Ubuntu
ubiquity package

Loading 11.10 from USB

Asked by Sally

I'm no techi, so I may be way out of my depth here. I'm running Ubunto 9.04 and want to upgrade. I've downloaded the .iso file to my desktop and then loaded the boot-up stuff to my USB (I've tried bothSandisk and Lexar, and all the files seem to be there). When I restart the computer my old version reloads. I've stretched myself to the limit and altered the boot sequence using F12. Is there an EASY way this can be solved, or should I just give up? If I get a CD would that work?

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Chris (fabricator4) said : 		#1

You have to use the startup disk creator to make a bootable USB. I can't recall if that is available in 9.04 but I think so. An alternative is to use unetbootin which works very well. It's a good idea to check the MD5sum of the downloaded ISO before you proceed:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowToMD5SUM

Next you have to change the BIOS so that it will boot off the USB. Unfortunately BIOS's tend to vary a lot in how they are set up so it's very hard to give instructions. Knowing what the BIOS and what the CPU is may help.

Some BIOS's need to have both the "boot device" changed (to USB-HDD for example) for the USB to be recognised in the boot order, and you need to change the boot order so that the USB is at the top of the list. Have the USB device inserted when you enter the BIOS setup, otherwise it won't show up in the boot order.

Some BIOS's also have a second method of booting off a USB - if you press a certain key (often <esc> or a function key) while it's showing the post screen (the one with the BIOS logo on it) the it will give you a list of boot options including the boot USB if it finds one.

For both options and particularly the last one it's often good to have a look at the manual for the mother because it will have all of this information in it. Motherboard manuals can also be found on-line if you've lost yours.

Chris

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Sally (sallywilliams) said : 		#2

Hello Chris

I've done that, including changing the BIOS order so that the USB is first. The USB flashes when I reboot, as if it's trying, but then it just does the usual boot. I even tried removing the other boot options , so that the USB was the only one available

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ahambidge (ahambidge) said : 		#3

Hello,

Download Unetbootin from the Synaptic. Then burn the ISO image to the USB stick.

Regards,

Allan :)

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Sally (sallywilliams) said : 		#4

Hello Alan

I followed you advise. Still no go. I think I might have to wait for a bootable CD in a mag.

Sally

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ahambidge (ahambidge) said : 		#5

Hello,

You don't have to wait for a Mazazine CD. Try testing your ISO download with the information from this link.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowToMD5SUM

If the ISO image you have is faulty go to the Ubuntu web page and download again.

Regards,

Allan :)

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Chris (fabricator4) said : 		#6

Hi Sally, when you press <F12> does it give you the list of boot devices? If the USB is plugged in when you turn on it should list the USB and the hard drive. Selecting the USB device to boot off should then work. It's the absolute easiest way. If it then still does not boot, then the USB device is not bootable.

What method did you use to create the USB boot device? Did you in fact check the MD5sum?

Chris

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