Put Linux on a blank HDD

This question is about installing Linux on a HDD.

I have already a live USB flash drive with Linux on it, and can find out how to make Live CD/DVD. But I'd like to put Linux Mint 15 onto an HDD (I have a motherboard (Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3) which I like to access BIOS set up to check that it sees the RAM, but I haven't got a CD/DVD player for it) and I don't know how the boot device is set up - on my other m/b (different) it won't boot unless there is an OS recognizable but that won't boot from USB flash drive.

So, can someone either tell me here, or point me in the right direction please ? I have a Win7 computer to work with to make the HDD (and if it helps a copy of the iso file)

Dumb_Question
3.November.2015

 

Hopefully this read will help:
http://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/2865/moving-linux-install-to-a-new-computer

 

Thank you for your answer DOA, but unfortunately the reference you gave made it sound like you have to be Linux expert to understand that article (which I am def. not), without the complication of not having an installation to copy/clone from, I have no idea how to clone a flash drive to a HDD (I have a question about cloning an SSD to a HDD, but I'll leave that for another thread !)

Dumb_Question
3.November.2015

 

To access the BIOS Setup program, press the <Delete> key during the POST when the power is turned
on. To see more advanced BIOS Setup menu options, you can press <Ctrl> + <F1> in the main menu of the BIOS Setup program.
<F12>: Boot Menu
Boot Menu allows you to set the first boot device without entering BIOS Setup. In Boot Menu, use
the up arrow key <> or the down arrow key<> to select the first boot device, then press <Enter>
to accept. To exit Boot Menu, press <Esc>. The system will directly boot from the device
configured in Boot Menu.
Note: The setting in Boot Menu is effective for one time only. After system restart, the device boot order will still be based on BIOS Setup settings. You can access Boot Menu again to change the first boot device setting as needed.

So, make a Mint USB key, plug it in, hit f12 and select USB, most 'live cds' Linux distros ask if you want to install to hard drive when it boots. You said you know how to make a USB key, if not try Rufus, UNetbootin, LinuxLive USB, or Universal USB Installer.

 

foogoo's advice is good, but if your motherboard won't allow booting from usb device (if I understand your question?), you should try PLoP Bootloader. In essence, PLoP is a "middle man" that boots from a LiveCD, which then provides ability to boot from usb stick.

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/16822/boot-from-a-usb-drive-even-if-your-bios-wont-let-you/

As a matter of full disclaimer, I have never run into a situation that called for this, so I have never used it. But I have read numerous threads on several forums that reference this solution, and the help forum on the PLoP site seemed to be responsive to inquiries, so I have it in my toolbox in case I ever need it. Passing it along to you in case you find it helpful too...