Updated By - March 3, 2010

Install SliTaz to USB from Windows

How to Install SliTaz to a USB flash drive Using Windows. This tiny Linux distribution is a very fast running, free operating system that can be run entirely from system memory. Founded by Christian Lincoln, it remains one of the smallest portable Linux distributions available and can be stored and run directly from a bootable USB key or other removable storage media.

A Running SliTaz Linux Live USB

SliTaz cooking ISO running from USB

  • Distribution Home Page: Official Project Page
  • Developer: Christophe Lincoln
  • Release Date: First released in 2008
  • Minimum Flash Drive Capacity: 32 MB
  • Persistent Feature: Yes

The core team, along with Cedric Tissieres of Ophcrack, have developed their own USB boot tool called tazusb.exe that can be used to create a bootable Live USB of the distribution from within a running Windows environment. Of course, you could also use the YUMI Multiboot USB Boot Maker if you plan to add additional ISOs later on. DD for Windows can also do the trick, if you want a more direct hands on approach.

What is SliTaz Linux?

SliTaz (pronounced "slē-taz") is a lightweight, open source Linux distribution. It was created to be fast and efficient (less resource-intensive), making it a suitable Live distro to run on older hardware. The name "SliTaz" stands for "Simple, Light, Incredible, Temporary Autonomous Zone."

Its most notable features include:

  • Small Footprint: Known for its small ISO image, making it an excellent choice for older computers or devices with limited resources.
  • Live Boot: Can be booted as a live CD or live USB, allowing you to run the OS without installing it.
  • Minimalistic Desktop: Features an Openbox window manager by default.
  • Package Manager: Includes the Tazpkg package manager for simplicity and ease of use.

This Live Distro can be useful in scenarios where resource efficiency is crucial, such as on older computers, netbooks, or as a rescue system for troubleshooting and system recovery.

Essentials to Create a SliTaz Live Bootable USB

  • Windows Computer: To run the conversion tool
  • Fast USB flash drive: To hold the SliTaz OS
  • tazusb.exe, YUMI, or DD for Windows
  • Cooking or Rolling ISO File

How to Make a SliTaz Linux USB Using Windows

We will cover three different approaches to create a bootable SliTaz Linux USB drive using Windows, each offering unique benefits to suit various needs and preferences:

  • Using tazusb.exe: This method leverages the authors official tool, designed specifically for creating a SliTaz bootable USB. It provides a straightforward, dedicated solution and ensures compatibility with the distribution’s unique requirements.
  • Using YUMI: YUMI (Your Universal Multiboot Installer) is a versatile tool that allows you to create bootable USB drives for multiple operating systems and tools. It’s ideal to use if you plan to add more ISOs to allow for a multiboot setup, while offering flexibility to still use the USB device for traditional storage purposes too.
  • Using DD for Windows: This method uses the powerful DD command to write the ISO image directly to the USB drive. It’s a robust and reliable approach for those who are comfortable with command line operations and need a no frills, efficient method for creating bootable media. Be aware that this method overwrites the entire drive making it appear to be the size of the ISO file. As such persistence and using the drive for other storage purposes might not work.

Using tazusb.exe to make the Live USB

  1. Download the SlitaZ ISO: Grab either the rolling or cooking ISO file.
  2. Insert a flash drive into your computer's USB port.
  3. Download tazusb.exe: Run the executable, following the tools instructions to put the ISO file on your flash drive..
  4. Boot from USB:
    1. Reboot your PC and access BIOS/UEFI or boot menu to set your system to boot from the removable USB device.
    2. Save your changes (usually F10) and proceed to boot your computer from the USB stick.

If all goes well, you should now be booting into the desktop of this tiny Linux distribution.

Using YUMI to make the bootable USB

  1. Download YUMI: Run the executable to start the program.
  2. Select SliTaz ISO: Open YUMI, select the SliTaz ISO file, and choose your USB drive.
  3. Create the Bootable USB: Follow the instructions to create the bootable USB.
  4. Boot from USB:
    1. Reboot your PC and access BIOS/UEFI or boot menu to set your system to boot from the removable USB device.
    2. Save your changes (usually F10) and proceed to boot your computer from the USB stick.

Using DD for Windows to make the Live USB

  1. Download dd for Windows and Install.
  2. Run dd: Open the command prompt and use dd to write the ISO to the USB drive. Example command: 
    dd if=path\to\slitaz-cooking.iso of=\\.\X: bs=4M

    Replace path\to\slitaz-cooking.iso with the actual path to your ISO file and \\.\X: with your actual USB drive letter.

Enabling Persistence

To enable persistence, which allows you to save and restore changes on subsequent boots, type slitaz home=usb at the Boot prompt. You need to do this before every boot. Alternatively, edit your /boot/syslinux/syslinux.cfg file to automate persistent boots by adding the following to the append line:

append initrd=/boot/rootfs.gz rw root=/dev/null vga=normal autologin slitaz home=usb