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Asked: 2024-09-26T20:42:13+05:30 In:

How can I install Ubuntu using an external hard drive as the installation medium?

I’ve been wanting to dive into the world of Ubuntu for a while now, and I’m finally ready to take the plunge, but I’ve hit a bit of a snag. I want to install it using an external hard drive instead of a USB stick. I’ve heard it’s totally doable, but honestly, I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by all the options and steps involved.

Here’s the situation: I’ve got this external hard drive that I’m not using for anything else right now, and I figured it would be the perfect installation medium. The only issue is that I’ve never done anything like this before, and I’m kind of worried about messing things up. I mean, what if I accidentally wipe my entire drive or something?

I’ve read a few guides online, and they seem to suggest that I need to first create a bootable installation on the external drive. But then there’s the question of which tools to use — do I just go with Rufus or Balena Etcher? Also, should I format the drive before I start? I don’t want to lose any data that might be on it, so I’m definitely looking for a step-by-step guide here.

Once I’ve got Ubuntu all set up on the external hard drive, what do I do next? How do I actually boot from it? Is there something I need to change in the BIOS settings? I’ve never even looked at the BIOS before, so I’m a bit nervous about that too.

And, if anyone has any troubleshooting tips in case things don’t go smoothly, that would be super helpful. I’ve heard that sometimes the installation can go sideways, and I’d love to be prepared for any hiccups.

So, if you’ve been through this process or have any tips, I’d really appreciate your help! I’m eager to get started, but I just need a little guidance to make sure I don’t screw things up. Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers



    1. Installing Ubuntu on External Hard Drive

      Installing Ubuntu on an External Hard Drive – A Noob’s Guide

      So you’re ready to dive into Ubuntu using your external hard drive? Awesome! Don’t worry, it sounds tricky but it’s totally doable. Let’s break it down step by step and make sure you don’t mess anything up!

      Step 1: Backup Your Data

      First things first, backup any important data on your external drive just in case! Better safe than sorry, right? You don’t want to lose anything valuable.

      Step 2: Create a Bootable Drive

      You’ll need to create a bootable installation on your external hard drive. Both Rufus and Balena Etcher are good tools for this. If you’re on Windows, go for Rufus. Here are the steps:

      • Download Rufus from its official site.
      • Connect your external hard drive to the computer.
      • Open Rufus and select your external hard drive.
      • Under Boot selection, choose the Ubuntu ISO file you’ve downloaded.
      • Make sure the Partition scheme matches your computer’s requirements (usually GPT for UEFI or MBR for legacy).
      • Click Start and wait for it to finish.

      Step 3: Boot from the External Drive

      Now for the tricky part! After installation, you need to boot from the external hard drive:

      • Restart your computer.
      • As it boots up, access the BIOS/UEFI settings (it’s usually a key like F2, F12, DEL, or ESC at startup, but it varies by manufacturer).
      • Look for a section called Boot Order or Boot Menu.
      • Make sure your external hard drive is listed first. Save and exit.

      Step 4: Installing Ubuntu

      Now you should see the Ubuntu installation menu! Just follow the prompts. When it asks where to install, be very careful to select the external hard drive. Double-check to avoid wiping your internal drive!

      Troubleshooting Tips

      If things don’t go as planned:

      • If your computer won’t boot from the external drive, double-check the BIOS settings.
      • Make sure the external drive is properly formatted and recognized by your system.
      • For installation issues, check the integrity of your Ubuntu ISO file. You can do this by checking the MD5 or SHA256 checksums online.

      Final Tips

      Remember to take your time, and don’t rush through the steps. If you get confused, it’s totally okay to look up videos or guides for visual help. You’ve got this!

      Happy Ubuntu-ing!



    2. Installing Ubuntu on an external hard drive is a great way to dive into the Linux world without risking your internal storage. First, ensure that your external drive is properly backed up, as the installation process may involve formatting it. You can use tools like Rufus or Balena Etcher to create a bootable installation drive. If you’re using Rufus, select the external hard drive from the device dropdown and choose the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded. You should format the drive as FAT32 to ensure compatibility. Make sure to choose the correct device to avoid wiping any important data on your other drives. Once you’ve set everything correctly in Rufus, click ‘Start’, and follow any on-screen prompts. Balena Etcher operates in a similar fashion; just select your ISO and drive, then click ‘Flash!’

      After creating the bootable drive, the next step is to boot from it. Restart your computer and access the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing a specific key during boot (often F2, F12, DEL, or ESC). Look for the boot order settings and ensure that your external hard drive is set as the first boot device; this will allow your system to boot from your external drive. Save and exit the BIOS settings. If you encounter any issues during installation, such as partition challenges or compatibility problems, don’t hesitate to refer to the Ubuntu forums or relevant documentation. Troubleshooting tips often include checking for firmware updates for your motherboard or trying a different USB port. With a methodical approach and proper precautions, you can successfully install Ubuntu and enjoy your new operating system.


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