booting from data stick

Forum: USB booting
Topic: booting from data stick
started by: titchthefirst

Posted by titchthefirst on Jan. 31 2006,18:22

heyy,
i have just found dsl, i have download the file
what do i do next?
i want to run it off a data stick (512mb)

i am new to linux so can you go easy on me ( step by step)

hope you can help me
mitchell

Posted by doobit on Jan. 31 2006,19:48

OK, here is the easiest way:
1. Once you have downloaded the DSL-xxx.iso then you need to burn the image to a CD using a program that can burn ISO images to disk. In Windows, Nero, or Esay CD Creator will do it. There is a freeware one out there called CD Burner XP pro that works pretty well.

2. Boot up the computer with the CD in the CD drive. If you have set up the computer to boot from CDROM first, then it will boot to the DSL splash screen. If not, then you need to enter your BIOS settings and change that.

3. Some computers will not boot from CD without the proper boot image. There is a syslinux version of DSL that may help with older computers.

4. Once you have booted your computer from the liveCD, then you will first come to a splash screen with some boot options. F2 or F3 will give you the menus for those options. If your computer is fairly modern with more than 128MB or RAM, then you can go ahead and just enter to boot normally.

5. The software will begin to detect your hardware and run through loading drivers, etc. You should end up with a desktop and some icons if all goes normally.

6. Right-click on the desktop to get your menu list. There is a menu under the tools header (I think it's under System) which has some install options.

7. Again, if you have a fairly modern computer with USB boot options, then you need to pick the installation that is supported by your hardware, such as USB hdd, or USB ZIP. After you pick the one that's right for your mother board's BIOS, then follow the instructions to install.

8. After you have finished installing to the USB drive, then you will need to reboot and enter the BIOS again to set the computer to boot from the USB device. That should be it. I know these are generic instructions, so you need to be aware of your own hardware limitations.

Hope that helps.

Posted by doobit on Jan. 31 2006,21:09

I forgot to add that you should use Frugal USB installs because it saves space, and is easier on the pendrive since it only writes to it when you power down.