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Asked: 2024-09-26T00:09:11+05:30 In:

What are the steps to make a USB drive bootable on Ubuntu?

I’ve been trying to figure out how to make a USB drive bootable on Ubuntu, and to be honest, I’m kinda lost. I’m sure it can’t be that complicated, but it feels like I’m missing something. You know how it is when you just want to get something done, and all the tutorials out there seem to assume you already know what you’re doing?

So here’s the situation: I have this old laptop, and I want to install a fresh copy of Ubuntu on it. I’ve already downloaded the ISO file. Now, I just need to make a bootable USB drive to get the installation going. I’ve read some random blogs, and some of them are talking about using something called ‘GParted’ and others mention ‘dd’ or some other software tools. Honestly, I’m not even sure if I should stick with the command line or if there are easier graphical tools I could use.

If I go the command line route, I’m worried I’ll somehow mess things up. I mean, I’ve heard horror stories about people wiping out their entire drives by using the wrong command! That’s why I’m leaning towards GUI tools, but then I read that they can be less effective sometimes. It’s so confusing!

Can anyone walk me through the steps? Like, how do I actually get started? Do I format the USB first? And what is the best tool to use for this? Also, how do I make sure I select the correct USB drive so I don’t accidentally overwrite something important?

I’d really appreciate any tips or step-by-step instructions that you can share from your own experience. I just want to avoid the stress of making a mistake, you know? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

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    2 Answers


    1. To create a bootable USB drive on Ubuntu, you can choose between using a graphical tool or the command line. If you prefer a GUI, one of the most user-friendly options is Startup Disk Creator, which comes pre-installed with Ubuntu. Simply insert your USB drive, open Startup Disk Creator, and select the ISO file you’ve downloaded along with your USB drive in the interface. The tool will handle the formatting and copying of files so you can worry less about accidentally wiping your main drives. Before you proceed, ensure your USB drive does not contain any important data, as this process will erase everything on it.

      If you want to use the command line, you can utilize the dd command, but caution is essential as it can be risky. Start by identifying your USB drive with the command lsblk or fdisk -l; make sure to take note of the device name (like /dev/sdb). After that, unmount the USB drive with umount /dev/sdX (replace X with the correct letter). Then, run the command sudo dd if=/path/to/your.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress (again, replace /path/to/your.iso and sdX with your actual file path and device name). Be very careful with this command, as choosing the wrong `of=` destination could overwrite important data. After the command completes, your USB should be ready to boot your old laptop and install a fresh copy of Ubuntu.




    2. Making a Bootable USB Drive on Ubuntu


      Creating a Bootable USB Drive on Ubuntu

      Making a USB drive bootable is actually pretty straightforward, so no need to stress! Here’s a simple guide to help you through it, step by step.

      What You Will Need:

      • Your Ubuntu ISO file.
      • A USB drive (at least 4GB should work).
      • Optional: GParted or another partitioning tool (but not necessary). You might already have Startup Disk Creator installed.

      Step 1: Format the USB Drive

      Before you start, you want to make sure your USB drive is formatted properly. Here’s how:

      1. Plug in your USB drive.
      2. Open the terminal (you can find it in your applications or press Ctrl + Alt + T).
      3. Check which drive your USB is. Type:
        4. lsblk
      4. Look for your USB drive in the list. It will likely be something like /dev/sdb. Make sure you identify it correctly to avoid wiping your main drive!
      5. To format the USB drive, use the command: (this will erase everything on it!)
        6. sudo mkfs.vfat /dev/sdX1

        Replace sdX1 with your USB’s identifier (e.g., sdb1).

      Step 2: Create the Bootable USB

      Now that your USB is ready, you have a couple of options:

      Option 1: Using Startup Disk Creator (GUI Method)

      1. Open Startup Disk Creator from your applications.
      2. Select the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.
      3. Then select your USB drive.
      4. Click on Create.

      Option 2: Using ‘dd’ Command (Command Line)

      If you want to use the command line (but be careful with this method):

      1. Use this command (again, be super careful to use the right drive):
        2. sudo dd if=/path/to/ubuntu.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress

        Replace /path/to/ubuntu.iso with the actual path and sdX with your USB drive. This will take some time!

      Final Step: Safely Eject the USB Drive

      After the process is complete, don’t forget to safely eject your USB drive:

      sudo eject /dev/sdX

      Boot from the USB Drive

      Now, plug the USB into your old laptop, reboot, and access the boot menu (usually pressing F12 or Esc as it starts). Select your USB from the options, and you should be ready to go!

      If all goes well, you’ll be walking through the Ubuntu installation in no time! Good luck!


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