Keep getting error message: no root filesystem defined.

It's a new usb, formatted, partitioned.

"Install ubuntu" is on my desktop as I use ubuntu-live from a dvd, and I click on it to install ubuntu. I get to the screen to decide where to install and I choose "sda" and "16gb usb". The partition table shows the usb is in "ext4" filesystem.

I tried it with both "sda" & "sda1", same result. I also tried it using "fat", same result. But I can not copy it over.

I keep getting error message: "no root filesystem defined; correct using partitioning menu".

Howdy! Welcome to LQ.

I'd remove the data/power from internal hard drive to begin with (after fully power down). Then plug in usb. Boot to bios and see if it shows up as a hard drive choice. Then reboot to dvd.

There are some installers that may view some prior action and stop you from installing to this usb. I'd use the partition software in live dvd to see what is on the usb. You may need to delete it all and start the machine again to let the installer pick up the now usable space. Then let the installer use defaults for it's install.

nevermind