When you boot to linux from the flash do you have to install it after? Its telling me if I install it my drive will be wiped

 

You do not need to install Linux to the internal disk. Booting from the Live Linux USB flash drive moves the entire OS into memory and runs that way.

If you want anything to be saved while you are using Linux from a flash drive, you have to create what is called a Persistent Install. This means any changes you make or files you create will be stored to the flash drive. The next time you boot from the flash drive, those changes will still be there. aka persistent. This is normally done when you are setting up the flash drive.

Nothing is saved to the computer when running Linux from the flash drive, unless you deliberately do that. It's very similar to running a Virtual Machine, but there is no host operating system or program running the second operating system inside a container.

Here is a GPT output so you can see the difference in the usb flash drive setup process. Just don't do this now. Just get your data back onto a working disk.

Spoiler

how to create a persistent install of Linux Mint on my usb flash drive
ChatGPT said:


Creating a persistent install of Linux Mint on a USB flash drive allows you to save files, settings, and software across reboots—unlike a regular Live USB. Here’s how to do it the right way:

✅ You’ll Need:

• USB Flash Drive (at least 16GB, ideally 32GB or more)
  
  
• Linux Mint ISO: Download here
  
  
• Ventoy, Rufus, or mkusb (for creating bootable USB with persistence)
  
  
• A second USB drive or separate hard drive if you're doing a full install (see Method 2 below)
  

️ Method 1: Live USB with Persistence (Simpler, but limited)
Windows: Use Rufus (v3.20 or later)

1. Download and run Rufus.
   
   
2. Insert your USB stick.
   
   
3. Select the Linux Mint ISO.
   
   
4. In “Persistent partition size”, drag the slider (e.g. 4GB, 8GB).
   
   
5. File system: FAT32 or NTFS
   
   
6. Click Start – it’ll format and write the persistent system.
   

⚠️ Max persistence with FAT32 is 4GB. If you need more, use NTFS or ext4 (advanced).

Linux: Use mkusb
bash
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mkusb/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mkusb

1. Run mkusb and choose persistent live install.
   
   
2. Select the Mint ISO, then your USB device.
   
   
3. Choose persistent storage size.
   
   
4. Let it finish creating the live USB.
   

️ Method 2: Full Persistent Installation (Best for Real Use)
This is like installing Linux Mint onto a USB as if it were a real hard drive.

Steps:

1. Boot from a Live USB (not the target USB—use another drive).
   
   
2. Insert the target USB flash drive.
   
   
3. Run the Mint installer.
   
   
4. When asked "Installation type", choose “Something else”.
   
   
5. Format your USB:
   
   • Create a root (/) partition, ext4, 20–30GB+
     
     
   • Optional: a swap partition (1–2GB)
     
6. Set the bootloader installation to the USB device (/dev/sdX, not your main hard disk!).
   
   
7. Continue install. After reboot, remove the Live USB and boot into your full Mint install from USB.
   

Persistence is unlimited in this method—install software, change themes, save files, etc.

Tips:

• Use USB 3.0 for better performance.
  
  
• A fast SSD in a USB enclosure is much faster than a flash stick.
  
  
• For real-world use (updates, installing software), Method 2 is best.
  

 

Last edited: May 7, 2025

Ah ok I understand, I guess I will get busy backing up the shit I want to keep. I really don't want to though because it's going to take forever. I may just pay that computer repair guy and save myself the headache

 

You may as well format the disk yourself and save yourself the trip and money. He already told you he is not going to recover your data.

Reinstalling all your audio apps and plugins is in your near future.

Did you already try deleting stuff so you could boot Windows normally?

 

That's true, he did say he could save it with another drive but you are right it will save me money. Yea seems like for sure

 

Hallo @scguy83, after you have reinstalled Windows, make sure you make at least one full backup of your C:/ hard drive on a second hard drive on your to-do list so that in an emergency you can restore your C:/ hard drive using the emergency disc you have created.

 

Hey guys so it's been a few weeks, I had to take my computer to a repair shop I couldn't get anything to work tom restore it but I am about make a back up on another External drive

 

Strange, no one mentioned Strelec WinPE, it's an AIO emergency tool(s) for PC.

 

Hirens BootCD PE was suggested a month ago. 30 days when it should have been done in under 30 minutes.

 

I think Strelec has the most tools and is updated regularly, however the concept behind all this thread is that if you don't know the basics of PC OS installation and management you don't go anywhere, no matter the tools at your disposal.

 

the low-handing fruit would be a lesson in the value of backing up before you have a problem. Then maybe about creating a separate partition for your OS and not downloading data directly to it. Quite a good number of basic things to take away, actually.