I am attempting to install kabuntu on my laptop. I have no writable disc to burn the iso image first. Is it possible to use a flash drive to complete the installation?

Yes, it is totally possible, and I think the only reason you haven't found the instructions yet using Google is that it's spelled "kubuntu" not "kabuntu."

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/deskt...ick-on-windows

Thanks, that was helpful. Now trying to partition my hard drive. I'm getting an error that says "no root file system is defined" how do I proceed?

I recommend to run Linux in "live" mode for a few days/weeks before you install, while you learn the basics, like how to partition a hard drive.

Here's some reading material when you are ready:

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/deskt...desktop-latest
https://help.ubuntu.com/13.10/instal...ide/index.html

To answer your specific question with another question, when you tried to partition your hard drive, did you choose "Install alongside Windows," "Replace Windows," or "Something Else"?

I chose "guided- resize SC (0,0,0), partition # 3 (sda) and use freed space".
Really what I want is to run Windows alongside linux. That was the only customized option that looked similar to my plans. I really need the linux to take half of the hard drive space please help!

The "boot info script" will give information about your system so we can help you:

http://askubuntu.com/questions/90045...rtition-issues

Post the info and I'm sure one of our resident Ubuntu users will be able to help you.

Here is some more reading material about "how to install Ubuntu" so you understand all the options that are available to you:

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installing
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/virtualbox
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi

I've never used the guided option but always manual. You should see a 'prepare partitions' window where you can select free space by mouse-clicking to highlight it. Then click the Add tab below the main window and you should get a new window 'Edit partition' where you can select the partition size, and under Use as the filesystem type (ext4 is default). Check the box to format the new partition and click the down arrow to the far right of Mount point. You should see a number of options and the first should be the forward slash (/), the symbol for root. Make sure that is showing in the Mount point box and click Ok.

You will see all of this with the manual option, I don't know if you will with the 'guided' option.