Getting "boot error" when trying to boot from USB

Question

I'm wanting to try out Ubuntu, so followed the instructions for how to install Ubuntu onto a USB. I downloaded the .iso file, then the pendrivelinux 3 part process to make the USB bootable.

I can see what looks like a full list of files on the USB (including the wubi.exe application and the syslinux folder).

When I try to restart the computer with the USB in, I get the Dell start up screen, and then a black screen with "Boot Error" in the top right hand corner.

Setup options (default) are to boot from Removable Device, then Hard Disc. USB is brand new, straight out of the packet.

Computer: Dell Inspiron 530S
BIOS: 1.0.13
OS: Windows Vista Home Edition
USB: EMTEC 8Gb, formatted to FAT32

I've tried some of the tips in other help topics (holding down CTRL key while restarting, removing all other USB devices). I tried to reformat the USB to something other than FAT32, but my only other options were NTFS or exFAT (not FAT16 which was suggested in another topic).

Solution

I had a lot of trouble creating an actual bootable USB. Hope this helps someone avoid the same trouble I had ...

I found this hint online somewhere and thought I'd share:

Get the mbr software

apt-get install mbr

Install a boot sector onto the USB

sudo install-mbr /dev/sdd

Copy an iso image onto the device

sudo dd if=ubuntu-15.10-desktop-amd64.iso of=/dev/sdd

replace /dev/sdd with your own device.

sudo reboot

Comments

[Admin]

I'm beginning to think the issue is my BIOS. I've found some stuff on the internet (forums.bodhilinux.com/index.php?/topic/…) about Dell 530's. The Dell 530 views my USB as a USB-ZIP, and I think it needs to see it as a USB-HDD before it will allow me to boot from it.

[Jon Ball]

Thanks. I've re-done the USB with UnetbootIN, but still getting the same response. I'll try LILI as well. I've checked startup set-up using F12, and it is booting the USB first. It just seems to have an issue with the USB...

[Jon Ball]

I took the USB around to a friends place, and we managed to boot Ubuntu from it. so I think it's okay. I'm now suspecting the issue is my PC.

[Admin]

Can you copy your answer to those threads here?

[laconbass]

have you tried changing your Bios mode from legacy to UEFI ?

[Peter Flynn]

Yesss! This one worked for me...none of the others did. Looks like unetbootin and other GUIs are adding too much to the USB. For installation on older computers it may be that the commandline method works better.