My goal is to run Windows 8.1 on my Laptop from the factory-installed HDD, and use the same EXT USB 3.0 HDD that I use to backup my files as the location for my Ubuntu Install. I am under the impression that I simply need to use the Universal USB Installer from the Installation Instructions, however my question is:
When selecting my external USB 3.0 HDD, do I need to format it in order to use it to install Ubuntu, or can I keep my stuff on there and use the USB Installer program along side my backed up files? I really don't want to reformat my Ext USB 3.0 HDD but I don't currently have a smaller USB flash-drive handy, nor do I have a BIOS capable of booting to my built-in SD Card Reader or a blank DVD-R to make a bootable DVD.
So my only option is to use this USB 3.0 External HDD, but as I said, I can't lose the files I have on it already, and I don't want to reformat it.