Is there a version or a way I can install Linux on a usb without using a floppy or cd drive? All I want to do is backup my windows 7. but I don't want it running when I back it up. Is this possible?

Does this help?

You might also want look into Clonezilla, a disk cloning system on a stick. Saved my life more than once. Not that easy to use though.

And to answer the original question: Create a virtual machine in Virtualbox on your Windows PC, set its root disk to the USB stick, set its CDROM to a Linux ISO file, and install.

it's quite easy actually, especially if you are looking to do a fresh install then unetbootin is what you are looking for, it might even Do the work of downloading the proper ISO for you, if not, aquiring an ISO image for linux Distributions is easy enough.

Thanks, I will work my way down the answers. But they sound like they will work. I want to do a clean install but have some old versions of programs that works better for me then newer versions.

I'd go for Emerson's solution: System Rescue CD. It's not just for backups: it can repair damaged filing systems, eliminate the sort of virus that fits back against Windows anti-virus tools, and check for root-kits. It also saved me a lot of grief on a couple of occasions!

" install Linux on a usb without using a floppy or cd drive"


No matter what distro you choose there are basically three ways to install to a usb.

One is to use a program like unetbootin or live usb creator. They take a live cd/dvd iso file and put it on the usb. It is generally a very safe way to do this task.

Two is to use a bit by bit copy program that will place a hybrid iso image directly on the file. (Don't forget that special distro like SuseStudio might have a similar option). A program called dd for windows will work like dd for linux.

Three is to use a different system or complex booting to make a system boot to an ISO file directly or normal install.

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