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Sounds easy but it is not.I downloaded ubuntu 12.10 to a USB stick so I can carry it around and use it on any computer.I try to running the OS from stick but it just does not work.So what I am doing wrong and what I have to do to get to work.Search on the Net for good tutorial but find none.

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    Welcome to Ask Ubuntu. Please edit the question and indicate how you installed the Ubuntu 12.10 on a USB stick. Just copying the iso file to a USB stick won't do. The instructions are at How to create a USB stick on Windows
    – user68186
    Apr 25, 2013 at 15:09
  • Are you sure that your boot flag is working?
    – Gokul P S
    Apr 25, 2013 at 15:10
  • @C.S.Cameron What do you mean by "Remove the side from the case.?" Second question: Regarding your end note "Persistence can be increased by adding a home-rw file or persistent partitions." Is this only for persistent install, or does it have anything to do with the full install too? Thanks. (Sorry, I could not find "comment" option, so posted this as an "answer."
    – monto
    Jun 1, 2013 at 6:54

3 Answers 3

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Use an application like Linux Live USB (Windows) or UNetbootin/Startup Disk creator (Linux). Just navigate to the .iso and burn it to your usb drive.

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A persistent install as described above is OK for testing Ubuntu but should not be updated, takes a long time to boot, is not secure and is limited to 4GB persistence*.

You can alternately do a Full install to USB:

Following is step by step how to install 12.04 on a 8GB flash drive, it is similar to installing to internal drive:

Turn off and unplug the computer. (See note at bottom) Remove the side from the case. Unplug the power cable from the hard drive. Plug the computer back in. Insert the flash drive. Insert the Live CD or Live USB. Start the computer, the CD/USB should boot. Select language. Select install Ubuntu. Select Download updates while installing and Select Install this third-party software. Continue At "Installation type" select "Something else". Continue Confirm Device is correct. Select "New Partition Table" Click Continue on the drop down.

(Optional partition for use on Windows machine) Click "Free space" and "Add". Select "Primary". Make "New partition size..." about 1000 megabytes. Location = Beginning. "Use as:" = "FAT32 file system". And "Mount point" = /windows. Select "OK"

Click "free space" and then "Add". Select "Primary", "New partition size ..." = 4500 to 6000 megabytes, Beginning, Ext4, and Mount point = "/" then OK.

(Optional home partition) Click "free space" and then "Add". Select "Primary", "New partition size ..." = 1000 to 4000 megabytes, Beginning, Ext2, and Mount point = "/home" then OK. (Optional swap space, allows hibernation)

Click "free space" and then "Add". Select "Primary", "New partition size ..." = remaining space, (1000 to 2000 megabytes, or same size as RAM), Beginning and "Use as" = "swap area" then OK.

(Important) Confirm "Device for boot loader installation" points to the USB drive. Default should be ok if HDD was unplugged. Click "Install Now".

Select your location. Continue. Select Keyboard layout. Continue. Insert your name, username, password, computer name and select if you want to log in automatically or require a password. Selecting "Encrypt my home folder" is a good option if you are worried about loosing your USB drive. Select Continue. Wait until install is complete. Turn off computer and plug in the HDD. Stick the side panel back on.

Note: You may omit disabling the hard drive if after partitioning you choose to install grub to the root of the usb drive you are installing Ubuntu to, (ie sdb not sdb1). Be cautious, many people have overwritten the HDD MBR. You may do an update-grub later.

  • Persistence can be increased by adding a home-rw file or persistent partitions.
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After you create Linux live USB, use an Linux live USB (Lili USB creator) or Unetbootin.

Make sure that the USB is the first bootable device in BIOS.

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