How to copy files from a usb pen drive to my linux box?

HelpMe2877 · 08-19-2008, 05:01 PM

what is the command/process to copy files from my usb pen drive to my linux box if my system is entirely text based with no graphical interface? Thanks.

Nylex · 08-19-2008, 05:03 PM

You need to mount the device first (see mount's man page). You'll probably want to look at the output from dmesg to see what the kernel is calling your device. To copy files, use cp (again, see the man page).

keratos · 08-19-2008, 05:03 PM

is automounter service running?

if so then the pendrive should be mounted , enter command:
mount

this should tell you where the pendrive is mounted and you can "cd /..." into the relevant directory.

r3sistance · 08-19-2008, 07:06 PM

remember to use umount to unmount the USB device once you are finished with it else removing the device could cause a corruption where it's likely data could be writen to it. USBpen drives are the most at risk of this.

osamaensyviswinkel · 08-20-2008, 03:54 AM

when it's mounted, and you know the directory:

cp what-you-want-to-copy to-where-you-want-to-copy-it-to

for example:

cp /mnt/usb/* /home/user

if it has directories as well then you need to copy recursively:

cp -R /mnt/usb/* /home/user