Home/ Questions/Q 5501
Next
In Process

askthedev.com Latest Questions

Asked: 2024-09-25T04:52:47+05:30 In:

Can I convert a standard Ubuntu live USB into one with persistence without using any additional tools?

I’ve been diving deep into the world of Ubuntu lately, and I hit a bit of a snag that I could really use some advice on. So, I created a standard live USB of Ubuntu for my laptop, hoping to use it for some tests and troubleshooting. You know how it goes—you want to take it on the road and have all the tools you need without compromising your main system. However, now I’m thinking about how great it would be to have that USB drive also remember my settings and files when I boot from it.

Here’s the catch: I’ve come across plenty of tutorials online that talk about creating a persistent live USB, but most of them recommend using additional tools or software. Ideally, I want to keep things straightforward, especially since I started this process on a whim! Is there a way to convert my existing standard live USB into one with persistence without needing to download any tools or going through some complex steps?

I understand that having persistence would allow me to not only save changes but also install software directly onto the live USB, which is super appealing. However, the thought of starting from scratch or reformatting the USB isn’t really doing it for me. If I could just extend the functionality of what I already have, that would be perfect!

I’ve seen some folks mention manipulating partitions or editing the boot parameters, but I’m not entirely sure how those processes work. If there’s a simple step-by-step method or any tips you can offer, I’d greatly appreciate it! And while you’re at it, if you have any warnings or things to watch out for during this process, I’d love to hear those too. Let’s be real, I’d rather not end up with a bricked USB! Looking forward to any insights you all might have!

Share

    Leave an answer

    You must login to add an answer.

    Need An Account,

    2 Answers



    1. Converting Standard Live USB to Persistent USB

      How to Make Your Live USB Persistent

      So, you’ve created a standard live USB of Ubuntu and now you want to add persistence to it without starting from scratch. While it might seem complicated, there is a way to achieve this, and I’ll break it down into manageable steps!

      Step-by-Step Guide

      1. Backup Your Data: First, always a good idea to back up any important files from your existing USB. You never know when something might go wrong!
      2. Check Current Partitions: Use the lsblk command in the terminal to see the current partition layout. You should see something like /dev/sdb1 for your live USB.
      3. Resize the Partition: If your USB drive has enough space, you can resize the partition to make room for the persistence data. You can use gparted, but if you want to avoid additional tools, you could use the command line.
      4. Create a New Partition: Once you’ve resized the main partition (e.g., /dev/sdb1), create a new partition (e.g., /dev/sdb2) and format it to ext4. This is where all your persistent data will go. You can do this in the terminal with mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb2.
      5. Edit the Boot Parameters: You need to tell the bootloader about the new partition. Open the syslinux.cfg or grub.cfg file on the USB and append the following to the boot parameters: 
        persistent

        and 

        persistent-path=/casper-rw

        Make sure to specify the correct partition, like persistence or just persistent if it’s the first one.

      6. Boot from USB: Now, try booting from your USB again. If everything went smoothly, your changes and files should now persist even after you reboot!

      Things to Watch Out For

      • Bricking Your USB: Be careful when resizing partitions. If you accidentally format the wrong one, you risk losing your data!
      • Bootloader Configuration: Ensure you edit the boot parameters carefully. A small typo can prevent your system from booting correctly.
      • Compatibility: Some USB sticks may not support booting with persistence, so it’s good to check if your device can handle it.

      With these steps, you can enhance your existing live USB without starting fresh! Good luck, and happy testing!


    2. To convert your existing standard live USB of Ubuntu into one with persistence, you can leverage the existing partitions on the USB drive, avoiding the need for additional tools or software. First, identify the partition layout of your USB drive using the command sudo fdisk -l. Typically, your USB will have one main partition where the live system resides. You will need to create a new partition for persistence. Use a tool like gparted (which is usually included in the Ubuntu live environment) to resize the main partition and create a new partition labeled persistence in the newly available space. Make sure to format this new partition as ext4.

      Once you’ve set up the persistence partition, you’ll need to modify the boot parameters in the USB’s syslinux.cfg or grub.cfg file (located in the boot directory). Add the following line to your boot options: persistence. After you boot from the USB, this will allow the system to recognize the persistence storage, enabling you to save settings, files, and install applications directly onto the USB. Be cautious while resizing partitions, as this can lead to data loss if not done carefully. Always back up your data if possible and ensure that you are modifying the correct drive to avoid bricking your USB.

    Related Questions