Running Portal on a USB - and then unplugging it

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through the process of installing Source Engine games, specifically Portal and Half-Life series, onto a USB flash drive. It also explores the effects of unplugging the USB drive while the games are running. Please note that removing the USB drive unexpectedly can damage files, so it's recommended to use a USB that doesn't contain important data.

Step 1: Prepare Your USB Flash Drive

• Choose a USB Drive: Select a USB drive with sufficient storage (at least 8GB recommended).
• Format the USB Drive:
  • Connect the USB to your computer.
  • Open your file explorer, right-click on the USB drive, and select "Format."
  • Choose the FAT32 file system for compatibility.
  • Click "Start" to format the drive (this will erase all data on the USB).

Step 2: Install Portal 1

• Download the Game:
  • Open your game platform (like Steam) and find Portal.
  • Choose to install the game and set the installation path to your USB drive.
• Run the Game:
  • After installation, launch Portal from the USB drive.
  • Ensure the game runs smoothly before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Install Portal 2

• Download and Install:
  • Similar to Portal 1, locate Portal 2 in your game platform.
  • Set the installation path to the same USB drive.
• Test the Game:
  • Launch Portal 2 and check for proper functionality.

Step 4: Install Half-Life 2

• Download the Game:
  • Find Half-Life 2 on your game platform.
  • Install it to the USB drive.
• Verify Functionality:
  • Run Half-Life 2 to ensure it operates correctly.

Step 5: Install Half-Life 2 Deathmatch

• Download and Install:
  • Access Half-Life 2 Deathmatch in your game platform.
  • Install it to the USB drive.
• Check the Game:
  • Launch Half-Life 2 Deathmatch to confirm it works.

Step 6: Unplug the USB While Playing

• Start a Game:
  • Play any of the installed games from the USB drive.
• Unplug the USB Drive:
  • While the game is running, safely and quickly remove the USB drive.
• Observe the Outcome:
  • Pay attention to any error messages or crashes that occur.

Conclusion

This tutorial provided a step-by-step guide on installing Source Engine games onto a USB flash drive and exploring the consequences of unplugging it while in use. Remember that this method can potentially damage files on the USB, so always use a drive without important data. If you want to experiment further, consider trying other games or applications, but proceed with caution regarding data integrity.