I need to use windows exclusive software and decided to use an external HDD that i used for my PS4, the problem is that the HDD uses a PS4 format and my pc can't even open it (it makes a sound indicating that it connected but doesn't show up on file manager), also i need to install windows on the HDD once it works on my pc and i don't have any experience installing windows directly to the HDD, how do i do both things in Mint 22?
#(SOLVED) Formatting PS4 external HDD to install Windows
rain sorrel
rugged nexus
install ventoy to usb to exact instructions
then add official Mint ISO onto it
you may also add the official Windows installer ISO additionally if there is enough room
- boot mint up from usb, at desktop then use gparted to format the ps4 drive
(not actual format, just use Device menu> new Partition Table> GPT)
- that will totally erase any old partitioning scheme and filesytem on that drive, so be sure to have chosen proper drive in gparted app
- reboot once again to the ventoy usb (as a uefi usb storage device) and choose the windows iso this time, and proceed with installation
rain sorrel
I already have a usb with the mint iso, i keep it just in case, but it doesnt have enough space for both isos
rugged nexus
do u already have Mint installed as main OS?
rain sorrel
yes, i forgot to mention that
rugged nexus
so install gparted app there
rain sorrel
i want to install windows to the hdd and use it when i connect it but keep mint as my main os
rain sorrel
yes
rugged nexus
ok they offer a direct ISO
just get it, then copy it to the ventoy drive and let it chill a bit after
rain sorrel
i have the windows iso already since i tried to use a vm but it wasnt good enough
so, i do the gparted thing first, then install the windows iso to a usb with ventoy?
rugged nexus
follow the instruction text. u merely copy it over
rain sorrel
Ok, so ventoy worked but i can't install windows from there, the windows installer doesn't work with keyboard only and my pc only has 2 usb ports so i would need to disconned either the live usb or the external hdd
is there a way to install windows directly to the hdd?
if i did the same process with ventoy on the hdd, would it work?
rain sorrel
(not actual format, just use Device menu> new Partition Table> GPT)
by the way, the hdd still isn't recognized by the pc after doing that in gparted
rugged nexus
by the way, the hdd still isn't recognized by the pc after doing that in gparted
it wont show up in file manager without a format.
rugged nexus
if i did the same process with ventoy on the hdd, would it work?
that would just put the Windows installer environment on the hard drive.
and you should be able to use the tab key to move around in the installer. ie - no mouse needed
rain sorrel
Ok, it took me a couple hours but i did it
First i formatted the HDD using gparted
then i connected the hdd to a friend's pc that had windows
i downloaded the windows 11 iso and then downloaded rufus
Rufus has an option for doing exactly what i wanted
i pressed the "Windows to go" button and that was it