[lubuntu-users] install Lubuntu 20.04 on USB from USB that contains live version

[Nio Wiklund]

Den 2020-07-29 kl. 14:29, skrev Wilbert Heeringa:
> Dear all,
> 
> I installed the Lubuntu live version on a USB stick using Startup Disk 
> Creator. Next I would like to install 'normal' Lubuntu on another USB 
> device (or SDD), using the live version. I did the following:
> 
> 1) I disconnected all the hard drives and the DVD drive in my (desktop) 
> computer.
> 
> 2) I booted the computer with the USB stick that contains the live 
> version of Lubuntu 20.04.
> 
> 3. I inserted the USB stick which I would like to install Lubuntu on. 
> Then I double clicked on the Install icon on the desktop and started the 
> installation procedure.
> 
> 4. When arriving at 'Partitions' at 'Select storage device' I selected 
> the USB stick which I would like to install Lubuntu on: Voyager GS - 
> 117.6 GB (/dev/sdb) .
> 
> 5. At 'New Partition Table' I checked 'Master Boot Record (MBR).
> 
> 6. At 'New Value Group' I did nothing.
> 
> 7. I double clicked on 'Free Space'. A windows open: 'Edit Existing 
> Partition'.
> 
> 8. As 'Partition Type' I choose 'Primary'. As 'File System' I choose 
> 'ext4'. I checked 'Encrypt'. As 'Mount Point' I choose '/'. At 'Flag' I 
> checked 'boot' and 'legacy-boot' (my computer is at least 10 years old, 
> a HP dc7900). Then I pressed OK.
> 
> 9. At the bottom of  the screen I choose 'Install Boot Record of Voyager 
> GS (/dev/sdb).
> 
> 10. I went through the rest of the installation procedure until the 
> computer was going to be rebooted. I removed the 'installation medium' 
> when it was asked for.
> 
> 11. Then the computer tried to reboot, but alas! There was not any 
> medium found from which the computer was able to boot.
> 
> My first question is: is it even possible to install ('non live') 
> Lubuntu 20.04 on a USB stick? Or am I trying to do something impossible?
> 
> If it is possible, my second question would be: how exactly can you do this?
> 
> Best,
> 
> Wilbert
> 

Hi Wilbert!

Yes, it is possible. I have done it many times. If it is enough to get a 
system that (only) boot in the same boot mode as it is installed (UEFI 
mode or BIOS mode (alias CSM alias legacy mode)), your approach seems 
right. I don't see what could be the problem in your case, but you can 
do it according to the following link (and it should work).

https://askubuntu.com/questions/16988/how-do-i-install-ubuntu-to-a-usb-key-without-using-startup-disk-creator/942312#942312

If you want a system that can boot both in UEFI mode and BIOS mode you 
can do it according to the following link.

https://askubuntu.com/questions/1217832/how-to-create-a-full-install-of-ubuntu-20-04-to-usb-device-step-by-step

-o-

But there is also another problem: You must make your computer boot from 
that external drive, and that is different between computers: Via a 
hotkey (right after boot) you can get a temporary boot menu, and in one 
of UEFI/BIOS menus you can modify the boot order. The following link may 
be helpful,

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/FromUSBStick/bootUSB

Best regards
Nio