Intermediate level · Module 5: Mobile Devices and Other Operating Systems · Lesson 2 of 3
Linux Live USB for Rescue
Use a Linux live USB to diagnose computers and rescue files.
In this lesson you will
- Create and boot a Linux live USB
- Copy files from a computer that will not start
Key concepts
live USBbooting from USBmounting drivescopying data
The lesson
A Linux live USB, such as Ubuntu's, runs from the USB stick without installing anything.
It can test hardware, read Windows drives and copy files to an external drive when Windows will not start (encrypted drives need the recovery key).
Work read-only where possible and copy data before attempting repairs.
Step by step
- Create a live USB.
- Boot the lab computer from it.
- Open the Windows drive.
- Copy files to an external drive.
Practice activity
Rescue files from the lab computer using the live USB.
Expected result: Files copied and verified on the external drive.
Check your understanding
-
Does a live USB change the computer's installed system?
Show answer
No, it runs from the USB.
-
What is needed to read a BitLocker-encrypted drive?
Show answer
The recovery key.
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