# Validator OS installer to pendrive

This guide helps you to create a Mosaic Validator OS installer pendrive (USB stick).

Requirements:

* A minimum 16GB USB pendrive, that does not contain any necessary data, it will be formatted.
* A laptop or a PC (Windows, OSX or Linux), (hereinafter referred to as: computer)
* Stable internet connection.

*In today's fast-paced world technology is evolving rapidly, and unfortunately, malicious initiatives are keeping up with it. That's why it's always recommended to use the latest versions of operating systems and programs.*

### 1. Download the latest Mosaic Validator OS installer

Login to your Weboffice from the computer. On the Onboarding/Validator page click on the “Validator OS” button, which will start the download of the Mosaic Validator OS Installer file to your computer. Save this file to a place on your computer where you will find it later. 

### 2. Writing the pendrive with a USB Installer Creator Software

Mosaic Validator OS Installer is a special file (ISO image), you cannot just simply copy-paste it to your pendrive. A special software is needed to create a bootable USB stick from this file.

Connect the pendrive to your computer and then follow the instructions for your operating system.

#### 2.1. Windows

For Windows, we recommend Rufus. You can download it from here: <https://rufus.ie/en/#download>

On the Rufus webpage scroll down to the Download title, where you can see the links for the different platforms. Choose your platform (usually it is the first link, unless you have an old computer), and click on the link to download the program.

<figure><img src="/files/MqRbXCo0RKn2lR11uqoD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The downloaded file serves as the standalone executable for the program, meaning it does not require installation.

Once downloaded, double-click on the rufus-4.11(…).exe file and the program will start. It will ask your permission to make changes on the computer, click ‘Yes’ to allow and continue. If a password is set for administrator rights on the computer, it might ask for this password.

In the opening panel you only need to change two things. First, if your pendrive is connected, you should see it selected in the top “Device” field’s drop-down menu. If you have more USB devices connected make sure you choose the right one, because the device will be formatted!

Then in the second row click on the “Select” button. In the opening window, select the folder where you saved the Mosaic Validator OS Installer file and select it.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/FssDBHjb2OIG37tqpq4D" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Leave all other parameters with their default values and click START to initiate the write process.

You will then be alerted that the ISO is an ISOHybrid image. Keep “Write in ISO Image mode” selected and click on OK to continue.

Rufus will also warn you that all data on your selected USB device is about to be destroyed. Click on OK when you’re confident you do not need the content of the selected USB device.

When Rufus has finished writing the USB device, the Status bar will be filled green and the word READY will appear in the center. Select CLOSE to complete the process.

You can unplug the pendrive from your computer and plug it into your Validator Machine. To install your validator node follow the Mosaic Validator OS Installation Guide.

#### 2.2. MacOs, Linux

For MacOs and Linux operating systems, we recommend Balena Etcher. You can download it from here: <https://etcher.balena.io/>

On the Etcher webpage click on the green “Download Etcher” button. It will take you down on the page to the operating system selector.

<figure><img src="/files/jhTUs3GAhZnWtZA9EKtZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Here select the operating system of the computer on which you are performing the USB drive installation. Click on the “Download” link in the appropriate row. Save the file to a place on your computer where you will find it later.

<figure><img src="/files/0oir6SKhA6caA2aZcdVR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Install the downloaded balenaEtcher software. This step may be different on different operating systems but usually after starting the file (double-clicking on the file you just saved) the system will clearly guide you through the installation process.

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Open the balenaEtcher software. Click on “Flash from file”.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/PW3mESXRoa4UItdr2GwV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In the opening window, select the folder where you saved the Mosaic Validator OS Installer file and select it. If a message shows up about a Missing partition table, that is normal, click on continue.

<figure><img src="/files/K865CESU2AdSDvpc0gp8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After you have selected the file, the “Select target” button is active, click on it.

<figure><img src="/files/Hvwyx9gSV4AkeoU1pw6T" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Select your connected pendrive from the list that appears. If its name is not familiar, you can identify it by its size. The software automatically does not show hidden drives because they are probably the computer's system drives, and it is not recommended to format them!

<figure><img src="/files/02toPsuls1lxTSQvtBA3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

At the last step click on “Flash!”. On some devices it might ask for the computer’s user password, provide this password.

<figure><img src="/files/AqqBNsLtgmNJaFvl8hg4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When the process is finished, you see “Flash Completed!” You DO NOT have to click on any more buttons, you can close the Balena Etcher program.&#x20;

You can unplug the pendrive (USB stick) from your computer and plug it into your Validator Server. To install your validator node follow the Mosaic Validator OS Installation Guide.

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