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Install an OS off of an external hard drive?

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I have decided to install a different type of linux on a spare computer and my DVD+R CD’s are too small to cram the .ISO file onto, but i have an external hard drive that keeps some of my stuff backed up. So instead of having to go out and spend money on new CD’s for one thing is there a way that i can install the os off the external hard drive i have?
I have tried to just copy the .iso file onto the external/plug it in/switch the boot order and restart, but that leaves me looking at a black screen with a flashing white bar. Is there something I need to do to the file before attempting to boot?

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Clarifications

In reply to Install an OS off of an external hard drive?

Clarifications

Well firstly I think you need a DVD Blank not a CD Blank

In reply to Install an OS off of an external hard drive?

That in itself is no big deal as DVD Blanks are considerably cheaper than CD Blanks and if you use this type of Media at all you should have DVD Blanks not CD Blanks. 😉

As for using it from an External HDD it may or may not work depending on what your Hardware actually is but if it’s going to work you need to have the Install File/s copied tot he Root of the HDD not in a Folder on the HDD as the computer will be unable to find what it is you want to install. 😉

Col

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