the problem with this is that the one time i did it, when i was really new to ubuntu/linux in general it install GRUB on the USB and the computer would not boot at all without having the USB stick plugged in <div class="gmail_quote"> On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 3:28 PM, Default User <<a href="mailto:hunguponcontent@gmail.com">hunguponcontent@gmail.com</a>> wrote: <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex"> I hesitate to suggest the obvious, but if you can't disconnect the data cable to the hard drive, just disconnect the connector which runs from the computer's power supply unit to the hard drive. But if that can't be done either, then I strongly suggest that you forget the project altogether, as screwing up the existing system already installed on your hard drive can really ruin your day. Yes, it can be done, but disconnect the hard drive. Really. Then boot Ubuntu 11.10 from a "live" cd or "live" USB stick. Then format a target USB stick as FAT 32, using gparted (careful - that deletes everything from the target USB stick). Don't forget to set the "bootable" flag. Note: the target USB stick should be at least 16gb; IMHO 4gb won't work and 8gb will be so cramped as to be hardly worth doing. Then install just as you would to a hard disk. And test that you can boot from your new USB stick installation. You did of course remember to set your BIOS so that it will boot from a USB stick, if present, before booting from the hard drive. Finally, don't forget to reconnect your hard drive. HTH. <div class="gmail_quote">On Thu, Dec 22, 2011 at 09:52, Richard Owlett <<a href="mailto:rowlett@pcnetinc.com" target="_blank">rowlett@pcnetinc.com</a>> wrote: <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">Colin Law wrote: <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex"> On 22 December 2011 14:17, Richard Owlett<<a href="mailto:rowlett@pcnetinc.com" target="_blank">rowlett@pcnetinc.com</a>> wrote: <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex"> Avi Greenbury wrote: <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex"> <a href="mailto:ghana.computeraid@gmail.com" target="_blank">ghana.computeraid@gmail.com</a> wrote: <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex"> What is the most easy way to put ubuntu on a pendrive? Preferably withtout leaving windows </blockquote> Probably unetbootin[0]. When you say you want to "put ubuntu on a pendrive", what do you then want to do with that pendrive? There's two common similar-but-different use-cases: 1) A 'live USB' system. On this system, you can boot off the USB stick into a working Ubuntu install. When you shut down, you lose any chanegs you've made and the next time you boot off it you get a new system. 2) A system installed onto the USB stick, such that on boot you get an option between your existing OS (Windows) and the Ubuntu on the USB stick. Unetbootin does option 1, 2 is a bit more tricky, but quite doable if that's what you're after. </blockquote> I don't know about OP, BUT I'd definitely like a pointer to _CLEAR *AND* CORRECT_ instructions for a modified option 2 -- pendrive must be bootable when BIOS selects as boot device. My goal is having identical environment whether using my laptop or desktop machine. </blockquote> Have a look at the instructions at <a href="http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download" target="_blank">http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download</a>, select the appropriate options and click Show me now. Come back if something is not clear. Colin </blockquote> Those seem to be instructions for (expletive deleted) "Live Install". I want a Linux installed on a USB stick that is indistinguishable from what would be on your hard drive if one had chosen "Install Now" on "Live CD" and chosen "wipe out my life's work currently on hard drive and any existing OS". I haven't decided whether to laugh, cry, or stop banging my head on desk ;) I've been fighting this for > year. I followed on set of instructions several months ago and ended up with a dual boot muck-up with grub on my hard drive and and a non-bootable install on USB stick. I think the installation menu on the "Live" device should be: Install to internal drive dual boot install delete current OS and install as only OS to external drive specify external drive -- ubuntu-users mailing list <a href="mailto:ubuntu-users@lists.ubuntu.com" target="_blank">ubuntu-users@lists.ubuntu.com</a> Modify settings or unsubscribe at: <a href="https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-users" target="_blank">https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-users</a> </blockquote></div> -- ubuntu-users mailing list <a href="mailto:ubuntu-users@lists.ubuntu.com">ubuntu-users@lists.ubuntu.com</a> Modify settings or unsubscribe at: <a href="https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-users" target="_blank">https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-users</a> </blockquote></div>