Ubuntu not saving files and settings when running from flash drive

Posted by user81217 on Ask Ubuntu See other posts from Ask Ubuntu or by user81217
Published on 2012-08-04T05:57:16Z Indexed on 2013/06/25 4:29 UTC
Read the original article Hit count: 148

Filed under:

12.04

|

live-usb

|

persistent

How can I make Ubuntu run completely off of a flash drive?

I have downloaded Ubuntu onto a 4gb flash drive but no changes I make are saved between sessions. I want to be able to run and save everything I do to the flash drive. I don't want it interfering with my hard drive at all. I just want to be able to plug my flash drive in the computer boot Ubuntu, and for it to save my changes.

E.g. When I install Google Chrome, when I reboot it isn't there.

© Ask Ubuntu or respective owner

Related posts about 12.04

Wipe 12.04/Windows 7 dual boot setup and start fresh new 12.04

as seen on Ask Ubuntu - Search for 'Ask Ubuntu'
I have an Asus u56e laptop running dual boot setup, Windows 7 and 12.04. I had Windows 7 first. I was wondering what's the easiest way possible to erase/format my drive (500GB) so that it deletes Ubuntu and Windows 7 so I can reinstall 12.04 onto my whole drive? Does the Ubuntu Live CD help make this… >>> More
In 12.04: Failed to load session 'ubuntu' [closed]

as seen on Ask Ubuntu - Search for 'Ask Ubuntu'
Possible Duplicate: There's an issue with an Alpha/Beta Release of Ubuntu, what should I do? I'm using 12.04 beta. Today I was prompted to install some updates, which I did, followed by a reboot. On reboot, X starts, but all I see is a single dialog window in the middle of the screen… >>> More
Will final version of 12.04 use the power management changes found in kernel 3.3

as seen on Ask Ubuntu - Search for 'Ask Ubuntu'
I have seen in some version of Ubuntu that instead of making a huge change to update to the latest kernel, they take some of the good stuff out of it, for the sake of stability and put it on a previous version. In this case, kernel 3.3 has seen some very good power management enhancements that are… >>> More
Wired PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse do not work in 12.04 Live CD or after fresh 12.04 install - Foxconn D270S Atom Motherboard

as seen on Ask Ubuntu - Search for 'Ask Ubuntu'
My Wired PS/2 keyboard and mouse do not work in 12.04, either in a fresh install or from the Live CD. A USB keyboard and mouse will work. The PS/2 keyboard and mouse will work using the same hardware and a fresh 10.04 Ubuntu install or a fresh Windows 7 install. The motherboard is a Foxconn D270S… >>> More
Difference between 12.04 and 12.04.1

as seen on Ask Ubuntu - Search for 'Ask Ubuntu'
I recently did a fresh install of Ubuntu 12.04 two days ago. Or at least I thought it was 12.04, but actually 12.04.1. Now I'm having errors popping up from the grub loader. Error: no video mode activated which was apparently resolved in this bug# 699802. However these workarounds are for 11.xx… >>> More

Related posts about live-usb

Cannot boot from LiveUSB: “aufs mount failed”

as seen on Ask Ubuntu - Search for 'Ask Ubuntu'
I used Universal USB Installer to install an Ubuntu 10.04 Netbook LiveCD image on an SD Card. During this installation, I indicated that I wanted a persistent install with 4GB dedicated to customization/settings. The installation seems to finish without incident. However, when I try to boot from… >>> More
Why do things change between using a LiveCD/LiveUSB and installing Ubuntu?

as seen on Ask Ubuntu - Search for 'Ask Ubuntu'
Here have been a couple of weird experiences I've had with a Ubuntu LiveCD or LiveUSB: 1) I had one of the original Chromebooks (CR-48). I ended up wiping ChromeOS and installing only Ubuntu 12.04.0 just after it came out. It worked like a charm. About a year later, I broke something and reinstalled… >>> More
Can't open a separate usbdrive when booting from a liveusb install 12.10

as seen on Ask Ubuntu - Search for 'Ask Ubuntu'
My problem is using a separate flash drive when running from my live usb of ubuntu 12.10. The problem is that when I choose to Try Ubuntu from this usb drive it no longer lets me access my other flash drive. It automatically sets it to part of the live usb but it's a completely separate flash drive… >>> More
Difference between LiveCD, LiveUSB, full-install, and persistence?

as seen on Ask Ubuntu - Search for 'Ask Ubuntu'
I am currently running Ubuntu as a guest vm on a Win 7 host via VirtualBox, but I would like to have a portable version of Ubuntu when I am not using my laptop. I am unsure as to the difference between the following: 1)LiveCD with persistence; 2)LiveCD without persistence; 3)LiveUSB with persistence; 4)LiveUSB… >>> More
Linux Live USB Media

as seen on Internet.com - Search for 'Internet.com'
<b>Jamie's Random Musings:</b> "It is pretty common these days for laptops, and even desktops, to be able to boot from a USB flash memory drive. So you can save a little time and a little money by converting various Linux distributions ISO images to bootable USB devices, rather than… >>> More