old machines and usb boot up ?

[mistereudk]

so i have an old machine running ddr2 ram and i only have usb 3.0 keys can that be bootable on usb 2.0 ?. on old machines ?.

 

i tried for me it seems like it just failing but it is how ever reading it fine in the bios

[dalekphalm]

42 minutes ago, mistereudk said:

so i have an old machine running ddr2 ram and i only have usb 3.0 keys can that be bootable on usb 2.0 ?. on old machines ?.

 

i tried for me it seems like it just failing but it is how ever reading it fine in the bios

It entirely depends on the specific machine.

 

Technically, yes, USB 3.0 is "backwards compatible". And when you're booted into Windows (or other OS), it should be. But when booting from the USB device, some older motherboards will simply refuse to boot from a USB 3.0 device.

 

I would try booting from a modern PC to verify that the bootable image on the USB drive works. If that works, you could try a different USB drive if you've got another one lying around.

[agent_x007]

DDR2 means AM2 or LGA 775.
If board was made in 2006 or later - it should be able to boot from USB.
If it was made before 2006... it probably won't.
There are exceptions as well (like OEM boards).

In latter that case, I recommend using IDE/SATA adapter and CompactFlash card as "pendrive".

[mistereudk]

they key is bootable but it wont work on the older machine that i got yesterday. so i am kind stuck.

 

[dalekphalm]

2 minutes ago, mistereudk said:

they key is bootable but it wont work on the older machine that i got yesterday. so i am kind stuck.

 

You need to get another USB drive to test. A USB 2.0 one would be ideal, since that would maximize compatibility. Though as mentioned, it's entirely possible that your BIOS simply will never boot from USB.

[Crunchy Dragon]

3 minutes ago, mistereudk said:

they key is bootable but it wont work on the older machine that i got yesterday. so i am kind stuck.

You'll need to write the image file to a CD or floppy disk(assuming you've got one).

[dalekphalm]

1 minute ago, Crunchy Dragon said:

You'll need to write the image file to a CD or floppy disk(assuming you've got one).

Awwww yes. Break out the CD-R's!

[Crunchy Dragon]

Just now, dalekphalm said:

Awwww yes. Break out the CD-R's!

Gotta love 'em mate.

 

I would love to have a bootable floppy disk, but I have no real idea on how to copy my Windows XP installation disk from CD to floppy....

[mistereudk]

i guss my project is dead for now.

[mistereudk]

[dalekphalm]

39 minutes ago, mistereudk said:

i guss my project is dead for now.

What exactly are you trying to accomplish?

[mistereudk]

i am trying to install ubuntu server on the machine with an usb 3.0 key as that is the only option i have atm. i dont have other old school equipment.

[dalekphalm]

2 minutes ago, mistereudk said:

i am trying to install ubuntu server on the machine with an usb 3.0 key as that is the only option i have atm. i dont have other old school equipment.

You don't have a DVD-Writer in any of your computers? Do any of your friends or family? Do you have a local library? If so, most offer free PC usage, and more than likely have DVD-Writers in their PC's. Just go to Wal-mart or Staples, buy a blank CD for a buck, and head over to the Library to burn an Ubuntu ISO.

[mistereudk]

what if i install the system on my other pc and then put the drive back in the old machine ? can it then find its driver etc. ?

[Razor Blade]

There are a lot of variables to consider... when you made the bootable drive what program did you use? When you made it (if it was an option) did you select UEFI or BIOS?

 

Also if your motherboard supports it, switch to hi-speed. Full speed is very slow.

[mistereudk]

im located in denmark and it every thing electronic near me is closed or to far away

[mistereudk]

i just had a look rufus only have uefei but the selection i made have mbr boot scheme with bios first and nothing else to change. maybe i could use an alternative program if so which one ?

[Razor Blade]

Just now, mistereudk said:

i used rufos to boot i think i chose uefi

Remake your USB drive and select BIOS

[dalekphalm]

Just now, mistereudk said:

what if i install the system on my other pc and then put the drive back in the old machine ? can it then find its driver etc. ?

This might work, but there are no guarantees, because when you install the OS, different Kernel modules will be installed, depending on the hardware and drivers needed.

 

Just now, mistereudk said:

i used rufos to boot i think i chose uefi

That's probably the issue. No way a 2006 era motherboard will be using UEFI. You should try to re-image the USB drive using legacy BIOS support.

[mistereudk]

hmm it doese not matter what try with that usb stick it wont boot feel like a rip atm. well lets see how clever i can be.