MacBook: Boot from USB?

The hard drive in macbook (13 inch, white) failed a few days ago. I lost all my data, but will replace this with a new drive. The CD/DVD drive on this machine doesn't work as well due to some other mechanical problem.

I'd like to recover this machine and install either newer Mac OS or Ubuntu. Since the CD/DVD drive failed, I see that the only way I can install the OS is through USB.

I'd like to solicit your advice regarding my options. Is it possible to recover and install a working OS just through USB? Where would I get such software?

Solution 1:

The Macbook can boot from USB. You will have to find a working Mac, and use your OS X disk to install onto the USB drive, Once you have done that, you will be able to boot from the USB disk (I have Snow Leopard and some disk repair utilities on a USB drive in case my hard drive fails).

When you boot, hold down the Option key, and it will allow you to select booting from the USB drive.

Solution 2:

I have never tried it but I think a Macbook can boot from most USB DVD drives.

Just connect the USB drive with the OS X DVD in it, start the computer, and press the "alt" key when you hear the chime. Computer should find the bootable DVD and allow you to select it as a boot device.

Solution 3:

You could create a Live USB stick to boot Ubuntu: simply grab a Fat32 formatted memory stick and extract the contents of the Ubuntu ISO on it. No need for a USB optical drive.

If you can't extract ISOs, there's this nifty little application that automates the whole process.