Install Ubuntu 9.04 on a Flash Drive (Usbuntu)

Introducing, Usbuntu (oo-sb-oo-nt-oo) Have you ever wanted to carry all of your information with you, without the worry about having the same Os? Here's the answer! This Instructable allows you to install Ubuntu 9.04 on a Flash Drive. Best part you can bring it everywhere in your pocket!

Important Info:
Linux is pretty impervious to windows and mac virus's which are the most common. You can be on literally any website to worry to keep a subscription to a Anti-Virus. Also most people have problems with getting Windows drivers to work on linux. There are many tutorials to do so, just requires some work.

What you need:
*Computer (Windows)
*Ubuntu 9.04 ISO *Download*
*2GB (or larger) Flash drive (fat32 formatted *Not included in instructable*)
*U904p.exe *Download*

These are optional if you got a bigger flash drive and you want to use more than 2gb of it. The default Usbuntu files only take up 1gb for system and 1gb for files and settings. These files change how much space files and settings will take up. Pick one its not possible to do 2 at a time.
*(Optional) 2GB casper-rw loop file *Download*
*(Optional) 3GB casper-rw loop file *Download*
*(Optional) 4GB casper-rw loop file *Download*

Step 1 Set the files in place

After downloading the files from the the intro step, we may start installing it on the flash drive.

First, put the U904p.exe on the flash drive and run it. (I think you must have 7-zip) Then, you put the Ubuntu Iso in the U904p folder. Finally, from the U904p folder run U904p.bat. It will then ask you for the Flash drive letter, enter it and press enter. It will set up all the files you need.

*Optional*
If you downloaded one of the casper files then you need to rename it to fit the one that is already in the U904p folder, then replace it. There you go!

Comments

[M4industries]

Any help using GRUB as a bootloader?

[LeeRus01]

im using an 8gb pendrive. which casper file should i use? thank you.

[Se1f_Destruct]

On pendrivelinux.com, there is a program that resizes castor files, I am pretty sure you can make it a LOT bigger. :)

[Arbitror]

Nope, on Fat32 the largest single file size is 4GB.

[v10m]

i did everything u said, then rebooted my pc and changed the boot order to usb 1st. Then it  just says boot error, what should i do?

[Phil B]

One thing that may get the attention of people reading your Instructable is that Ubuntu is a Linux platform and Linux is impervious to the virii (viruses) that dog Windows systems on the Internet. You can surf the Internet all day long without any virus protection and never have a problem. That saves around $50 US each year for (anti-)virus software. The only problem is that not all peripherals (printers, network cards, etc.) may be compatible with a given version of Linux.

[hydrnium.h2]

I don't think Ubuntu is impervious, it just isn't as widespread as windows so less people make viruses designed for linux.

[sepharoth2]

i made an account just to say, linux IS impervious. it has to do with the fact that permissions have to be given to programs to access the system files. viruses have no place here. the thing is, linux is constantly being worked on so is open to crashes and bugs, but there is a huge community out there that can help with that, if you're not scared to get a little dirty with code. but if you run windows, well, you're already used to the crashing anyway...

[justanotheruser]

sepharoth2 - Impervious? No. You are absolutely incorrect. ALL of the major operating systems have viruses. It is true that many people consider Linux to be more secure, but it is not impenetrable. Just because the software is open source doesn't mean the code is perfect. Vulnerabilities happen and malware writers exploit them. Fixing dirty code is often a reactive, not proactive process. Until the computer gets patched, the vulnerabilities can get exploited no matter what operating system is being used. There are viruses for Linux. It does happen and the folks that believe it can't happen to them are the ones that get infected. That's okay with me though. I do network penetration and security for a living. Those folks keep me employed.

[Geeko]

Hey thanks, I wasn't completely done with everything just yet.

[coolchris1225]

is there a 16 GB casper file or can i use a 4 gb casper file on a 16 gb drive?

[Geeko]

There is a 4GB Casper file in the instructable, and sorry there is no 16GB I'll research in to it real quick.

[Davidl3]

is there an 8gb casper file?

[Geeko]

I"m sorry no, but in the next version there is supposed to be.

[dark sponge]

Oh, I have a question also. Is OK to boot this on a 64 bit computer? Or do I need to download a different version?

[Geeko]

You might have to download another one I'm not quite sure I don't have a 64 bit.

[dark sponge]

Ok, thanks.

[zoltzerino]

When you download the .iso there is a choice of 32 or 64 bit if I remember right.

[dark sponge]

If you look in the bottom right corner of the second picture in step one, you can see my picture under "new pro members"!

[Geeko]

Haha, Nice.

[jgeekw]

I followed all the steps (everything looked like it finished successfully) and after setting my BIOS and rebooting with USB boot first, it gave me the following error: "No bootable partition in table." Did anyone else get this error. If so, how do I fix this?

[2fst4u]

i've had this with ubuntu 8.10 and still cant use the usb drive. there must be a fix for this.

[Geeko]

Can you guys give me a little more information on what happens, and what you did.

[jgeekw]

ok. here's what I did step for step: -formatted 2 gig flash drive (PNY Attache) with Windows in the FAT32 format. -downloaded U904p.exe to root of flash drive -ran U904p.exe to create the U904p folder -copied Ubuntu 9.04 ISO into the U904p folder -ran the U904p.bat script and typed in the assigned letter to the flash drive -rebooted computer and entered the BIOS and set USB drive (flash drive) to boot first. -saved settings and reboot -flash drive flashed like it was being accessed, then received the error: No bootable partition in table Any ideas?

[Geeko]

Sounds like it should work, umm have you ran 9.04 on your computer. My laptop doesn't work with it but my desktop does. If not I'm uploading a second way of doing it tomorrow.

[jgeekw]

i haven't tried it on my desktop yet. The desktop has had a hard time loading Live CD's in the past. I have an HP Pavilion a1224n.