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DJNOS 06-08-2009 01:14 PM

Linux Mint on a flash drive
 
Hello this is my very first post. I'm sure this question has been asked alot but here goes:

I am installing Linux Mint on a 4.0G flash drive. The installation goes great and I did all that I was suppose to do. When I go to reboot my laptop, it says invalid or damaged bootable partition.

I started my laptop and hit F12 to go to the boot-up menu and chose usb drive. Does anyway have any idea what I'm doing wrong?

I am not a computer savy kinda guy so I don't understand much tech talk. lol. yes I am trying to do this by myself without bringing this to a shop or spending money on it. I've already been through 3 hard drives and I'm not spending any more on this machine. I would like to see if I can get this to work. If you can help with this I would greatly appreciate it.

DJNOS 06-08-2009 02:33 PM

Am I in the wrong forum or something? 42 views and no repies.

jimbo1708 06-08-2009 02:38 PM

investigate a product called remastersys

DJNOS 06-08-2009 02:41 PM

Is that going to solve my issue?

linus72 06-08-2009 02:50 PM

No, it is not.
What is the output of , as root, "fdisk -l" while usb is plugged in?
with usb plugged in, BUT UNMOUNTED, what is the output of "fsck /dev/sdxx"
where "xx' is usb drive?

DJNOS 06-08-2009 02:56 PM

Well I appreciate the reply but I have no idea what you are talking about. Like I said, I don't speak that language. LOL. I'm a basic computer user trying to get linux to work on a flash drive. That's as simple as I can explain it.

jasohl 06-08-2009 02:57 PM

Could you post the partition table that was created?
From a terminal type (where sdc is your usb device):
Code:

fdisk -l /dev/sdc
Also, do you have other Linux installs, besides the USB? If not, most of this stuff will need to be performed from a live distro.
Have you ever booted from a USB before? Have you tried booting it from another computer to determine if it is in fact the USB/Install.

linus72 06-08-2009 03:04 PM

Yes, please give as much info about distro's you have tried and complete specs on the computer as in what you know about it-make, ram, etc.

DJNOS 06-08-2009 03:11 PM

I have Mint on a cd but I wanted to install it to USB and boot from there. My hard drive is out so I want to use my laptop without even fooling with the hard drive. I have not done this before so I am not sure if it's just my pc or the actual UBS. It could be that I can't boot from USB but in BIOS it does give me the option but then gives me the error > invalid or damaged bootable partition. I have a Dell Inspirion 2200. I have had it since 2004 and honestly can't remember all the specs. It's time to get a new one but I just wanted to see if I can get this to work before I go out and to that. I think I have like 512 ram and 1.2 or 1.8 processor speed. It is a celeron processor, which is something I'm not happy with.

linus72 06-08-2009 03:18 PM

OK, so please boot off Mint CD, at desktop open a terminal and become administrator; which is called "root" in Linux.
To become root in Mint, in terminal type "sudo su"

Plug in usb, it should auto-mount it; type in terminal after inserting USB
"fdisk -l"
Note what the output is.
Now, right-click on USB icon on desktop and select "unmount"
Now type in terminal "fsck /dev/sdxx" where xx is device name.
the output of fdisk -l will tell you name, should be sda1, sdb1, sdc1, sdd1, sde1, sdf1, or sdg1.
What is the output of both "fdisk -l" and "fsck /dev/sdxx"
Post what it outputs here please.
Then we'll get on to installing, etc

jasohl 06-08-2009 03:19 PM

Check out this site: http://www.pendrivelinux.com/
Its got tutorials for installing different Distros on USB Drives. There is actually a new one on installing Mint 7 from Windows.

DJNOS 06-08-2009 03:21 PM

Thanks for that link but I already did all of that. And now I'm having the issue I'm referring to so I'm trying to figure out what's next.

linus72 06-08-2009 03:24 PM

OK, please do the fdisk -l thing, and also how did you format usb, or is it factory formatted and you haven't done anything to it?

I believe you have a corrupted or improperly formatted usb.

DJNOS 06-08-2009 03:44 PM

I did what you said. I will tell you along with the steps:

1. went to sudo su
2. loaded usb
3. typed in fdisk -l
4. for output:
^[[B
Disk /dev/sda: 80.0 GB, 80026361856 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 9729 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes
Disk identifier: 0xaae0aae0

Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/sda1 * 1 9728 78140128+ 7 HPFS/NTFS

Disk /dev/sdb: 4005 MB, 4005560320 bytes
21 heads, 21 sectors/track, 17740 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 441 * 512 = 225792 bytes
Disk identifier: 0x404d1138

Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/sdb1 * 19 17741 3907648 c W95 FAT32 (LBA)

DJNOS 06-08-2009 03:45 PM

Reading what you wrote I may have not formatted the usb properly. I did not know that a brand new USB had to be formatted.

linus72 06-08-2009 04:06 PM

mmm...usb looks OK, except the LBA??
And what is on the HD sda1, as it looks like Windows?
Can you do "fsck /dev/sdb1" while USB is NOT mounted?
To unmount right-click icon in MInt, select unmount

What folders/files are on USB?
Can you post the syslinux.cfg that should be on the USB?

DJNOS 06-08-2009 04:10 PM

I typed in fsck/dev/sdb1 and it says no such file or directory

DJNOS 06-08-2009 04:11 PM

this is on the text editor of syslinux:

default vesamenu.c32
timeout 100

menu background splash.jpg
menu title Welcome to Linux Mint 6 Felicia Main Edition
menu color border 0 #00eeeeee #00000000
menu color sel 7 #ffffffff #33eeeeee
menu color title 0 #ffeeeeee #00000000
menu color tabmsg 0 #ffeeeeee #00000000
menu color unsel 0 #ffeeeeee #00000000
menu color hotsel 0 #ff000000 #ffffffff
menu color hotkey 7 #ffffffff #ff000000
menu color timeout_msg 0 #ffffffff #00000000
menu color timeout 0 #ffffffff #00000000
menu color cmdline 0 #ffffffff #00000000
menu hidden
menu hiddenrow 5
label live
menu label Start Linux Mint
kernel /casper/vmlinuz
append file=/cdrom/preseed/mint.seed boot=casper initrd=/casper/initrd.gz quiet splash --
menu default
label xforcevesa
menu label Start Linux Mint in compatibility mode
kernel /casper/vmlinuz
append file=/cdrom/preseed/mint.seed boot=casper xforcevesa initrd=/casper/initrd.gz ramdisk_size=1048576 root=/dev/ram rw noapic noapci nosplash irqpoll --
label memtest
menu label Memory Test
kernel memtest
label local
menu label Boot from local drive
localboot 0x80

linus72 06-08-2009 04:16 PM

You do mean "fsck /dev/sdb1", not "fsck/dev/sdb1" right?

DJNOS 06-08-2009 04:21 PM

Forgot the space:
fsck 1.41.3 (12-Oct-2008)
e2fsck 1.41.3 (12-Oct-2008)
fsck.ext2: No such file or directory while trying to open /dev/sdb1

The superblock could not be read or does not describe a correct ext2 filesystem. If the device is valid and it really contains an ext2 filesystem (and not swap or ufs or something else), then the superblock is corrupt, and you might try running e2fsck with an alternate superblcok:
e2fsck -b 8193 <device>

linus72 06-08-2009 04:24 PM

DUH!
I apologize, fsck is for Linux filesystem!
Anyway, seems usb is OK to me.
Is there a file/executable on the usb named ldlinux.sys? that is a small L.
How did you install Mint to usb, with Unetbootin or Pendrive?

DJNOS 06-08-2009 04:28 PM

I followed these instructions:
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/linux-m...nstall-via-cd/

Yes there is that file on the usb.

linus72 06-08-2009 04:36 PM

I've had this problem with Ubuntu-based distro's too(Mint), so maybe try another distro to see if that works?

I have a tinycore_1.4.3_usb at my site, not boasting but tinycore is most cool, and I have been playing with it on my usb(ext3 with grub)
The download works with both fat32/syslinux and ext3/grub.
So, since you already have syslinux installed to USB(that's the ldlinux.sys, that's syslinux), all you have to do is download my 1.4.3 usb, extract it and put the boot and flavors folder on your usb.
Reboot and you should get a boot.msg, just press enter to go to the boot menu.
at boot menu pick base/norestore.
we'll go from there.
( http://multidistro.com/downloads/tc_...c_flavors.html )

jasohl 06-08-2009 04:38 PM

Quote:

/dev/sdb1 * 19 17741 3907648 c W95 FAT32 (LBA)
It looks like the drive is still formatted as FAT32. It should have been formatted as EXT3 or something if you want to install Linux. The Mint install should have given you the option to format, and which file system. I believe you will need to reinstall on a correctly formatted drive.

DJNOS 06-08-2009 04:44 PM

Ok guys thanks for the assistance. I will try again tomorrow. I'm at work and I can't check the net at home so I will hit it in the morning. I appreciate it the help. :)

linus72 06-08-2009 04:45 PM

Not true really, fat32 is ok, ext3 will work better, but I'm betting you will be ok with fat32.
please try as I said above DJNOS, download and try to boot tinycore.
if it won't boot usb, we'll try bootfloppy, do you have a floppy-drive?

DJNOS 06-09-2009 07:47 AM

I tried downloading the file but the USB that I have linux mint on is full. It got to like 99% and said the USB was full. It's a 4G USB. what now?

linus72 06-09-2009 07:53 AM

Move Mint off the usb big dog.
I usually just use cut/paste ala windows.
If you need permissins on usb goto system/admin/permissions or authorizations.
or you can chown that bitch
"sudo su"
"chown -R username /media/usb0" where username is you; mine is bz
and mount point of usb, like /media/disk, /media/usb0
To find out just type "mount"

Don't remove the ldlinux.sys file when moving Mint.
Mint, ubuntu's really aren't for usb dog, they will tear it up and when you gotta do upgrades it wilol fill up
your persistence file too.

So, please, just experimenting, remove Mint and try the tc download.

DJNOS 06-09-2009 08:17 AM

Okey dokey. Got them on the USB and extracted....

linus72 06-09-2009 08:41 AM

OK, does it boot or what?
Note, that 1.4.3 usb has no apps etc.
I am improving it as we speak, installing dsl jwmThemes, wallpapers, etc.
To add an app open apps browser and install some tce's
Note the confusing syslinux menu system.
the tcvd's are the "flavors" at my site; I suggest the musix flavor.

Basically, at first boot you will probably get an error if you don't know usb's name as tinycore sees it.
ASfter booting 1st time, open a root terminal and issue "mount"
That will tll you how tinycore sees usb.
Now reboot and choose option for your usb.
Example, tc sees your usb as sda1; simply choose option where tce's and restore is set for sda1 etc.
Any issues?

DJNOS 06-09-2009 08:45 AM

nope won't boot. same error as before. invalid or damage bootable partition. is it possible that I cant boot from the USB on my pc?

linus72 06-09-2009 08:55 AM

Strange-does it have a floppy drive or cd drive?
Your doing this on a corporate PC, at work?
Do you have access to a Linux box or livecd?

DJNOS 06-09-2009 09:05 AM

I have a cd drive and I have linux on a cd. It will boot from the cd. I had to install Linux to the USB booting from the cd. My pc won't boot from the hard drive. My hard drive gives me the blue screen of death. I am using my work computer for the internet and getting the files I need.

linus72 06-09-2009 09:20 AM

Hmmm... OK we can try grub on ext2-that will boot as it will be seen as the 1st hd.
Or, you can use plop bootmanager bootcd to boot fat32 usb
( http://www.plop.at/en/bootmanagerdl.html )
download that and there is a small cd iso image, waste of a cd really, but it will work.
If you have a floppy drive it's better cause a cd is more expensive.

OK, use the plpbt.iso which doesn't install to mbr, it just tries to boot usb from the cd.
so, boot the plop cd, choose "usb" and it should boot it.

Can you burn iso's at work?:)

linus72 06-09-2009 09:28 AM

Actually all my iso images have plop bootmanager
so that would'nt waste a 700MB cd
( http://multidistro.com/downloads/isos/isos.html )
I suggest IMSHLD as it's made to go on usb too.
simply burn IMSHLD to cd-r and you got plop bootmanager plus lots more-
IMSHLD(Immutable_Shield
It's got...
1-UltimateBootCD-50b12
2-ClamAV LiveCD
3-AviraAV LiveCD
4-Mpentoo-2006.1
5-GRML-Medium-2008
6-TTY-Linux-8.0
7-PlopLinux-3.7.19
8-SuperGrubDisk
9-NT-Password
10-Memtest86+

Alot of stuff there huh?
It may even help you figure out what's wrong with your hd-taht's what Ultimatebootcd is for.
You have windows on hd?
why doesn't it bot?

DJNOS 06-09-2009 09:39 AM

crap. I need a cd. I'm at work and don't have any. Ah well.

DJNOS 06-09-2009 09:45 AM

I will get one from the computer department here.

linus72 06-09-2009 09:52 AM

I'm sorry dog, but I'm with you all the way.
We'll get this bitch rollin!
You got a floppy drive at home PC?
Or just cd?

By tomorrow Tinycore/Microcore 2.0 usb will be out and is a big improv on 1.4.3
Tell you what-we'll make a deal?
You give me good feedback as to what's wrong with my downloads,etc and I'll make you a custom tinycore or other usb today?
It'll be ready in the morning when you come here.
Just tell me what you want added to it, right now I got firefox+flash10, XMMS, OSS/alsa sound, XFE file manager, XFW writer and a little more.
i am headbanging the metallica via aol radio while writing this on tc 2.0 too
RADical

So, what do you wanna do?

DJNOS 06-09-2009 10:07 AM

Just a cd drive. No floppy.
I don't know if anything is wrong with your downloads but we will see. lol.
I will get a cd in an hour or two and download those files and burn to disc.

linus72 06-09-2009 10:19 AM

Issue with my downloads is I suck at writing how-to's, etc!
OK, IF you get tc-1.4.3 to boot, choose the "base/norestore" option first.
This will get you to the tc desktop.
Now, right-click anywhere, choose X-shells/Root access from menu.
type in "fdisk -l"
note usb name and mount point.
Once you know it's name according to TC, edit syslinux.cfg to point to your usb
Default is sda1

so, if it says /dev/sdb1, then edit syslinux.cfg entry thusly so apps are restored correctly
so, change this entry to whatever your usb name is-using sdb1 as example,

Code:

label tce-sav2sda1
menu default
menu label ^TCE-Sav2 SDA1
kernel /boot/bzImage
append initrd=/boot/tinycore.gz quiet restore=sda1 tce=sda1 waitusb=5

Code:

label tce-sav2sdb1
menu default
menu label ^TCE-Sav2 SDB1
kernel /boot/bzImage
append initrd=/boot/tinycore.gz quiet restore=sdb1 tce=sdb1 waitusb=5

To tidy things up even more; designate the tce folder to restore settings from, instead of usb
"restore=sdb1/tce tce=sdb1 waitusb=5"

here is the syslinux.cfg entry-choose this and it goes to the sub-menu above
label tce-sav2usb
menu label TC^E-Sav2USB-Menu
kernel /boot/syslinux/menu.c32
append /boot/syslinux/tceusb.cfg

Cool Lemons?
It's confusing to me too.

Ever burnt a iso to cd-r?
what r you using to burn iso to cd?

DJNOS 06-09-2009 11:37 AM

I don't know what an iso is. I'm a computer goof.

linus72 06-09-2009 11:48 AM

LOL!
Others here can help with that too.
Best option is use any Ubuntu livecd, add "k3b" from ubuntu synaptic pkg manager, it's in the system/administration/ menu at the top bar.
k3b is best cd burner for linux I think.
Open synaptic pkg manager and hit "search" button, enter k3b, it'll find k3b, then click little box and choose install.
pop in blank cd-r, open k3b from ubuntu menu "sound and video" or something.
Choose "burn cd image" or "burn iso image"
choose slowest speed 8x, and DAO I think
make sure it's cd-r
must have internet connection

Windows also has a freeware called "imgburn", you might try that in windows.

DJNOS 06-09-2009 11:53 AM

Ok I'm lost now. LOL. I got the cd. I don't know if I mentioned this tid bit of useful information or not but my work PC only has Windows on it. So what do I? Burn to the disc first? If so what? LOL. Sorry. I use to be a blonde but now I'm bald so that's a double whammie.

linus72 06-09-2009 12:11 PM

Check out imgburn
( http://www.imgburn.com/ )

Here's the download link
( http://fileforum.betanews.com/downlo...n/1128426215/1 )

You can use that; just burn it as an iso image
burn image to disk
cd-r
slowest speed

DJNOS 06-09-2009 12:33 PM

Ok I will but here's another dumb bald-blonde moment. On this link http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail...n/1128426215/1 I don't see the download button. I see downloads for spyware and that's it.

linus72 06-09-2009 01:38 PM

alright, try mirror one here
http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=download

DJNOS 06-09-2009 02:44 PM

I did and it brings to the link that has no download.

linus72 06-09-2009 02:49 PM

you gotta click the download button on that site
just click here ( http://fileforum.betanews.com/downlo...n/1128426215/1 )

linus72 06-09-2009 02:50 PM

click the button that says 1993kb

DJNOS 06-09-2009 02:59 PM

HoLy SmOkEs. It was there all this time. To the right. I'm computer illiterate but after this I think I'm now classified as computer retarded.


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