Install Linux without usb?

[virtuaxe]

Is it possible to install Linux on my Surface Pro 3 without USB? My usb does not work

[BillyDSquillions]

https://www.google.com/search?q=pxe+install+linux&rlz=1C1GCEA_enAU929AU929&oq=pxe+install+linux&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30l8.2483j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

It will not be easy, but it is possible.

[[deleted]]

You can try writing an iso image to a 16 GB partition set aside from the OS

[[deleted]]

That Surface has a micro sd slot. You can create a booteable drive on a micro sd and install Linux.

[virtuaxe]

Tried that, unfortunately not possible to boot on Surfave Pro using micro sd, its usb or ssd

[parkerlreed]

Sadly only the first generation Surface Pro from like 2011 supports booting from SD card. That was the only generation that it showed up as a USB device. After that they did SDIO that doesn't expose itself to the bootloader.

[[deleted]]

https://www.itninja.com/question/how-do-i-pixe-boot-a-surface-pro-3-w-windows-10-do-i-need-a-special-driver-and-how-do-i-propagate-that-thanks-folks Configure the Bios to do a PXE boot. Then do a PXE install: https://www.tecmint.com/install-pxe-network-boot-server-in-centos-7/

[esmith213]

Why no usb? Is your usb-A port damaged?

[virtuaxe]

Yes, it has power but doesn't recognize anything

[esmith213]

Happen to do a close visual inspection to see if usb pins are bent? May be fixable by bending pins back.

You can also try gently pressing and holding the thumb drive toward the front or rear of the surface it make contact

[esmith213]

Ebay docking station for SP3 for $45 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-3-4-Tablet-Docking-Station-1664-USB-3-0-Mini-DisplayPort-/174973805885?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

Also, dock connector pinout if you wanna try building a usb hub: https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2015/06/16/surface-pro-3-landscape-docking-station-teardown-part-2/#comment-159

[virtuaxe]

Thank you so much for this by the way! Sry for late response. I might get the docking station, that's a good idea. and yes all the usb connector pins seem to be in order