Create a Live USB Version of BackTrack

Introduction:

There have been several people ask me how to create a Live USB version of the BackTrack Pentesting Suite. This actually happens to be a very easy task, if you know what you are doing. So, I decided to dedicate a post to guide those who aren't quite sure through the process.

Step 1:

You are going to need to make sure you have everything you need, before we start. In order to create the live USB of BackTrack, you're going to need a copy. Visit the BackTrack download page to download the latest copy. With the new version, 5, you have several different options to choose from when downloading. Choose what you want, then either download the ISO directly, or download via a torrent.                                          
The second thing you are going to need is a program called Unetbootin. This program will do the hard work for us. This program, like BackTrack, is also free and can be downloaded from it's Sourceforge page.

Step 2:

Now that you have everything you are going to need, let's begin! The first thing you need to do is launch Unetbootin. This program doesn't come with an installation wizard since it is lightweight. So, if you saved the file in a location somewhere, navigate to it and double click it. If you chose to run the program when downloading, then you should be set! Just make sure it is open.

Step 3:

After Unetbootin loads, shouldn't take but a second, you will need to choose the option for an Disk Image and set the option to ISO. Once you have chosen that, browse for the BackTrack ISO you downloaded earlier. [See image below]

Finally:

 Now that you have the basic options set, you need to set the device options. This is VERY important. For the type, choose USB. Then choose the drive letter of your USB Flash Drive that you want to use. Then choose Ok. [See image below]

Unetbootin will now install the files and the bootloader so you can boot BackTrack from your flash drive. This will take a while, just give it time. After it completes, just choose Exit and you're done!

Conclusion:

See, wasn't that easy! Now all you have to do is make sure the drive is plugged in to an available USB port when you boot your computer. Just press the boot key to display the Boot Options, and choose your flash drive!

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