USB startup disk

[maghoxfr]

Hello,

I am formatting my pc right now. I will reinstall both OS's from the scratch but I have no CD-DVD burner and nor do I have a pendrive.

My options are the very same external HDD I have backed everything in or my philips go gear vibe 8GB mp4 player.

My question is:
Can I use any of those devices as a startup disk WITHOUT losing the information I have in them?

(I don't care about the music on the mp4 player but I wouldn't want to screw it up by deleting its "OS" or whatever t's called)

Thank you

[maghoxfr]

Anybody? I still have this doubt. Thanks.

[snowpine]

You should be able to buy a 1gb or larger flash drive for under US$5 with all the after-holiday sales that are going on.

[maghoxfr]

I don't have a CD burner and I don't have $5 to spare at this time. But thanks, I'll find a way.

[West201]

I believe you can't boot from an external drive without formatting the device. Are still able to boot to Windows or Ubuntu ?

If so you can use gparted or other partitioning application to create a partition for Windows. Format the partition in NTFS, you can then install Windows in that partition, and then transfers your files there. It's easier to install Ubuntu after Windows is already installed, Since the Windows will not recognize the Ubuntu partition at first.

[maghoxfr]

I believe you can't boot from an external drive without formatting the device. Are still able to boot to Windows or Ubuntu ?

If so you can use gparted or other partitioning application to create a partition for Windows. Format the partition in NTFS, you can then install Windows in that partition, and then transfers your files there. It's easier to install Ubuntu after Windows is already installed, Since the Windows will not recognize the Ubuntu partition at first.

That's a great solution! I will deffinitely try it. Thank you very much.

[West201]

That's a great solution! I will deffinitely try it. Thank you very much.

After you install Windows, you'll have to use an Ubuntu live cd to access your files in your Ubuntu partition, you can then transfer them to Windows. Or follow the method below.

http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/acces...itions-in.html

[maghoxfr]

After you install Windows, you'll have to use an Ubuntu live cd to access your files in your Ubuntu partition, you can then transfer them to Windows. Or follow the method below.

http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/acces...itions-in.html

Thanks mate!