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[RATTLEBACK.131]

My main Linux Lite laptop has gone T--sup & I'm in need of a live USB to retrieve my home folder files & replace the OS (With ubuntu). Trying to follow an LL tutorial to create one has already run into problems just trying download an app to write to USB. (my backup laptop - the one I'm using now - is also LL.)
I struggle with this sort of thing when everything goes as it should.

I'm looking at the plethora of ready done live USB's on ebay for less than £10. I know Ubuntu/linux is a free OS but this would, at first sight, be a hassle free way to get what I need fairly quickly.

Has anyone else used one? or know of a better (ie trusted) source than ebay ?

[Keith]

I have no experience of buying Live USBs so can't advise you on that.

Which write-to-USB software were you trying to use? 
The most commonly used one is UNetbootin, available for free here:  https://unetbootin.github.io/. 
It comes with several Linux OSs to choose from that it will install onto your USB, or it will install an ISO file that you have already downloaded. 

Ubuntu ISO files are available for:
Ubuntu 18.04:  https://www.ubuntufree.com/download-ubuntu-18-04-lts/
Ubuntu 20.04: https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop
If you choose this route, I would go for Ubuntu 18.04 as the latest 20.04 is a bit new yet. 

Good luck with whichever you choose.
   Keith

[DavidMcCann]

Linux Lite  (and many others) recommends creating the installer with etcher these days:
https://www.techsolveprac.com/install-linux-lite-usb-windows/

[Keith]

..........and Etcher also allows one to format a USB, which can be useful. 

[RATTLEBACK.131]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Write-to-USB I was trying to download was just called mkusb. At least that was the apt-get name. I can't recall what I used when I switched to LL but that was made from windows on the laptop that's down. I do remember finding it quite difficult to do. I find this sort of OS thing difficult to do in general.  As I'll need a new USB anyway (all my others have other stuff on them) I think I'll try one of the ready made ones.

[RATTLEBACK.131]

Quick update.  I did buy one for £7.15 (inc p&p) for Ubuntu 18.04. No issues with it at all.  I based my choice of vendor on the fact he was very upfront in his listing that all Linux is free to download from the net & that what you were paying for was a USB stick (8gb branded 'Verbatim') his time in putting it on there & the postage. Also came with CD with instructions & the (old?) Linux manual, both of which look like useful ref's. So for me this was a good, low stress, option.

[Keith]

Ready-made live USBs are ideal for many, and save a lot of hassle if one is unfamiliar with the process of creating one.  Nice to find an honest vendor, too. 
Do let us know how you get on with the installation. 

Keith