Want to try Ubuntu but don’t want to bother burning a CD? … or …
Want to be able to use Ubuntu from (almost) any computer and keep the same configuration?

Well this tutorial is for you!

I am going to walk you through a simple installation (with pictures)… Please feel free to let me know if you have any comments or questions…

Step 1 – Download a few tools

You will need just a few simple tools to help get the job done.

1. HP USB Format Tool (filename should be SP27608.exe)
2. Helper Program (please right click and go to “Save file as…” filename should be Ubuntu810P.exe)

post-download (click to enlarge)

Go ahead and double click the SP27608.exe and it will run you through a short installation for the HP USB disk storage format tool. Once installed you want to format your USB drive.

In the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool, select the appropriate drive letter and also ensure that FAT32 is selected.

You can enter a volume label if you like, but it’s not required.

Here is how mine looked:

HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool (click to enlarge)

Once you are sure you have the right drive letter and the file system is set to FAT32 go ahead and click Start.

post-format confirmation (click to enlarge)

Now that you’re USB drive is formatted, you are ready to install!

Go to your Ubuntu810P folder – which will have the same files/folders as in the picture below – and run the Ubuntu810.bat (outlined in red).

Contents of the Ubuntu810P folder (click to enlarge)

A command window (think DOS if you’re old enough to know what that is) will pop up with some text explaining what is going to happen.

It will ask you to enter the drive letter of the USB drive you want to install to. This is very important! Type it in and hit enter.

Next the installer will check if you have the Ubuntu 8.10 iso already or not. It is going to look inside the Ubuntu810P folder. Don’t worry if it’s not there because it will download it from here -> http://releases.ubuntu.com/releases/8.10/ubuntu-8.10-desktop-i386.iso

If you want to you can download it from a mirror site closer to your location and just download it into the Ubuntu810P folder prior to running the bat.

Once the download is complete, the installer will proceed to extract all the files necessary (including the casper files needed for persistence) to your USB drive.

Finally it will ask for your permission to make the boot partition on the drive. You will need to press any key (read any of the info text if you want first) to finish.

Now that you have completed the installation you will need to reboot your computer and check your BIOS settings to test it out.

Each computer is different, so how you get into BIOS will vary. Usually you have to press F1 or F2 or perhaps the Del key just as the power comes on (or when prompted).

Look for a menu that has boot settings and see if you have an option to allow boot from USB. If so enable it. Save changes and restart your computer.

If your computer does not allow USB booting, don’t worry, you may still be able to use Ubuntu Live from your USB (with persistence) with the help of a USB boot CD (I’ll put up a tutorial for that soon).

Enjoy your new bootable USB with Ubuntu 8.10!

Please feel free to leave any comments or questions. Also see the following references if you want a different perspective on the tutorial:

PendriveLinux
Ubuntu Help

Alex

Alex runs his own business designing websites and mobile apps, loves spending time with his wife and kids, and is still very much a kid at heart. He enjoys reading comic books, watching TV/Movies, playing video games, playing with action figures and Legos, and playing football and basketball.

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