Quote Originally Posted by anex View Post

It depends. It will automatically load windows if it can't find the GRUB on the usb hdd. However, I am confused on why you would want to load the GRUB onto an external. If you install the linux on the external, you would still want the GRUB to be on the internal hdd. It is better to load it onto the internal as to avoid extra work and pulling your hair out. Although what do I know, I have never setup an operating system on an external before. That is alien to me.

I was satisfied with ubuntu feisty fawn w/ beryl eye candy. That was the only thing I loved linux for, the eye candy. ... so pretty... anyways Ubuntu was the only linux I have ever used, and I have to say that I enjoyed using it.
well, i want to keep GRUB off of the internal hard drive because when i don't have the external plugged in, i want to go straight to windows. duh.
I just need to set the usb port as primary in the boot order

and i have 9.04 i think (maybe 9.40). whatever. it's jackalope.