Hi folks,

First of all, let me say that I've searched thru' all the posting and also google on the subject without avail. The only answer I get is to type in "expert" at the boot: during installation. Didn't work in my case as my usb hard disk did not show up.

I'm using my company's notebook for all of my work and am not allowed to install any other program on it, not to mention any other OS.

I wanted to learn Linux and the best way is to use it. Therefore I thought of installing on a usb hard drive which I've bought sometime's back.

I downloaded FC3 and burnt them on CDRWs. Did media checks on all the 4 disc (including the rescue disc) when media check popped out after I loaded the first disc. All passed the test.

I continued the installation and when prompted for details of partitioning the hard disk, only hda, hdb and hdc appear (3 partitions done by our IT folks). Tried rebooting and tried "expert" and "linux expert" on separate reboot. No luck. usb hd still don't appear. Read somewhere that by installing via expert mode, I should be given a chance to choose where I can install FC3 to. I can then use rescue disc to boot in after successful installation to change a script to delay booting proccess so that usb system can be started.

Anyone tried successfully installed FC3 on external usb harddisk can help? or any pointers to another resources I can read about?

Thanks.

Wongster

Hey man,

I'm having the same problem. It only sees my two internal HDD and that's about it . If you find any info yourself, let me know. I haven't tried the "linux Expert" yet but I think I might try that. I'll let you know if I have any luck there.

Mike

Hi,

I managed to install Knoppix on my USB HD using Knoppix-installer at the command prompt.

Installation is simply enough though took a long time to complete. The only problem now is, how to boot to the USB HD. My notebook allows booting from removable devices and the USB HD is reflected in my BIOS screen. Just couldn't boot it up. Don't know why?

You may want to try Knoppix LiveCD. Its cool. All my hardwares are recognised, even my wireless card. Configuration is also very simple.

Wongster

Question?

Was it a name brand External HDD - like Maxtor or Western Digital, or was it an external case?
Just curious? Some have had no problems connecting to USB External Drives that are name brand, but it seems no one has connected to non-standard USB HDD.

Looking for a solution myself.
As for your boot, well, I could be stupid here considering I am fairly new to linux (even though I've been new for like years), but when you partitioned your drive did you include a /BOOT partition at the begining of the drive?

I believe you need to have this to boot from the drive itself, otherwise you need to install to the MBR of your primary drive a boot loader such as GRUB or LILO.

Might help?