Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 15

Thread: Will Ubuntu run on a PC with no hdd?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Beans
    3

    Will Ubuntu run on a PC with no hdd?

    I have a Dell Inspiron 5100 notebook with 1.25GB RAM. It worked for years, then got a "Drive 0 not found" error. Replacing the HD did not fix it. Finding that Ubuntu would run from a USB stick, I created one using 12.10 as instructed on Windows and changed my bios order to boot from USB. I used a new 16GB Micro Center jump drive formated FAT32. The notebook now boots to the Ubuntu welcome screen OK, and
    everything but the HD works. But when I click on Try Ubuntu, all I get is the desktop picture and a mouse pointer. Will Ubuntu run from USB on a PC with no hdd?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    In my head.. I think?
    Beans
    113

    Re: Will Ubuntu run on a PC with no hdd?

    I used to have an ubuntu on an 8 gb flash drive. My laptop supports booting from usb. I see no reason as to why it wouldn't run from a usb stick/drive.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    0:0:0:0:0:0:0:1
    Beans
    5,169
    Distro
    Kubuntu

    Re: Will Ubuntu run on a PC with no hdd?

    sounds like compiz is not working for you, try a differnet DE like xubuntu/kubuntu/lubuntu, you may prefer linux mint
    Laptop: ASUS A54C-NB91 (Storage: WD3200BEKT + MKNSSDCR60GB-DX); Desktop: Custom Build - Images included; rPi Server
    Putting your Networked Printer's scanner software to shame PHP Scanner Server
    I frequently edit my post when I have the last post

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Mystletainn Kick!
    Beans
    13,596
    Distro
    Ubuntu

    Re: Will Ubuntu run on a PC with no hdd?

    Will Ubuntu run from USB on a PC with no hdd?
    Simple answer: Yes.

    Here's a way how:

    https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCD/Persistence


    I run LiveCDs on systems where I unplug the hard drives all the time, never didn't work.
    Mind you CD and USB are different the basic concept is the same.
    Splat Double Splat Triple Splat
    Earn Your Keep
    Don't mind me, I'm only passing through.
    Once in a blue moon, I'm actually helpful
    .

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Beans
    3

    Re: Will Ubuntu run on a PC with no hdd?

    Thanks to all 3 of you who answered my question. I reinstalled Ubuntu to my USB stick, and this time I chose 12.04 instead of 12.10, and left my internet connected while running the Pendrivelinux Universal USB Installer, and added a 1GB persistent file. I don't know which of these changes made the difference, but this time Ubuntu booted up without any problems, and everything works! Problem resolved!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
    Beans
    3,449
    Distro
    Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish

    Re: Will Ubuntu run on a PC with no hdd?

    Quote Originally Posted by rayshif View Post
    Thanks to all 3 of you who answered my question. I reinstalled Ubuntu to my USB stick, and this time I chose 12.04 instead of 12.10, and left my internet connected while running the Pendrivelinux Universal USB Installer, and added a 1GB persistent file. I don't know which of these changes made the difference, but this time Ubuntu booted up without any problems, and everything works! Problem resolved!
    1GB persistence will likely be used up quite soon.
    You can have up to 4GB persistence using a casper-rw file.
    If you need more persistence, you can make a ext partition named casper-rw of any size that will fit on your drive.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    19th Hole
    Beans
    Hidden!
    Distro
    Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish

    Re: Will Ubuntu run on a PC with no hdd?

    Quote Originally Posted by deadflowr View Post
    Simple answer: Yes...I run LiveCDs on systems where I unplug the hard drives all the time
    +1

    @OP

    You might also consider installing a fully functioning system to a USB hard drive in the usual way. Don't have to fight with persistence issues, install whatever apps you want, etc. Obviously more fragile than an internal HD, but backups should look after that.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Beans
    432

    Re: Will Ubuntu run on a PC with no hdd?

    I just installed Xdbuntu 12.04.01 on a 32 gig SD that will boot off of a card reader.
    I followed C.S.Cameron's intructions on this
    link ( post #3 ):

    http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.p...ighlight=flash

    This works whether or not you have a HD with
    windows on it.

    Works excellent.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Beans
    3

    Re: Will Ubuntu run on a PC with no hdd?

    I guess I don't know what persistence is. Is it used for programs and data? I have 14GB free on my USB stick. Should I use it all? How can I increase it? Do I need to reinstall Ubuntu to the stick?
    Last edited by rayshif; December 15th, 2012 at 07:24 AM.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
    Beans
    3,449
    Distro
    Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish

    Re: Will Ubuntu run on a PC with no hdd?

    Persistence is space used to save installed programs and settings.
    You can have two types of persistent files or partitions:

    Casper-rw which saves everything, (that doesn't load at boot, such as video drivers).

    Home-rw can be used along side casper-rw, it is similar to a separate home folder, or partition. it will save your settings and downloads.

    Most people just use casper-rw.

    Once a persistence file is filled up the drive will no longer boot, at least until some files are removed.

    It is important not to do an update using update manager when using a persistent install.

    I have been often accused for making things seem over complex.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •