Installing DSL to a USB drive

Dornith · 11-05-2012, 06:23 PM

Right now I'm trying to install DSL on my 125MB flashdrive. I followed all the installation instructions provided here: http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/wiki/i...drive_old.html (Using the "From within Linux" instructions) and when I try to select it in the BIOS it just switches back over to my main HD.

Here's some extra information:
'fdisk -l':

Code:

Disk /dev/sdb: 124 MB, 124780544 bytes
1 heads, 32 sectors/track, 7616 cylinders, total 243712 sectors
Units = sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disk identifier: 0x00000000

   Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
/dev/sdb1   *        2048      243711      120832    b  W95 FAT32

'find':

Code:

.
./1st-boot.bat
./KNOPPIX
./boot.msg
./dsl-base.bat
./dsl-vhd.bat
./f2
./f3
./german.kbd
./linux24
./logo.16
./minirt24.gz
./pendrive.bat
./qemu
./readme.txt
./syslinux.cfg

mmheera · 11-06-2012, 02:08 PM

Assuming that you have configured the USB correctly and it is bootable, may be you need to change the BIOS setup for Boot order and bootable devices. The 'removable devices' should be in the beginning before HDD otherwise it will just boot from the hard disk. You also need to save the changes you made to the BIOS before you exit it. If you are unable to make changes to it then check your respective BIOS information in the Internet.

Thanks!

floppy_stuttgart · 11-06-2012, 02:51 PM

DSL: Damn Small Linux? Forget it: nearly no support, old kernel.
Go to www.tinycorelinux.net (next generation OS for the maintener of DSL).

snowday · 11-06-2012, 03:22 PM

Have you tested the USB stick on another computer?
Have you tested a different Linux USB or CD that you know for a fact works? (such as one purchased through a reputable vendor)
Have you tried a different distro with current support and an active community? (the page in your link was labeled "these are the old outdated instructions" back in 2008!)