUS does this perfectly and simply, as Brucine mentioned. You need RUFUS (free) and the Debian .iso (free) ;)
Hello,
(continuation...)
I downloaded Rufus v3.18.1877 last night
I downloaded an ISO image of Ubuntu 20.04 LTS today
-- 128GB USB 3.0 stick connected
-- Rufus executed
-- Image selected
It asks for the partition scheme: MBR or GPT. I'm not sure what to choose.
The laptop used has a 256GB SSD. I wouldn’t want the Master Boot Record of this laptop's drive to be modified.
If the question asked (MBR or GPT partition) is only about the USB stick, it’s not a big deal if I make a mistake: I’ll just start over. But if it’s going to modify the SSD’s MBR on the laptop, then I’m definitely not okay with that...
Any advice or precautions?
P.S.:
Assuming that the laptop's SSD is not affected at all and that the question is only about the USB stick, I’ve understood that GPT is better than MBR. Who can confirm?
Thank you.
(continuation...)
I downloaded Rufus v3.18.1877 last night
I downloaded an ISO image of Ubuntu 20.04 LTS today
-- 128GB USB 3.0 stick connected
-- Rufus executed
-- Image selected
It asks for the partition scheme: MBR or GPT. I'm not sure what to choose.
The laptop used has a 256GB SSD. I wouldn’t want the Master Boot Record of this laptop's drive to be modified.
If the question asked (MBR or GPT partition) is only about the USB stick, it’s not a big deal if I make a mistake: I’ll just start over. But if it’s going to modify the SSD’s MBR on the laptop, then I’m definitely not okay with that...
Any advice or precautions?
P.S.:
Assuming that the laptop's SSD is not affected at all and that the question is only about the USB stick, I’ve understood that GPT is better than MBR. Who can confirm?
Thank you.
Hello,
You can follow any tutorial that allows you to create a persistent live USB.
Good luck!
You can follow any tutorial that allows you to create a persistent live USB.
- You need to obtain an image of the system you want to install on your USB drive. Usually, it’s an
iso
file. - You can use software to help you prepare the drive (rufus, lili USB creator, unetbootin, there are many, for both Linux and Windows) or
cp
depending on the nature of the image (see this page). Rufus offers you copy modes (dd
oriso
depending on the image you have chosen). - The nature of the file (
iso
or not) used to prepare the drive does not indicate whether the drive is in "persistent" or "non-persistent" mode. - If the image is ready to use, you won't need to declare any partitions (this is the case for the debian installer for which the drive is prepared with the command
cp
). But otherwise (and that's probably your case): - Once the drive is ready, make sure to have the USB drive appear before the hard drive in the BIOS boot sequence, or press the appropriate key at startup to indicate which disk to boot from (hard drive or USB drive).
Good luck!
I think I misunderstood your initial request.
Do you want to install Debian on the hard drive of a laptop?
Or
do you want to set up a multiboot (Windows + Debian) on the hard drive of the laptop?
Or
do you want a Debian installed on a USB stick that would give you an OS on the USB stick so that you don't have to use the laptop's hard drive?
Sorry
Do you want to install Debian on the hard drive of a laptop?
Or
do you want to set up a multiboot (Windows + Debian) on the hard drive of the laptop?
Or
do you want a Debian installed on a USB stick that would give you an OS on the USB stick so that you don't have to use the laptop's hard drive?
Sorry
Your last suggestion is the right one.
-- I have a Debian distribution installed on another laptop. That's fine, we won't touch it.
-- I have a desktop PC at home with dual-boot (Windows/Debian, boot choice via GRUB -- MBR --, default choice Windows). We won't touch that either.
-- The laptop I am using, where I will perform the operation, runs on Windows 10 Pro (SSD "hard" drive, 256 GB). We won't touch this laptop.
Except that...
I want to install a Debian (or an Ubuntu, but preferably Debian) on a USB stick (because Read & Write) so that I can boot and work:
-- either under Windows if the laptop boots "normally", with nothing in the USB ports;
-- or under Linux if the USB stick is inserted before boot and I access the boot menu (with F12, on my laptop).
When using Rufus to burn the ISO image of the downloaded distribution, I'm asked what type of partitioning: MBR or GPT, and I don't want to mess around with this laptop if the MBR of its SSD drive were to be modified. I want to be sure that only the MBR of the USB stick will be impacted and that once the stick is removed (or not inserted), the laptop will be as it was before.
I have tried my best to be clear and unambiguous. If it wasn't clear, I can only blame myself as stated in my signature:
"A problem without a solution is a problem poorly posed. (Albert Einstein)"
:-)
In any case, thank you for your response.
-- I have a Debian distribution installed on another laptop. That's fine, we won't touch it.
-- I have a desktop PC at home with dual-boot (Windows/Debian, boot choice via GRUB -- MBR --, default choice Windows). We won't touch that either.
-- The laptop I am using, where I will perform the operation, runs on Windows 10 Pro (SSD "hard" drive, 256 GB). We won't touch this laptop.
Except that...
I want to install a Debian (or an Ubuntu, but preferably Debian) on a USB stick (because Read & Write) so that I can boot and work:
-- either under Windows if the laptop boots "normally", with nothing in the USB ports;
-- or under Linux if the USB stick is inserted before boot and I access the boot menu (with F12, on my laptop).
When using Rufus to burn the ISO image of the downloaded distribution, I'm asked what type of partitioning: MBR or GPT, and I don't want to mess around with this laptop if the MBR of its SSD drive were to be modified. I want to be sure that only the MBR of the USB stick will be impacted and that once the stick is removed (or not inserted), the laptop will be as it was before.
I have tried my best to be clear and unambiguous. If it wasn't clear, I can only blame myself as stated in my signature:
"A problem without a solution is a problem poorly posed. (Albert Einstein)"
:-)
In any case, thank you for your response.
Sorry, it's me who didn't understand ;)
In fact, your request is not possible, at least not via a USB key.
You can boot from the USB key, but your work will not be saved because Debian will start in RAM, and the RAM will be wiped upon shutdown. Moreover, the PC will be super slow.
To do exactly what you want: you would need to install Debian on an external (or internal) hard drive and boot from it as needed (by selecting it from your bootable devices at startup).
But ideally: install a virtual machine on your Windows with Debian as the OS. Your data will be saved, and there’s no risk of messing up your Windows, plus you won't have to deal with dual booting.
In fact, to ideally respond to your request, I would need to know why you want to do this, the purpose ;)
In fact, your request is not possible, at least not via a USB key.
You can boot from the USB key, but your work will not be saved because Debian will start in RAM, and the RAM will be wiped upon shutdown. Moreover, the PC will be super slow.
To do exactly what you want: you would need to install Debian on an external (or internal) hard drive and boot from it as needed (by selecting it from your bootable devices at startup).
But ideally: install a virtual machine on your Windows with Debian as the OS. Your data will be saved, and there’s no risk of messing up your Windows, plus you won't have to deal with dual booting.
In fact, to ideally respond to your request, I would need to know why you want to do this, the purpose ;)
Hello,
no, it's not a work PC. I'm tired of buying new desktop and laptop PCs. This time, for around a hundred euros, I bought a "refurbished/reinstalled" laptop from an assembler on Rue Montgallet (Paris): it's in good condition and works very well, it came with Windows 10 Pro; I've had it for a year and I do regular backups on a NAS. The day it stops working, I'll get another one and the problem will be solved.
In the end, I'm going to close this thread because I found a store in Paris that sells ready-made bootable Linux USB keys (Debian and Ubuntu). For about twenty euros, I won't have to take 1) the risk of making an error on this little laptop -- not messing with the MBR -- 2) the hassle of making this USB key. Maybe one day, when I have the time...
In any case, thanks to everyone for your responses.
no, it's not a work PC. I'm tired of buying new desktop and laptop PCs. This time, for around a hundred euros, I bought a "refurbished/reinstalled" laptop from an assembler on Rue Montgallet (Paris): it's in good condition and works very well, it came with Windows 10 Pro; I've had it for a year and I do regular backups on a NAS. The day it stops working, I'll get another one and the problem will be solved.
In the end, I'm going to close this thread because I found a store in Paris that sells ready-made bootable Linux USB keys (Debian and Ubuntu). For about twenty euros, I won't have to take 1) the risk of making an error on this little laptop -- not messing with the MBR -- 2) the hassle of making this USB key. Maybe one day, when I have the time...
In any case, thanks to everyone for your responses.
Hello,
To create a bootable USB with persistent mode, you have 2 options:
1 - You can make it yourself, which requires more or less complex manipulations.
2 - You choose a distribution that offers this option (there aren't many).
I know of 2 that are both based on Debian: MX Linux and Raspberry Pi OS in its Mac and PC versions.
https://mxlinux.org/
https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/
Live USB drives with persistence work well but they have limits that are quickly reached. Due to their operation, the accumulation of updates slows down the system, making it really tedious after a certain amount of time, and it's better to create a new USB drive with a more recent version of the ISO image.
To create a bootable USB with persistent mode, you have 2 options:
1 - You can make it yourself, which requires more or less complex manipulations.
2 - You choose a distribution that offers this option (there aren't many).
I know of 2 that are both based on Debian: MX Linux and Raspberry Pi OS in its Mac and PC versions.
https://mxlinux.org/
https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/
Live USB drives with persistence work well but they have limits that are quickly reached. Due to their operation, the accumulation of updates slows down the system, making it really tedious after a certain amount of time, and it's better to create a new USB drive with a more recent version of the ISO image.
Hello,
There seems to be a misleading association between "live system" and "system booted from a USB drive," as if one implied the other, whereas that's not the case at all.
A live system, as correctly pointed out by others, is a system that will load into RAM, and thus the software/data installed on the system will be lost upon shutdown. It is possible to set up an additional partition in the remaining space for permanent data storage.
It's common to write a live ISO to a USB drive, but you can very well write a live ISO to an internal disk.
Conversely, it's common to perform a permanent installation on an internal disk, but nothing prevents you from doing it on a USB drive or another removable storage.
So if you want to have a permanent Debian installation (allowing for software installation, saving settings, keeping data, etc.), you will need to:
Your request is entirely feasible, but I have doubts about whether the installation tool allows you to select a USB storage as the destination. If that issue arises, I would recommend performing the Debian installation in a virtual machine. You can then copy the disk of that virtual machine (which will contain the permanent installation) to the 128 GB USB drive.
However, I advise against performing a permanent installation on a USB drive. These storage devices, in addition to being slow, are not reliable in the long term. If you really want a portable solution, I recommend opting for a USB SSD instead. Or another solution that works very well for me: an internal SATA SSD + a SATA -> USB adapter. This solution tends to be cheaper than USB SSDs.
There seems to be a misleading association between "live system" and "system booted from a USB drive," as if one implied the other, whereas that's not the case at all.
A live system, as correctly pointed out by others, is a system that will load into RAM, and thus the software/data installed on the system will be lost upon shutdown. It is possible to set up an additional partition in the remaining space for permanent data storage.
It's common to write a live ISO to a USB drive, but you can very well write a live ISO to an internal disk.
Conversely, it's common to perform a permanent installation on an internal disk, but nothing prevents you from doing it on a USB drive or another removable storage.
So if you want to have a permanent Debian installation (allowing for software installation, saving settings, keeping data, etc.), you will need to:
- Create an installation media. This is what you get when you use Rufus to "burn" the downloaded Debian ISO. This installation media can be a basic installer (Debian, Fedora Server, Ubuntu Server, etc.) or a Live distribution (Ubuntu Desktop, Fedora Desktop, etc.), depending on the chosen distribution and variant. To do this, you can use a small USB drive (16 GB, for example).
- A destination storage for the permanent installation. In this case, it will be your 128 GB USB drive. Once the installer or live system has started from the first USB drive, you can launch the installation and choose the second USB drive as the destination storage.
Your request is entirely feasible, but I have doubts about whether the installation tool allows you to select a USB storage as the destination. If that issue arises, I would recommend performing the Debian installation in a virtual machine. You can then copy the disk of that virtual machine (which will contain the permanent installation) to the 128 GB USB drive.
However, I advise against performing a permanent installation on a USB drive. These storage devices, in addition to being slow, are not reliable in the long term. If you really want a portable solution, I recommend opting for a USB SSD instead. Or another solution that works very well for me: an internal SATA SSD + a SATA -> USB adapter. This solution tends to be cheaper than USB SSDs.
restate exactly what I wrote in a more "complex" way, what's the point!
The goal of my approach is to be as accessible as possible, because do you think that if he understood what you are writing he would have come to the forum to ask his original question?
The real question to ask him is the one I wrote above, namely:
"In fact, to ideally answer your request, we need to know why you want to do this, the purpose ;)"
but I imagine that the answer is linked to my previous message:
"I hadn't paid attention to the 'Windows 10 pro', I imagine it's a work PC on which you don't have admin rights and you actually want to be able to use it as you wish ;) in that case, if you can still choose the boot device, then the solution is an external hard drive!"
The goal of my approach is to be as accessible as possible, because do you think that if he understood what you are writing he would have come to the forum to ask his original question?
The real question to ask him is the one I wrote above, namely:
"In fact, to ideally answer your request, we need to know why you want to do this, the purpose ;)"
but I imagine that the answer is linked to my previous message:
"I hadn't paid attention to the 'Windows 10 pro', I imagine it's a work PC on which you don't have admin rights and you actually want to be able to use it as you wish ;) in that case, if you can still choose the boot device, then the solution is an external hard drive!"
Actually, I think that .ISO images are live Linux distributions to burn, but the key should not be considered as a data-containing key but rather as a bootable key with tools like UNetbootin, I believe. But I don't know how to do it.
It's not that it doesn't save the way I want; I haven't tried it yet. I prefer to ask for advice first.
On the other hand, since you're mentioning this, I would also like to create a bootable Windows key, as it would serve as a backup Windows in case needed. But since this isn't the right forum, if you could advise me on this last point privately, to avoid cluttering this one, that would be nice.
Thank you.