How to boot from USB Drive

[homefry]

So I've read a lot of faqs out there, but every guide has different steps with installing Knoppix.

1. What's the latest version of Knoppix?

2. I already have a bootable USB I made through the HP tool. How can I start to boot Knoppix off the USB?

Can I just install the Knoppix files on the USB?

[hal8000]

So I've read a lot of faqs out there, but every guide has different steps with installing Knoppix.

1. What's the latest version of Knoppix?

2. I already have a bootable USB I made through the HP tool. How can I start to boot Knoppix off the USB?

Can I just install the Knoppix files on the USB?

1, Latest version of knoppix is 5.3.1
2, No you cant use this method.

The knoppix iso image has to be loaded by an appropriate boot loader,
grub or lilo as explained in the USB howto:

http://www.knoppix.net/wiki/USB_Based_FAQ

[homefry]

I don't understand half what that faq said.

This tutorial assumes that you are already running GNU/Linux (and has been tested on Debian).

I'm not running any GNU/Linux.

What is all this:

# mke2fs -j /dev/sda1

What program are they typing this into?

-----------------------------------------------------------


http://www.pendrivelinux.com/usb-knoppix-510/

Would this set of instructions work?

[chip.ling]

I don't understand half what that faq said.

This tutorial assumes that you are already running GNU/Linux (and has been tested on Debian).

I'm not running any GNU/Linux.

What is all this:

# mke2fs -j /dev/sda1

What program are they typing this into?

As a matter of fact, you have one. If you boot up the knoppix from cd, you have one Linux running as well. You have to type in the command through the console, or a terminal (or a DOS prompt, command prompt if you map it to the Windows world)

Click on the black TV icon on your task bar at the bottom of your desktop will bring up the konsole. I think konsole is the german for console.

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/usb-knoppix-510/

Would this set of instructions work?

The above instructions assume your machine can directly boot from USB device. Only some motherboards' BIOS can work this way. All the machines I have cannot work this way.

I end up using the following method to boot knoppix 5.1.1 from the usb drive:

http://www.knoppix.net/wiki/Bootable_USB_Key

It will make your USB drive to become a usb zip drive compatible device and boot up knoppix.

I believe so far I only see knoppix 5.1.1 can be installed into the USB drive and have it bootable. Still waiting to see the successful case on 5.3.1. I saw some users are trying to make it work the other day on the forum.

Rgds,
Chip

[wangji]

I have not really tried on 8Gb stick ,since I only have 0.5 , 1Gb and 2Gb sticks . The following experiment has been successful :

assume knoppix-dvd.iso mounted at /dvd/ ,stick mounted at /media/disk/ (formatted vfat ,made bootable just by syslinux )

cp -a /dvd/boot /media/disk
cp /media/disk/boot/isolinux/isolinux.cfg /media/disk/syslinux.cfg

edit /media/disk/syslinux.cfg and replace every instance linux (minirt.gz) with /boot/isolinux/linux ( /boot/isolinux/minirt.gz)

boot with usbstick it will look for the famous /KNOPPIX/KNOPPIX in any root_partition of hdd or usb or dvd

So either put in the dvd or cp the whole dvd-iso/KNOPPIX/ to any root_partition and you boot your knoppix-5.3.1 from usb which only has 512Mb size ! (16Mb should be sufficient )

On all my sticks (2x 512M 3x 1Gb 1x 2Gb ) I am able to make them boot without any special software ;just using plain livecd ubuntu (any other livecd sloud be ok too )
mkfs.vfat /dev/sdf
syslinux /dev/sdf
assuming /dev/sdf is where the hotplug recognised the stick !