Install Unbuntu on a flash drive

I decided to try the installation of Linux on a 1GB flash drive to see how easy the process was.  I did some research on the Internet and found some good information.  Below are the steps I took to successfully install Ubuntu 8.04.1.

Things you will need

1. A 1GB or equivalent flash drive – more space is better.
2. And ISO copy of Ubuntu 8.04.1Desktop Edition – download link
3. A zip file extractor application – I use 7zip.
4. A copy of the latest version of syslinux in zip format. Double check the last modified dated to ensure you have the latest version.

Start the process

1. Insert the flash drive and format it – how to is here
2. Install 7zip if not done before.
3. Go to the location where your Syslinux zip file is.  Right click on the zip file, look for 7zip, then select extract files, the text box will show you the folder the files will be extract into, rename that folder to Syslinux. Click ok to extract the files to the same folder / location where the zip file is located.
4. Now go the command prompt and CD to the Syslinux folder that was extracted. Ensure the flash drive is connected, then run the following command syslinux -ma f: (substitute f: for the drive letter of your flash drive), this will copy some system files over to the drive.
5. Now you need to extract the files from the Ubuntu ISO to a folder using 7zip. Right click on the zip file, look for 7zip, then select extract files.  Click ok to extract the files to the same folder / location where the zip file is located.

Final Setup

1. Copy all the contents of the extracted ISO files to the flash drive.
2. On the flash drive you will see a folder called isolinux.  Open this folder and move all the files in this folder to the root of the flash drive which in this example is f:, this might be a different drive letter for you.
3. Look for a file called isolinux.cfg, rename this file to syslinux.cfg. Eject the drive and you are done!

Running the finish product

1. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS.
2. Change the boot order so that USB drive or USB is the first boot option.
3. Before saving the settings, connect the flash drive.
4. Save the BIOS settings and the computer will reboot and will start Ubuntu from the flash drive.