Making a 64Gb USB drive bootable

This thread started here.

Basically, I can't make my 64Gb "who knows who made it" USB Flash drive bought from eBay to boot on my "home made" PC (Intel Core i5-2400 CPU @ 3.10 Ghz, 8 Gb of RAM, on a ASRock H61M-HVS motherboard running Win 7 Home Premium 64bit). I only get a blinking (no pun intended) cursor.

The links for the results of tests requested by "Wonko the Sane" and "steve6375" can be found below:

Chipgenius

RMPREPUSB

As always, any guidance is appreciated. Thanks!

EDIT001: Was able to boot 2 times from the drive using RMPrepUSB with the parameters suggested by steve6375. Set and saved my boot order in BIOS as follows:

  USB:USB

  UEFI:USB

  DVD

  HDD

On reboot, hit the F11 key, chose USB:USB, and there it was.

EDIT002: When looking at its properties with Windows Explorer, the USB Flash drive is recognized as a 67 Gb drive.

Edited by cangrejero, 04 February 2013 - 12:07 AM.

OK, after downloading the ilivid crapware and installing it  , I see that RMPrepUSB does work and it boots to the grub4dos shell - I see no flashing cursor under QEMU - but what happens on a real system?

What BIOS options do you have on the H61M board for USB booting?

Did you use the Boot as HDD option when formatting with RMPrepUSB?

Your post crossed my EDIT001 above.

Was able to boot 2 times from the drive using RMPrepUSB with the parameters you suggested. Set and saved my boot order in BIOS as follows:

  USB:USB

  UEFI:USB

  DVD

  HDD

On reboot, hit the F11 key, chose USB:USB, and there it was.

I don't know what difference does UEFI:USB makes but, with your help, looks like my original question is settled.  Thanks a lot! Now, to a new quest; adding a ISO. Will let you know how it goes.

Yes, you don't want UEFI for standard USB drive boots.

Try tutorials on my site for iso booting using grub4dos - e.g. #72,

Followed your tutorial, added some ISOs to AUTO, added a personal folder to root, made file contiguous, and rebooted. Final file structure is below. I can boot to grub but I only get its prompt. Hope you can help!

User: cangrejero Karen's Directory Printer Page: 1
Sunday, February 03, 2013 Volume: Computer: UGLYFUCKER-PC
10:45:51 PM Serial No.: <none> Z:\
Z:\ ------- Folders: 3 Files: 1 Size: 271,155 Space: 271,155
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:40 271,155 grldr
Z:\grub\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 10 Size: 1,070,774 Space: 1,070,774
---A---X C:2/3/2013 21:42 4,363 AUTOLINUXMENU.bat
---A---X C:2/3/2013 21:42 3,494 AUTOMENU.bat
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 922,758 Background.bmp.gz
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 29,534 BACKUP.lst
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 56,301 BlueLight.xpm.gz
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 29,534 LINUXBACKUP.lst
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 650 LINUXUSER.mnu
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 824 MENU.lst
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 528 USER.mnu
--SA---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 22,788 wenv
Z:\grub\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 10 Size: 1,070,774 Space: 1,070,774
Z:\_ISO\ ------- Folders: 5 Files: 0 Size: 0 Space: 0
Z:\_ISO\FREEDOS\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 2 Size: 103,180 Space: 103,180
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 102,625 Freedos288.IMA.gz
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 555 Freedos288.mnu
Z:\_ISO\FREEDOS\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 2 Size: 103,180 Space: 103,180
Z:\_ISO\Linux\ ------- Folders: 1 Files: 0 Size: 0 Space: 0
Z:\_ISO\Linux\AUTO\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 13 Size: 2,841,142,553 Space: 2,841,142,553
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 1,231 AUTO_MENU.mnu
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 74 PutLinuxIsoFilesHere.txt
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:44 999,600,128 Kubuntu-12.10-desktop-i386.iso
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:45 169,414,656 Slacko-5.4-firefox-4g.iso
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:52 2,787,328 WD_Drive_Fitness_Test_v416_b00.iso
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:45 247,463,936 Parted_Magic_2012_08_09.iso
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:19 88,524,800 AVG_Rescue_CDl_120_120526a5164.iso
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:22 301,768,704 Kaspersky_Rescue_CD_10.iso
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:24 623,890,432 Hiren's.BootCD.15.2.iso
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:26 140,083,200 GParted-Live-CD-0.14.1-6-i686-pae.iso
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:29 1,839,104 Memtest86-410.iso
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:30 8,867,840 SeaTools-DOS223ALL.ISO
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:35 256,901,120 PandaSafeCD.iso
Z:\_ISO\Linux\AUTO\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 13 Size: 2,841,142,553 Space: 2,841,142,553
Z:\_ISO\Linux\ ------- Folders: 1 Files: 13 Size: 2,841,142,553 Space: 2,841,142,553
Z:\_ISO\MSDOS\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 0 Size: 0 Space: 0
Z:\_ISO\MSDOS\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 0 Size: 0 Space: 0
Z:\_ISO\Utility\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 2 Size: 1,475,500 Space: 1,475,500
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 1,474,560 MEMTEST.IMG
---A---- C:2/3/2013 21:42 940 Memtest86.mnu
Z:\_ISO\Utility\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 2 Size: 1,475,500 Space: 1,475,500
Z:\_ISO\Windows\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 0 Size: 0 Space: 0
Z:\_ISO\Windows\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 0 Size: 0 Space: 0
Z:\_ISO\ ------- Folders: 6 Files: 17 Size: 2,842,721,233 Space: 2,842,721,233
Z:\01-PERSONAL\ ------- Folders: 4 Files: 0 Size: 0 Space: 0
Z:\01-PERSONAL\BookMarks&Contras\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 5 Size: 613,076 Space: 613,076
---A---X C:2/3/2013 22:33 472,552 AxCrypt2Go.exe
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 43,921 bookmarks-2013-01-25.json
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 47,947 bookmarks-2013-01-29.json
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 46,930 bookmarks-2013-02-01.json
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 1,726 contras-txt.axx
Z:\01-PERSONAL\BookMarks&Contras\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 5 Size: 613,076 Space: 613,076
Z:\01-PERSONAL\CMS Resume\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 4 Size: 81,111 Space: 81,111
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 16,343 Minervas Cover Letter.docx
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 9,798 Minervas Cover Letter.pdf
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 29,753 Resume Carmen Minerva Santana.docx
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 25,217 Resume Carmen Minerva Santana.pdf
Z:\01-PERSONAL\CMS Resume\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 4 Size: 81,111 Space: 81,111
Z:\01-PERSONAL\RNR Resume\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 9 Size: 2,005,622 Space: 2,005,622
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 14,779 RNR Resume - ALL Brief.docx
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 80,562 RNR Resume - ALL Brief.pdf
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 41,521 RNR Resume - ALL Brief2.pdf
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 1,782,124 RNR Resume - ALL Full w-attach2.pdf
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 17,509 RNR Resume - ALL Full.docx
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 22,249 RNR Resume - ALL Full.pdf
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 22,437 RNR Resume - ALL Full2.pdf
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 12,161 RNR Resume - Brief General.docx
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 12,280 RNR Resume - Brief Insurance.docx
Z:\01-PERSONAL\RNR Resume\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 9 Size: 2,005,622 Space: 2,005,622
Z:\01-PERSONAL\ScannedDocs\ ------- Folders: 0 Files: 24 Size: 5,689,433 Space: 5,689,433
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 98,617 ACL Auditing - RNR2.pdf
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 174,420 BirthCert - Carmen M Santana-Mojica2.pdf
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 189,049 BirthCert - Jose R Nieves2.pdf
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 185,867 BirthCert - Raquel A Nieves2.pdf
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 186,656 BirthCert - Roberto Nieves-Rios2.pdf
---A---- C:2/3/2013 22:34 340,945 Center for Hearing and Communication - RNR2.pdf

Does it boot/work to a grub4dos menu if using QEMU to boot it?

If the problem is only when you boot it from your hardware, when it gets to the grub4dos prompt, please type these commands and report back:

find

find +1

ls /

ls /grub/

geometry

root

map --status

find (hd0, {TAB}                  - press tab key after typing find (hd0,

geometry --tune

configfile /grub/menu.lst

P.S. To saving taking screenshots, you can add grab to your USB pen.

in the grub4dos console  on real system (not under QEMU) type

graphicsmode 3

(now type the commands I listed in previous post)

/grab

now file \grab.txt will have contents of the screen which you can paste in your reply.

@steve6375

JFYI, with Opera I was NOT prompted for the stupid iLivid downloader.

@cangrejero

I am failing to see what was the initial request.

A "Size test" with RMPREPUSB.

Wonko

Initial request was 'I get flashing cursor'.

A size test would be a good idea  - but all contents would be destroyed which is why I didn't suggest it at this time.

If the tests I requested above fail (bad directory/files listed) then an RMPrepUSB Quick Size Test would be worth doing just to check the USB pen is kosher.

Initial request was 'I get flashing cursor'.

A size test would be a good idea  - but all contents would be destroyed which is why I didn't suggest it at this time.

If the tests I requested above fail (bad directory/files listed) then an RMPrepUSB Quick Size Test would be worth doing just to check the USB pen is kosher.

Yes, but - possibly being more pessimistic than needed - I asked for it BEFORE this thread was started:

http://reboot.pro/to...stion/?p=166986

It is clear that there was a misunderstanding (no problem it can happen , and I didn't explicitly and in a detailed way asked for it ), but four concurrent factors:

• having issues
• no-name/el-cheapo
• bought on e-bay
• largish size

would prompt me first thing to check the size (actually I pointed to a thread where this was the topic).

As a side note, and as "general advice", when someone wants to make a USB stick bootable he should be ready (having backed up the contents) to start from scratch, as there are also possible (not necessarily in this case) issues with physical location of files on the device, particularly on anything bigger than 8 Gb.

Wonko

OK, OK, OK! Let me see if I can drag myself out of this mess.

@Wonko

I did the "Size test" with RMPREPUSB. It showed 7+ Gb as good. Don't recall exact wording. The drive is definitely a piece of marbles.

@steve6375

Ran the instructions you gave me but the /grab command didn't work, so I typed most of it. You'll find it below.

I still think the issue is with the BIOS. When I went back to double check what I had written, I got the menu all right. Rebooted a couple of times successfully. Was able to run slacko and panda. A PITA to reboot from slacko but that's all right.

@Wonko & steve6375

Not that I'm refusing future help but, I think that we should not spend any more of your time on this. I'll wait until I can buy a decent drive and try again. You guys are AWESOME and I restate that reboot.pro has the most comprehensive tutorials and information I've seen on the subject. It also has the best support. Best to you guys and thanks!!!

find

    (hd0,0)
    (hd0,1)
    (hd0,2)
    (hd1,0)
    (hd2,0)
    (fd0,0)
    (fd0,1)

find +1

    (hd0,0)
    (hd0,1)
    (hd0,2)
    (hd1,0)
    (hd2,0)
    (fd0,0)

ls /

    $AttrDef $BadClus $BitMap $Boot $Extend $LogFile
    $MFT $MFTMirr $RECYCLE.BIN $Secure $UpCase $Volume
    bootmgr BOOTSECT.BAK slackosave.2fs System\
    Volume\ Information\

ls /grub/

    Error 15: File not found.

geometry

    drive 0x80(LBA): C/H/S-121601/255/63, Sector
        Count/Size-1953520065/512
    Partition num: 0, active, filesystem type is ntfs,
        partition type 0x07
    Partition num: 1, filesystem type is ntfs,
        partition type 0x07
    Partition num: 2, filesystem type is ntfs,
        partition type 0x07

root

    Seems I didn't  write this down; couldn't
        double chech

map --status

    floppies_orig=1, harddrives_orig=3,
        floppies_curr=1, harddrives_curr=3

find (hd0,{TAB}

    Possible partitions are:
    drive 0x80(LBA): C/H/S-121601/255/63, Sector
        Count/Size-1953520065/512
        Partition num: 0, active, filesystem type
            is ntfs, partition type 0x07
        Partition num: 1, filesystem type is ntfs,
            partition type 0x07
        Partition num: 2, filesystem type is ntfs,
            partition type 0x07

geometry --tune

    drive 0x80(LBA): C/H/S-121601/255/63, Sector
        Count/Size-1953520065/512
    Partition num: 0, active, filesystem type is ntfs,
        partition type 0x07
    Partition num: 1, filesystem type is ntfs,
        partition type 0x07
    Partition num: 2, filesystem type is ntfs,
        partition type 0x07

configfile /grub/menu.lst

    Error 15: File not found.

/grab

    Warning! No such command: /grab

From the results you posted, it looks like the USB device is booting as a floppy disk of some sort or maybe it is (hd1,0)??

Weird!

I don't think the problem is with the USB drive, I think it is with the BIOS and the way it is booting from the USB.

If it does it again, try

ls (hd1,0)/

ls (hd2,0)/

ls (fd0)/

ls (fd0,0)/

and see if you can see the USB files?

cheers

Steve

@cangrejero

There might be two issues in your case.

A "fake" USB stick, and an issue with the BIOS (or a particular issue connected to the BIOS only when "coupled" to that particular stick and the way it has been set in factory).

IF it is a "fake" USB stick, some of the "factory" settings are (intentionally ) "wrong" to allow the device to be detected (falsely) as being of a given vendor, being of a given model and having a given capacity.

The two PDF's you posted are meaningless to better understand the issue at hand.

The RMPREPUSB one is NOT the "Size test" that is needed and the ChipGenius one is a screenshot taken with the USB hub selected (and NOT the USB stick) so that it gives info for the USB hub (and NOT for the USB stick).

Whenever you buy a USB stick, it is strongly suggested (by me) that you run at least the RMPREPUSB size test, to verify the functionality of the stick, even if coming from a perfectly reliable source and being of a known make/model.

Running the ChipGenius (and posting the results about the device, and not about *something else*) is not *needed*, it is only a way, if some issues arise to know (hopefully) the manufacturer of the controller chip and (sometimes) the kind of memory chips inside it, these info are useful if - for any reason - "fiddling" with the device's "Manufacturer Tool" is required (for "flipping the bit" or to attempt reviving a "dead" stick).

I hope this clears the matter  and is useful for your next attempt.

Just for the record, some BIOSes behave differently when the USB is set as "primary" boot device and when the "normal" boot order is modified by pressing a hot key, like the F11 your BIOS uses, some will work "correctly" only with the one and some will work correctly only with the "other".

Wonko

You should also note that some BIOSes detect the type of USB stick (formatted configuration, etc.) only on power up - NOT reboot  (warm boot).

For instance,

1. Format a USB stick as single volume (no MBR) floppy disk
2. Insert in test PC and switch it on
3. BIOS detects USB drive as a 'floppy' USB device and attempts to boot is as a floppy device. If you go into the BIOS it may list is as USB FDD.
4. Now remove USB stick and format it in another system as FAT32  HDD (with MBR+Ptn table) and a 2nd partition
5. Now replug it into the original PC and press CTRL-ALT-DEL to reboot from the USB stick again
6. The PC will STILL BELIEVE IT TO BE A FLOPPY USB device - and still try to boot it as such!
7. Now switch off the test PC and switch it on again
8. BIOS detects the USB and sees it has HDD format and then boots it as a USB HDD.

You should also note that some BIOSes detect the type of USB stick (formatted configuration, etc.) only on power up - NOT reboot  (warm boot).

Well, if you are going to list everything that could possibly go wrong my everyday more outdated page has still in FAQ #10 valid points:

http://jaclaz.alterv...SB/USBfaqs.html

Wonko