Install Tiny Core on a USB drive while Connected to the Internet

This method may be used to install Tiny Core on USB drive, or other solid state memory, using a computer connected to the Internet with a broadband Internet connection.

For other installation methods, see the Index.

Before installing Tiny Core, save a copy of all files you want to keep. All files will be lost.

This guide suggests options which may be used. This is to help people learning about this for the first time, who may not fully understand. There are also other options which may be used. You may set it up how you like.

Be aware: Some older computers cannot start an operating system on a USB drive.

Use the latest version of Tiny Core. New versions have improvements and additional features.

To use this method of installation, you need Tiny Core 3.6 or higher.

A computer.

A USB drive.

The Tiny Core CD.

A broadband Internet connection.

Download the latest version of Tiny Core from one of the mirrors, and write it to a CD.

While running Tiny Core from the CD and connected to the internet, install dosfstools-3.tcz and syslinux.tcz, using the App Browser. If you plan to use the USB zip option, also install perl5.tcz.

Before running the installer, save a copy of all files you want to keep. All files will be lost.

Run the installer from Control Panel, then HD/USB Install.

Select Tiny Core.

Select the location of either the tinycore iso file, or the tinycore.gz file.

Select Frugal.

Select Whole Disk.

Select the correct drive. Warning: If you select the wrong drive, everything on that drive will be lost.

Click the Forward arrow.

Formatting Options: Select ext2.

Click the Forward arrow.

Boot options: You may leave this blank.

Click the Forward arrow.

Click Proceed.

Tiny Core will be installed.

You can restart the computer and run Tiny Core. Remember to remove the CD.

Have fun using Tiny Core.

If the computer will not start Tiny Core on the USB drive, see If a Computer Won't Start from a CD, DVD or USB Drive

Also see: Install Applications, Make Extensions for Settings, Backup and Backup when Installed on a USB Drive.

If you want to use passwords to prevent other people from logging in to your computer, you can set up a menu, as explained in Select which Operating System to Start using Extlinux and add passwords, as explained in Extlinux Passwords.

Another option is to use Tiny Core Passwords.