Jump to content

Boot SuSe or other Linux on external harddrive


Recommended Posts

My best friend is interested in trying out Linux, currently he has a new mid-end Acer laptop. He asked me if it was possible to run Linux without installing. I said, yes: LiveCD's. Then he asked, is it possible to run it from an external 120GB USB harddrive. I said "I think so, I will ask on some forums".

 

He wants to change as little as possible to his existing operating system, so it would be a plus if he doesn't have to write over his existing MBR.

 

So, can anyone tell me what are the possibilities here?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

yes, most new computers can boot from USB, I know my 3 y/o acer and another 2y/o acer can.

 

First just install mandriva as you normally would, except pick the usb hdd as the hdd instead of the internal. Same procedure for any distro. Let it install an MBR to the external drive.

 

Then just find the key to give you a boot menu, it's F8 on mine I think --- but it will vary, and is often displayed on screen or in bios, or manual, and just pick USB boot.

Alternatively, go into BIOS and change it so it will try to boot USB before HDD (don't worry, if there's no USB available, it falls back to hdd)

 

James

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...