Hack Like a Pro: How to Install BackTrack 5 (With Metasploit) as a Dual Boot Hacking System

How to Install BackTrack 5 (With Metasploit) as a Dual Boot Hacking System

Welcome back, my hacker novitiates!

Many of you have written me that you're having difficulty installing and running Metasploit on a variety of platforms. No matter if you're using Mac, Linux, or Windows, I strongly recommend you install BackTrack as your secondary OS, a virtaulization system, or on an external drive. This particular Linux distribution has many hacking and security tools integrated—including Metasploit.

NOTE: BackTrack Is No Longer Supported; Switch to Kali Linux

BackTrack is no longer supported by the developers, so we have stopped using it as our primary hacking system here on Null Byte. Instead, please check out my guide on installing Kali Linux, which is what we now use for most hacks in Null Byte. Of course, you can still read on below if you'd like to get a little information about what BackTrack was and how it worked.

This article serves as an introduction to BackTrack, including where to get it, how to install it, and how to navigate and use it. If you want to follow my hacks, you need BackTrack—period.

Let's start at the very beginning. No, not the Big Bang, but the beginning of hacking and using BackTrack.

The Beginning of BackTrack

Hacking is a relatively new discipline. The Internet became commercialized in the mid-'90s, but it wasn't until the late-'90s that e-commerce sites were widely used. So, we can date hacking's birth to less than 15 years ago. Yes, hacking was happening at the very start of the Internet, but it didn't thrive until there was big money involved.

Back then, hackers developed their own tools and exploits. In the early part of the new millennium, hackers began to release their tools over the Web and share them with others. Several groups began to collect these tools and either make them available for download from one centralized repository, or began packaging them into a Linux-based CD or DVD.

Two of those groups, WHAX and The Auditor Security Group, merged and formed Offensive Security, which released BackTrack 1.0 in February 2006.

How to Download & Install BackTrack

Okay, enough history. Let's go head and download it.

Step 1: Download BackTrack

You can download the latest version of BackTrack in its website's downloads section. You do not need to actually register—just hit the "Download" button.

When you get to the download screen, this is what you should see:

  • Choose what version you want. I suggest the latest version (5 R3).
  • Choose what Linux interface you want, GNOME or KDE. This really is a matter of preference, but I'll be running KDE.
  • Choose what architecture you're running (32- or 64-bit).
  • Choose what image type you want. If you're running VMWare, you should use that one. Otherwise, download the ISO.
  • Choose how you want to download it, either directly (like FTP) or through a torrent (peer-to-peer file sharing).

I will assume you filled in all of those fields and you're now downloading. Be patient, it could take awhile.

Step 2: Burn a DVD

From here on out, I will assume that you've downloaded an .ISO image.

Place a blank DVD in your DVD burner, go to your downloads directory, right-click the BackTrack .ISO file, and select burn a disk with either Windows Burner or any other proprietary burning software.

If you're using Windows Disc Image Burner like me, just hit "Burn".

Step 3: Install BackTrack

Once we have a successfully burned DVD, we can install BackTrack, but there are a few options:

  • Install it on a virtual machine in a virtaulization system like VMWare Workstation, VirtualBox, or Virtual PC. VMware is my favorite, but it's not free. VirtualBox comes in close second—and it is free.
  • Install it as a dual boot system (this is what I chose).
  • Install it as a portable OS onto an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or bootable DVD.

Place the DVD of BackTrack into your DVD tray and reboot your system. This will run BackTrack as a liveCD, which means that you can use it, but nothing is written to your hard disk. Everything runs in RAM. When you turn off your machine, everything is gone and no changes will have been made to your hard drive and system.

This might be a good way to test out BackTrack, but if you really want to become proficient with it—install it on your hard drive.

Installing straight to your hard drive lets you to create a dual-boot system. That means you can choose to boot into your regular OS system (in my case, Windows) or BackTrack. For your day-to-day work, you can boot into Windows, and then at night when you want to hack, you can boot into BackTrack.

When you're ready to install it onto your system, simply click on the BackTrack icon in the upper left-hand corner to install it on your hard drive. Then follow the wizard screens asking you for information about your system, etc.

You should then have a screen that looks like this!

Congratulations on your successful BackTrack install.

In my next article, I will take you on a brief tour of BackTrack, showing you the essentials of how to get around and find the hacking tools you need to Hack Like a Pro!

Just updated your iPhone? You'll find new features for TV, Messages, News, and Shortcuts, as well as important bug fixes and security patches. Find out what's new and changed on your iPhone with the iOS 17.6 update.

281 Comments

Backtrack 5 has been "scrapped". People should migrate to Kali 1.0 (Debian)

Thanks Sky!

Most are still using BackTrack, but I'll be doing some tutorials on Kali soon.

Thanks again.

OTW

I'm new to this hacking. What does it actually let me do?

Hi Christopher:

If everything goes right, you can take control of another person's computer. That means being able to read their mail, delete their files, listen in from their mike, turn on their web cam, etc.

OTW

Iv'e just come across these tutorial, and I find them really interesting, but I was wondering, you say how to cover you'r tacks, but how does one remove any hack from a system, so if I wanted to try this on say, my brothers PC, how would I remove anything left on his system.

Thanks

James:

Are you asking how to delete files? Or are you asking how to cover your tracks so he can't detect that you have been there?

OTW

Good day sir, I have a question. is it possible to hack a website and change a number or text in any of the page in it permanently or can be changed again by the owner of the website if he notice the changes, as for the website not highly secured or not secured at all. Thank you sir as you reply

I mean remove all of the hacks from the victims system, so it is restored to how it was before you compromise it.

John:

The answer to whether you can change information on a website is "Yes!". Unfortunately, if the site owner notices the changes, they will be able to change it back.

OTW

Alright sir can you help me with it . Thank you very much

James:

Yes. You can remove all the hacks so that it appears unchanged to the owner.

OTW

Ok, thanks, but how would you go about doing this?

Ah, my bad, I read it wrong

Thanks

ok

Wanted to say that i been visiting WHT on and off and its been a while since i visited the site. I found your articles and i must say that you gave me a reason to keep coming back now lol. I am a PC tech but i never venture into the hacking scene, i always thought that only programmers can master stuff like this and well in my case i know nothing about programming. But i find your tutorials to be very helpful in starting to learn basic hacking tricks. So keep up the good work.

Now my question is about Backtrack, the user from the first post said something about Backtrack being "Scrapped" so would it be smart for me to wait till you post a tutorial on using Kali 1.0? or just go on and partition my hard drive with Backtrack?

Ron:

Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you are back on Wondowhowto!

Kali is simply the latest release of BackTrack. The tools are largely the same and most people are still using BackTrack. Saying that BackTrack has been "scrapped" is a bit of overstatement. Anything you learn here about BackTrack will apply to Kali.

OTW

So one question, sir OTW, and I know it will sound stupid but I am just getting into computer tech, which version of virtual box do I install in order to run Kali as a windows computer? I just want to make sure I do not download a useless virtual machine.

I have installed backtrack5r3 and go into default mode. I want to install it on my hard drive but I don't see a mouse on the screen just a terminal. Can you get browsers on backtrack so I can see your tutorials? Also how do install it to my hard drive????

Jackson:

Type "startx" at the command prompt and the GUI will start. Then, click on the BackTrack icon in the upper left hand corner and follow the wizards.

OTW

When I type startx in the "default" mode it just goes to a blank screen. Please advise?

Jackson:

I believe one of the choices is "Graphical mode". Choose that selection.

OTW

jackson:

To duplicate your problem, I attempted to re-install. Choose the default mode and when you get the bt> prompt, type startx. That will take you to the GUI of Backtrack.

OTW

I don't know if this matters but I am booting with a program called Unetbootin. Should I not use this? I used it to write the .ISO to my USB. There is not a graphics mode in the boot menu.

After I go into default mode, Lines of code scroll across the screen (not the whole screen, the backtrack logo is in the background) then just the back track 5 logo all over the screen, wait about 20 seconds and a terminal pops up which loads some more code. "root@ubntu~:" something like this. Here, I type "startx" screen is still on but goes blank and nothing happens.

I have tried in some other modes and while code is loading, I press "esc" repeatedly and a Ubuntu 10.04 screen pops up, loads, and goes away.

So confused, thank you for your continued responses and support.

Jackson:

I don't know if the unetbootin is the problem, but I just did an installation without issue. I suggest that you write a DVD with the iso. and then boot from it.

OTW

I burned a DVD with the iso as you did in the tutorial. I get into the liveCD menu and choose the first option. when everything is done loading, I type startx and hit enter and the screen goes blank, still emitting light, but blank with the caps, num, and screen lock buttons flashing. I have no idea what the problem is. I have both Windows 7 and Ubuntu already installed on my hard drive, is this a problem?

Jackson:

It sounds like you are doing everything right. Not sure what the problem is. Having Win 7 and Ubuntu already installed shouldn't be an issue. Do you have enough hard drive space available? Did you download the correct version of BackTrack (i.e. 32 v 64, x86 v AMD, etc).

OTW

Quick question regarding all of these articles. When we set RHOST, what is the best way to go about it if the user is not on your own network and is connected via a router.

Alex:

Very timely question! My next two tutorials will be on reconnaissance. Expect them next week. Right now, I would suggest using nmap. I will have that tutorial up later next week.

OTW

Do you know how to install backtrack5r3 on Mac OS X 10.7.5 ?

how to you do this on windows xp?

The installation process is the same on all operating systems.

OTW

Cant wait for my new computer so i can install this

i've almost mastered python and know batch and xhtml batch to me now is script kiddie virus creater i cant wait to use backtrack

btw anyluck on your python password cracker?

Found your site by accident, I just wanted to say i love wha your doin please keep all the tips coming you are my hero <3

absolutely love this site and your blogs. i would literally be nowhere without all your great "how to's" great work hope you don't stop helping out the community that are willing to learn; like myself :D

my computer cannot write to dvds and my bios doesnt support usb setup. Is there any way to maby make multiple installation discs?

You could use a virtual machine instead of a dualboot.

Th3skYf0x

i got confused on step 3 do i really need to that? can i install i t directly after i download it?

sky fox can i download virtual machine? sorry about my questions but im really new to this stuff and i really wanna
learn

Anonymous:

You can install it as a dual boot or into a virtual machine. Since you are new to this, I would recommend a dual boot system since the virtual machine can add another layer of complexity.

OTW

dual boot system? how? O.o ahm rightclick and install as dual boot system is that it? do i really need to burn the backtrack b4 installing?

i already downloaded the backtrack now i burn it and put it in my dekstop os that okay? but i can't install it

i have a problem!!!
I did exactly wat yu said !!!
But when i type startx :
(after a long time) it gives me an error :
"giving up
(errono :2)"
Please help me!!!!

Nitish:

I need more information. Did you log in as "root"?

OTW

the error came as soon as i typer startx .!!!
error was
"fatal error :no screens loaded
error 3 server error"

Nitish:

I still need more information. Did you login as root? You need to login before you type startx.

OTW

what all i did:
after burning .ISO to a dvd i put it in and rebooted my PC
then i selected the default mode option(first) in the backtrack screen that appeared.
then after everything loaded i typed startx ;
but i got an error :
"fatal error : no screens found
giving up
xinit: No such file or directory (errno 2):Unable to connect to xserver
xinit: No such proccess (errno 3):server error"
i tried :
"fix-splash
rm /root/.kde/cache-root/icon-cache.kcache
rm /root/.kde/cache-root/plasmathemeVolatile.kcache
rm /root/.kde/cache-bt/icon-cache.kcache
rm /root/.kde/cache-root/plasmathemeVolatile.kcache"
but it still dint work as i got an error : directory not found

Nitish:

Thanks for this info. You need to login before running startx. Login using username "root" and password "toor". Then run startx.

Let me know how that goes.

OTW

i tried and it said :
"incorrect password
bt login :"

OK. Sounds like you are on the right track. Make sure you spelled the username and the password correctly. Linux blanks out the password when you type it, so its easy to make a mistake and not know it.

OTW

i did and it still says :
"login incorrect
bt login:"
(i double checked my typing)

Hmmmm...I'm puzzled. You typed in the username and password without the quotation marks, right?

yea!!!
Please help me out!!!

Nitish:

I just did a new install to make certain I was giving you the proper advice. I booted up in the default mode and then when I received a command prompt, I typed "startx". Everything went smoothly.

Is this how you did it?

OTW

i finally logged in by using passwd command !!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank YOU
but the old error is still there
"FATAL ERROR : No screens found and xinit error"

Nitish:

The passwd command is for setting the password, not logging in. I'm beginning to wonder whether do downloaded the correct version of BackTrack5. Remember, you need to download the version with the proper architecture. If you have an AMD processor, you should have downloaded the x64 architecture.

OTW

i have Intel i3 and windows 7 64bit
i downloaded Kde , ISo , 64bbit
version of backtrack 5 r3 as a torrent ...!!!!!!!

Hey man,

I got a question I install backtrack before reading this tutorial from a video a watch from friend. (I'm completely new to this)I skipped the part of burning a dvd because he didn't explain or it seems he didn't do it. I download backtrack 5 r2 and then I went to install with virtualbox and everything seems to be working fine. But is it a problem if I don't use the dvd?And if so do I have to install it again on a dvd with virtualbox?

Angel:

No, you are just fine installing it the way you did. My installation was as a dual boot system, but yours will work fine in most cases.

OTW

I was also capable of logging in and updating/upgrading.

Thanks man btw love all your tutorials.

Thanks!

Please stay in touch.

I am quite interested in doing this, but should backtrack not be installed in a separate partition?

Charles:

In a dual-boot system like I describe here, it is essentially a separate partition. One for Windows and one for BackTrack.

OTW

I really like your tutorials and I am interested in putting Backtrack on my Windows 7 computer, but should I create a partition for installing Backtrack?

Charles:

When you create a DVD and attempt to install, it will ask you about a partition. It walks you through the process like a Wizard.

OTW

You keep referring to "boot up in the default mode", but I see no opportunity to make that decision.

Charles:

Boot your computer from the DVD. You will get a screen that will ask you what mode you want to boot up in. Have you been there yet?

OTE

Yes, I got there. Must have been blind. I continued with the installation. Was confused with setting up the partitions and wiped out Windows 7! The backup has loaded and am back in business. I am not sure I want to try this again.

Don't be afraid to try again. This time follow the instructions carefully and you shouldn't have a problem.

Well, I am not the sharpest guy around, but I thought I was following directions. How can I do this a safer way?

The problem probably came when you came to screen with the partitioning. You need to select the choice that gives Windows half your drive and BackTrack half. Try again

OTW, thanks for everything first of all. My question is, if you install and dual boot,are both OS's vulnerable at the same time or only the loaded one? Thanks again.

Vulnerable? I'm sure I know what you mean. If you mean vulnerable to attack, then the answer is only the loaded one.

Awesome, thanks. Looking forward to your part 2 on wifi.

It should be out in the next couple of days

Well, I built up my courage and gave it another try. When I restart I get Windows, but not a choice between two systems.

Charles:

Did you try booting it again?

Sounds like GRUB might not have been installed.

OTW

I have rebooted twice. No change

Charles:

Sorry you have such problems with this. Did you check to see whether the BackTrack partition was created?

OTW

If GRUB were not installed, how do I solve that problem?

Has the partition been created?

Yes, the partition has been created

how do I view the partitions and check their sizes?

Right click on computer, select manage, then storage.

Charles:

Sounds like things got gummed up. We could spend hours or days trying to fix it or you could simply re-install.

OTW

Ok, repeat procedure from dvd?

Thanks for putting up with me.

Yes. Use some of the already available ext2/3 partition. You should end up with two Linux partitions and then you can delete one.

OTW

I see the problem. I created the partition on external drive.

Glad you found the problem!

I am thinking that I will disconnect the external drive so that it is not available so as to ensure backtrack is on C: Does that sound good?

Yes, that is good idea.

Actually, it is not necessary, but a good idea.

Get BackTrack up and running and let's get hacking!

Backtrack is at last up and running. Thanks for your help!

You are very welcome.

Now get to work hacking!

Have you written anything about setting up a wireless connection? The Wiki article on the subject is written for BT4. Will it work with BT5r3? The instructions are certainly involved. Is there an easier approach?

Are you asking how to connect to a wireless AP?

Its simple. Go to the Backtrack button, choose Internet, then Wicd Network Manager. Simply click on your access point, supply your password when prompted and away you go!

I finally succeeded with the installation, got the internet connection opened, nevertheless, BT repeatedly locked up. I received a message inviting me to update with the "K Package Kit to version 12.4. This updated 34 applications and took about 2 hours. I was informed that the following applications could not be installed:

Magic Tree
Se-Toolkit
Wifite
Ruby 1.8
Beef

After the update completed, the system rebooted, but hung up at the opening back | track 5 screen. I have booted in safe mode, but was unable to do much. I am now using Windows 7. Should I reinstall Backtrack?

Charles:

I would keep trying to reboot it and only if that fails, re-install BackTrack. Next time, don't do the updates.

OTW

I have a Dell xps L502x laptop, can i install Back track on it, if i install will everything(wifi,bluetooth,la,.etc) work fine (ie. will i get drivers for my laptop) please answer my question

Duraj:

Backtrack will work on virtually any system. Since BackTrack is its own operating system, it has its drivers for wifi, Bluetooth, etc.

OTW

I am currently downloading Backtrack, but I'm worried that I won't have the space needed for installation, or to even download for that matter. In Windows 7 I went to Control Panel, and clicked System Properties at the top. It says that I only have 1GB of Ram, and the download appears to be 3 GBs... Also I have an Acer Aspire One, which means I don't have any type of CD/DVD drive whatsoever. I know how to go into the BIOS and change the Boot Order so that it will boot from a USB drive, but I'm not sure how to burn an .ISO image to a Flash Drive. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've been wreaking havoc on wifi connections for a couple of years now on several Rooted Androids, but I have long been ready to make the jump to PC hacking. This Aspire is the first laptop I could come up with, I just hope what it lacks won't keep me from Backtrack and Metasploit.

Matthew:

BackTrack requires 3GB of hard drive space. The amount of RAM is irrelevant, so you should be able to download.

You could download one of the VM's like Virtual Box or VMWare Workstation and install it as virtual machine. That might be simpler.

OTW

It's probably the fact that I'm using the slow ass wifi at the Motel 6 I'm staying at the moment, but it is VERY slowly but surely downloading. I've got 400 Mbs downloaded so far, and I've been downloading for just about 4 hours now, so I'm getting a whopping 100 megs an hour, and the Download Manager says I've got about a day left to go... but needless to say, I know it is well worth the wait. I really appreciate you alleviating my concerns about the download itself. I was hoping to Dual-Boot it as an OS.... but if the lack of burning capabilities would make it that much more difficult, I'm open to a Virtual Environment. Are there serious Pros/Cons to either option, or at the end of the day would I be able to follow your tutorials and eventually hack the world on my own with the same proficiency? Or would Dual-Booting show serious advantages? I really do appreciate you taking the time to help... I'm a quick learner, and I'm ready to get started, and I'm incredibly pleased to have such a proficient teacher from which to learn. Thanks again.

Matthew:

For training purposes, a VM is just great. For actual hacking, you will want a physical machines.

OTW

"When you get to the download screen, this is what you should see:"
...Not!!

Sends me to a site called mediacribe that wants my credit card info!? Though ,the price be $0 for the download with the following statement:

"Why do we ask you for your billing information?

Because we are only licensed to distribute our content to certain countries, we ask that you verify your mailing address by providing us with a valid credit card number. We GUARANTEE that NO CHARGES will be applied for validating your account. No charges will appear on your credit card statement unless you upgrade to a Premium Membership or make a purchase."

WTF!!! ...NO WAY!
All they would need is to verify my IP address on their end.

Alright, so I have the .ISO downloaded, I just don't have a Disc Burner. If I right click the file the first option is to 'Burn Disc Image,' but obviously it doesn't find a Burner....maybe I could connect a USB DVD/RW or something? Any help would be awesome.

Or is it possible to put it on a Flash Drive and install it as a Dual-Boot OS from there?

Matthew:

You could just install as a virtual machine. Either Virtual Box from Oracle (free) or VMware workstation will do.

OTW

First off thank you for sparkin my curiosity in the hacker world. Now I have tried to follow your instructions for installing bt5 and i cant get it to even down load .. it says 3 hrss etc no matter the setting i put it ... my dvd drive is not working .. so i tried the vm and still same problem downloading .... i even tried dl from my tablet just to get it and transfer to my pc ... would really like to explore bt5 . Do you have any any suggestions ?

Carlito:

Welcome to Null Byte! I'm glad we could spark you interest in the wonderful world of hacking!

If I read you correctly, when you attempt to download BT5, it says it will take 3hrs? BT5 is a very large file (about 3gigs) so be patient and let it download. It will take a awhile.

OTW

Thank you for the quick response. Its awesome you manage your post so efficiently. Well got my DVD drive back online. Only have a CD ATM and needless to say it says not enough space on CD. I know a DVD is just a trip to the store, but I'm try compressing and then put on CD. Just wanted to get back with you as you were kind enough to respond in a time.lay manner. Will keep you updated. Thank you once again.

Wow...epic fail didn't help at all file is still 3gb. .. Well will get the DVD.

Hello,

I'm pretty new to hacking, where is the best place to start for a rookie like me?

CH,

Welcome to Null Byte!

You are in the right place, if you are new hacking. If you are new Linux as well, go through my Linux tutorials. Then look at my getting started with BackTrack. Finally, join Null Byte and follow me. I am always posting new tutorials.

OTW

P.S. feel free to ask questions!

Ok I am back and needing further guidance. Dl from the link provoded on this page, burnt a image file to dvd. Tried to boot from dvd and will not let me even changed the boot sequence. Leaving dvd in and restarting just gets windows o.s. and nada of back track. When I make dvd only bootable drive it says no bootable o.s. found . Any suggestions ?

Carlito:

Did you uncompress it before you burned it to a DVD?

OTW

Yes, I did burn the uncompressed file. I deleted the one that I compressed. Unless the link provided gives a compressed file?? I burned it using roxio. Also when I open the file to explore Under isolinux, boot security catalog when I click onto it, it says " This file is invalid for use as the following : Security Catalog."

Hey i got a little issue, trying to start learning all or some of the HowTo Here and i encountered a little error when i boot the BackTrack CD i get an "Invalid or Corrupt Kernel image" I get to the backtrack screen and clicking any of the options there Says that error, Any ideas?

I used the method of Downloading BTr5 From their site and burning the ISO i got onto my CD

dear otw

firstly thank you for your blogs and lessons the lessons you teach inspires me to go to uni to do computer programming even more as i would love to help websites with there flaws and know i contributed you are a true idol.

although i am in a little bit of a jam i installed everything true to the word but when i run back track as a livecd it prompts me to a kind of safe mode as it does on a computer when a file has been corrupted is there any help ?

Hai sir,

how to know exact IP address of emailed friends to install keylogger remotely. please help me

I can't install backtrack 5 R3 on my macbook with virtual box coz she I try I get this :

please help me

X:

This could one of two things. Either the physical media is bad or the file is corrupted.

OTW

so I must to download another one ?

Either download another (check the MD5 hash) or try burning another disk. I would first try burning another disk to make certain that the disk isn't bad or the wrong medium type.

OTW

That is the correct size.

MD5 isn't the same as you can see otherwise I must to download another. thanks again Master

You are welcome X! The file must have become corrupted in transit.

im kinda having problem burning it...

i have probelm burning bt5 to a cd, it says "chosen disk image file isn't legal"(translation)

Yaron:

Did you extract the file first? If you did, it won't burn. You need to leave it in an iso image to burn it.

OTW

it is in an iso image,thats what so weird
maybe because i downloaded it as a torrent?

Yaron:

The fact you downloaded as a torrent shouldn't matter but I might have been corrupted. Did you check the MD5?

OTW

If i want to install it directly to my hard drive to i still need to burn the .iso to a disk?

Bilal:

Welcome to Null Byte!

No, you can install it to your hard drive directly from the .iso.

OTW

thank you for your reply. But how do i do that.( i have windows 8)

Bilal:

Remember that BackTrack is not an application but an operating system. As such, you need to install it to a virtual machine on your Windows 8 or as a separate dual boot operating system.

OTW

Master OTW,

As you and many others have urged me to get backtrack, I made a bootable live usb stick using Unetbootin. Now the problem is that I don't know how to boot backtrack from the usb, Like upon rebooting the system,How to use the usb drive?

Also, I already have Windows 7 and linux on the same computer already, will that make a difference in using backtrack from the usb?

Please help!
Thanks !
Kevin

Kevin:

You need to go into the BIOS and alter the boot sequence so that your system boots from the USB.

I strongly recommend you that you use a VM or dual boot system for ease of use and performance.

OTW

Master OTW,

I'm sure that a dual boot system or a VM is way better but won't the fact that i already have two OS's on the computer make a difference?

No, your physical machine can have unlimited OS's.

I am a newb (noob) and I don't even know how to install BT properly.
I have download the BT5, KDE, 64 bit and burn it to CD.
Here are the list of files that is available on CD and I don't know how to install it:
http://i.imgur.com/yJlEZLs.png
Can you help?

Thanks a lot.

Thien:

You need to change the bootup sequence in the BIOS to boot from your DVD/CD. It will then step you through the install procedure.

Good Luck!

OTW

Ok i booted BT from the usb stick and chose default mode. A terminal popped and then gave me an error saying 'can not mount'

Here's the whole error on the terminal window:
(initramfs) mount: mounting /dev/loop0 on //filesystem.squashfs failed:
Invalid argument
Can not mount /dev/loop0 (carom/casper/filesystem.squashfs) on //filesystem.squashfs

Please help!

Can you please tell me how to install it as a separate dual boot operating system.

Just download Unetbootin, Get the ISO file and use the usb drive to install it. Way faster and no problems with scratches on the cd's or something. To install it, just change you're BIOS to boot from a USB-drive or get the device boot menu up

I've got a question with setting up BackTrack. I've got plenty of general computing knowledge, but I've never done anything serious with hacking before. I managed to set it up in VMware Player easily enough (By the way, is there a problem with VMware Player, why don't you mention it as an option for a virtual machine?) What I'm having trouble with is installing it as a dual boot system on my computer.

I've put the ISO on my usb with unetbootin and I can load the basic text versions, but I have trouble getting the GUI up. When I try running startx it just goes to a black screen, I've left it there for about 10 minutes before stopping it. I know someone else had a problem with this in the comments but they didn't really explain how it got fixed. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks a lot!

Yaron:

When you downloaded BT, the MD5 is listed just below the download. Simply compare that value to the value of the BT on your machine.

OTW

I used to be able to go to the screen that have Install Backtrack on top left corner but today I can not.
The screen in stuck at this page:

Image via imgur.com

Thien:

Did you do the install to your hard drive?

OTW

I failed to install through the process even though Backtrack helped me partitioning the hard drive. It had some weird message that I don't understand. I used normal Backtrack 5 instead of R3 like you said. I will give R3 another try. Anyway, this is what I have now:

http://i.imgur.com/t5HCoe4.png

Having issue running the disk, not sure if the file im downloading is corrupted. I have a couple of questions if someone could answer to find out what im doing wrong i am running windows 8.1

  1. what type of disk are we burning the OS to? Will a dvd+r work?
  2. after downloading and rebooting there is no icon on the desktop
  3. i tried accessing the BIOS to change the boot operations to run the disk with no success, there are two UEFI options and neither offers a solution

I understand this is an incomplete overview but i can provide a detailed summary for anyone willing to address this, thank you

David:

Welcome to Null Byte!

I'll try to answer each of your questions in the order you asked.

First, yes, a DVD+R will work.

Second, what icon are you referring to?

Third, generally, once you have accessed the BIOS, you can choose boot options. You want to change the order so that the system boots from the DVD/CD first, rather than the hard drive.

Hope this helps.

OTW

hi can i install metasploit through command prompt

It is built into BackTrack 5. No need to install anything.

back track 5 does not work on my laptop. after i select the first option it opens the gui but it closes before i can even type in startx

Ahmed:

Are you running it in a VM or dual boot?

OTW

Hello OTW,

i was about to install backtrack, since ive been reading some of your articles, and when browsing the internet, i notice that the new version of BackTrack is Kali (atleast that was what i understand)

So should i install Kali now, or do i install BackTrack?

Aldo:

You can use Kali, but it still has a few bugs, that's why I'm not using it yet. In addition, somethings are different places/directories, so it might be hard to follow my tutorials.

OTW

OTW

I installed bactrack and when it was going to reboot it too long and the computer discharged nos when i want to win7 it just tales me to the the boot screen again

Help

Solved: Ran system recovery, which led me to a boot up with black screen, went into safe mode, uninstalled my display adapter rebooted. I was able to start normally, but the resolution was off, rebooted again, and problem solved.

Entered Backtrack and im having problems establishing an internet connection. Any guide on that?

Nevermind i installed dual boot off usb and worked flawlessly

I have a windows 8 on my machine on a system that is UEFI based. The machine is 64 bit architecture and i loaded the appropriate iso for bt 5r3 on the usb. My dell which has a normal old-school bootup worked fine and recognised the usb and BT. But my new laptop which is UEFI based does not recognise the USB. I went into advanced settings and changed the boot sequence. still no luck.

Master OTW please help!!!!

Absolute:

BackTrack is based on Ubuntu and Ubuntu has some issues with UEFI and Windows 8.

To get BackTrack to boot from a USB, you want to burn your Live USB and before you try to boot from it, look in your BIOS for something that says "FastBoot/QuickBoot" or "Intel Smart Response Technology/SRT" and disable it. "Secure Boot", if you have it, might also have to be disabled. You should be able to install BackTrack as normal from there, but if you reboot and you go straight to Windows 8, then you want to boot from your Live USB again and run Boot-Repair.

If you still have problems, let me know.

OTW

Thanks for your guidance master OTW.

I went in and changed the BIOS bootup from efi to legacy and was all good from there. I was able to install BT overwriting the win 8 i had on completely. (No loss there i have been thinking of going back to win 7 ult ) for the double boot.

The point is once i logged in to the kde interface, the system said kubuntu 12.04 is now out would u like to install..i said hell yes. while installing though, it periodically gave me fail messages like your metasploit may not work etc..should i be worried and reinstall the kde again?

Dear Master OTW: Please give instructions on how to partition the HD when installing a dual boot of BT.

The consensus of the research so far is that 1. We use diskmgmt.msc function to shrink the existing install of windows by atleast 30 GB.

  1. When booting with the live CD, at the step 4 where it asks for partitioning, we choose manual
  2. Now we have to allocate the free space among /, swap and another directory because by default BT only installs / and swap...

**Now how much space do we allocate for each of these?

Please clarify these issues.

Thanks...

Absolute:

The answer is going to depend in part on the size and available space on your hard drive.

First, I do not recommend shrinking Windows.

Second, give BackTrack at least 10gb and much more if you have it.

Third, the swap should be about 50% of you RAM, so a 4gb machine should have 2gb swap.

Fourth, you don't need any other directories.

Good luck.

OTW

I can install it on a VM and then install it to the hard drive?

No. Install it on your hard drive. Those two separate installations.

You can work with a VM and in many ways that is preferable except that you will need an external wireless card. If you really want to learn to hack wireless, you will need an external wireless card anyways.

OTW

I have a wireless network card ...
Now I wrote in that you can install it even on USB
How to do it?

OK. I'm assuming it is an external USB network card.

First plug it in.

Go to the top menu of VMWare workstation and you will see a tab named VM. Click on it and should see Removable Devices. Your wireless card should appear there. Click on the connect tab. It should now be connected to your virtual machine.

You should check to see whether it is aircrack-ng compatible. Many cards are not or have limited compatibility.

OTW

I went on a disk so two questions
One. Which type of disc should burn it ...
Two. I have Windows 7 so I have been burning software to burn BackTrack good.

DKTR:

Any writable DVD will work.

OTW

I feel like this is a stupid question, but maybe that's because I'm not sure if I'm asking it right.

Okay. I have a Windows 7/Kubuntu dual boot. If I wanted to replace Kubuntu with BackTrack, could I just write over the partition or would I need to do a full uninstall of Kubuntu and then install BackTrack. And if I do that, would it fuck up my Windows?

WalkingDude:

Now I understand the issue you raised in the aircrack-ng tutorial. You are trying to aircrack-ng with an old Linux kernel. Yes, you need to install BackTrack.

Install BackTrack on a separate partition and then delete the partition with Kubuntu, if you no longer want or need it. It will not harm your Windows.

OTW

do i need linux to install this? or can i still use my windows OS

Jack:

BackTrack is a Linux distribution with hacking tools built in. When you install it you will have Linux.

OTW

i bunt the ISO onto a disk and i restarted my PC but it just starts up normaly

Jack;

You need to change your bootup sequence to boit from the DVD first.

OTW

how do i do this? sorry for the question but im pretty new to this (obviously)

Jack:

The process is going to vary by manufacturer, but here are the general outlines.

When the system is booting, hit F2 or F8 (depends on system manufacturer). It will take you to a BIOS screen where you can select the bootup sequence. Move the CD/DVD up to the first position and the reboot your system. It will boot off the DVD and then it will walk you through installation.

Good Luck.

OTW

so i managed to get the BIOS screen but there was nothing about the CD/DVD in the boot section

What is in the boot section?

Jack:

It is set to boot from your hard drive that is why it doesn't work. Look down below where it says "Change Values". Go there and change values and then Save.

OTW

pressing the f5 and f6 buttons changed nothing

Jack:

I'm sorry. Do you have the manual for your system? Each computer is different in this regard. If you do, look up how to change the boot sequence.

OTW

i share the computer with my room mate ill ask him . thanks anyway

You might consider using VMware or VirtualBox to run BT.

Jack:

You might consider setting up BackTrack in a virtual machine.

OTW

Just FYI OTW: I now have BackTrack up and running.

Yeah! You made my day WalkingDude!

woooo got it working in the end . it was just windows 8 being windows 8 --

That is great news, Jack!

but one question not sure if its a problem . but when i put the disk in and it runs , when it has the back ground of the dragon after etc . is it suppose to just stay there for a while?

Jack;

Sounds like your are running it as a Live CD. Did you install it?

OTW

um i just start my laptop up with the disk in and click the first option when it gives me some options and then some writing comes up . how do i install it ?

Jack:

Did you read this tutorial?

OTW

re read it now , but i dont see a install icon . just the picture frozen on my screen

Hi OTW,

I finally managed to get BT onto a disk and boot from it but when I try to install it won't partition my HDD automatically and makes me do it manually. I am not sure how to do this so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Hi OTW

I finally managed to get BT onto a disk and it boots from it (I'm sure you'll agree it's about time). Any way, when I click to install it, it asked me whether I want to partition my HDD automatically or whether I want to do it manually. Naturally I chose automatically but there was an error and now it is only giving me the option to do it manually. Can you guide me through partitioning my HDD manually?

Thanks
I apologise for the double comment. The first didn't appear for me so I thought it hadn't sent.

Gumskull;

Simply give BT about 20g or more and you will be OK.

OTW

My problem is that it won't let me add a partition as the previous partition takes up the entire HDD (I think.) This is what the table looks like.

Gumskull:

Go back and select new partition.

OTW

When I go back the only options I get are to completely delete my Windows partition or manually partition my HDD. When I click that it just takes me to that screen.

Gumskull:

There are many excellent tutorials on the web on how to partition your drive. Check them out.

OTW

After been told by my step dad (he helped me build my computer because it was my first time building it) that my HDD was about 500GB to 750GB it turns out it's only 250GB. That shouldn't be a problem but my computer is telling me that Windows is using all of it which it shouldn't be. Is there any safe way to reduce the amount that it's using?

Where is it telling you that?

Apparently my entire 250GB HDD is been taken up by Windows but I'm guessing half of it is just reserved. Is there any safe way for me to reduce the amount that is been taken up?

You didn't answer my question.

Where is it telling you that?

Argh, it keeps telling me my comments aren't been sent. Sorry. It's telling me that in the program I'm using. When I have a look at the properties of the local disk however it shows this...

Apologies for the bad screenshot

It says you have 97.5gb free. What's the problem?

You can partition off some fraction of that 97.5gb for BT.

The program I am using says that there is non free. Are there any programs that you would recommend?

What are you using?

Do you have a partitioning tool?

Have you studied partitioning? You seem to be missing some key concepts.

I'm pretty much a novice with all of this. I'm using 'partition wizard home edition'. I'm guessing I can just do this without using a program?

Partition wizard will do the trick.

Find a tutorial on partitioning and partition your drive so that BT has 20-50gb.

What file system should I use? FAT, NTFS etc. etc.

Ahh, so I've finally managed to get it installed and running. Thank you for your extended help and impeccable patience. I wouldn't have been able to get this far without your help. Thank you. I have one more request if you wouldn't mind though. Can you possibly point me in the direction of the next tutorial for me to take?

Master OTW (or anyone else that may be able to tell me)

Will I be able to preform all of the things you show in your tutorials from the disk with the BT image on? My step dad has told me to get rid of Linux on my PC because it is apparently messing with my Windows partition (which he did warn me it could do). OR would it be better for me to buy a portable hard drive and install it on there?

The linux partition does not interfer with Windows.

You can do some hacks with a live cd but not all.

Okay, thanks. He's still adamant that it's Linux that has screwed up my sound drivers so is it possible to install BT on an external hard drive?

Apparently due to BackTrack 5 being outdated, they have discontinued downloads of it from their website. How much different would Kali be for following your guides here? I'm sure it's at least a little different, but is it doable for the average person or should I try to find somewhere else to get BT5? Thanks!

Collekt:

Welcome to Null Byte!

Feel free to download and use Kali. There are some differences, but you should be able to manage it. If you really want BackTrack, you can download it from many torrent sites.

OTW

Disregard this message. I was overlooking something.

Yea, I'm sure I can find it somewhere but I was just wondering if the differences were manageable before I make my choice. Thanks so much for the quick response and all the free information you put up here!

Sir

I decided to install Kali linux as dual boot to my win 8 pc . so i created 2 partitions using easeus partition master , one 16.44 gb Primary formatted as ext3 for installing kali , and other logical 4gb swap space.

but when i start the installation and reach partitioning step then i'm not able to see the partitions i created using win 8 , kali linux shows me the whole 320gb hard disk , and suggest me to create a new empty partitioning table . I want to install kali in the partition i created.

When i use gparted from live mode then it shows all the space on the hard disk UNALLOCATED.

earlier when i tried to install it then i was able to see the partitions but then i ended up with no installation of kali on the partition and my win 8 unbootable , and grub error .(Earlier i did not choose any swap space)

I want to install kali linux on the 16.44gb partition with swapspace 4gb , What should i do ?
Should i redownload the kali iso file .
also what is the difference b/w 32 bit and 64 bit linux distro and which one is better for 2gb ram .
Thanak you
Pranav

Pranav;

Kali will partition your drive for you. You just need to tell it how much.

As for 32 bit or 64 bit, 64bit is better if you have a 64 bit OS and 64 bit CPU. Otherwise, use 32 bit. Your ram is irrelevant.

OTW

Hello Master OTW:

I had to overwrite my installation of BT 5R3 with WIn 7 ultimate, when I attempted setting up a dual boot. Now when I go looking for a BT 5R3 image in the links you have, I find it discontinued. Is it a good idea to install Kali instead or try getting a 64 bit BT 5R3 iso (I am assuming this is more stable than the latest release?)

Please advise,

Thanks

Go an download Kali. That is what I'm using now, even though I preferred BT.

Sir
But won't it delete all other drives if i choose to create a new partition table ?
Pranav

if you point it at your 16.44gb partition on your harddrive it will sub-partition that so no.

EX1S7 :

I tried the create new empty partition table but it shows whole hard disk as unallocated and asks me to create new partitions ?

Thank you
Pranav

Hmm thats interesting.

It's been ages since I've run a clean install (I'm running a dedicated kali box atm) are you running this install from inside the live kali/bt version??

I'm going to rebuild my network in the next couple of days anyway so if you hold fire for 48 hours tops I'll have a more solid answer.

EX1S7 / OTW :

Earlier When I tried to install kali then i could see all the partitions , it is only after the installation failed and i was left with the black grub rescue screen .Actually i hadn't selected the swap space earlier , so kali wasn't installed and i put the bootable flag on kali partition in which there were no files. so i couldn't boot to windows , and kali wasn't installed , so i again put the bootable flag on windows partition and Rebuild bcd and did startup repair so i was able to boot into windows but after that kali installation can't recognise my partition table , though i'm able to access all the partitions (except windows one) through live mode.

I tried to install from both inside the live mode and through graphical install doesn't effect much although it said something like "Kernel didn't match".

Thank you
Pranav

EX1S7/OTW :

PROBLEM SOLVED . I was trying to install with 16.44 gb partition as Primary . I changed it to logical and everything worked fine .

But why does it happen , i had heard we can have 4 primary partitions but i had only 3 (including the 16.44 gb one) ?
Thank you
Pranav

I feel like nothing ever work in my favour even though I tried to follow articles, videos made by IT people like OTW. It's really frustrating.

So I am giving attempts to run Kali Linux on VM.
Things I did:
1/ Burnt the ISO image onto a USB.
2/ Download VM and made Kali Linux VM.

What happen is the first time I tried with mini 64bit Kali, it let me configure when I reboot the PC. However, there are a lot of config choices that I am not familiar with so I skip it and keep starting with win7.

Problem 1: The Kali Linux VM can't find any live file to run from my USB.
<a href="http://imgur.com/DLgem4E"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/DLgem4E.png" title="Hosted by imgur.com"/></a>

Image via imgur.com

Therefore I download the 64 bit regular version (2.9GB). and try to burn it on the same USB again and problem 1 still happen.

Problem 2: There is a missing or corrupted files when I try to boot my PC with linux from USB.
<a href="http://imgur.com/WZuMW5r"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/WZuMW5r.png" title="Hosted by imgur.com"/></a>

Image via imgur.com

I can still boot win7 with no problem.

Okay, I finally manage to boot Kali using USB. Here is the image screen:
<a href="http://imgur.com/gaFiMeJ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/gaFiMeJ.png" title="Hosted by imgur.com"/></a>

Image via imgur.com

Is this correct? Please teach me where to start learning from this point.
I will try to boot this using VM later.

Update: the USB does not show up on computer (Win7). Therefore I can't run it using VM. :(

Thien:

I do NOT click on links sent to me. Please post your screenshot here and I'll see if i can help you.

By the way, why not create a dual boot system or simply a VM vs. using a USB. A USB is very limited running a in Live mode.

OTW

I fixed posts above and turned links into images.
I used Win32DiskImager to write ISO onto my USB.
Now my "Computer" doesn't recognize the USB anymore. It does not show up.

Therefore I can't do anything with VM at the momment.

I would like to create dual boot system but I don't have any external hard drive to back up all the documents. If I mess things up myself. I'm screwed.

I cannot download the Backtrack or maybe I cannot found it . When I go to the link to download it , at the middle of the page is writing (BackTrack 5 is OUTDATED and no longer supported – Downloads have been discontinued .

Please check the KALI LINUX project instead.) what can i do about that, can someone help please? Or tell me when the page may open HELP ME PLEASE!! http://www.backtrack-linux.org/downloads/

Louis:

We have switched over to using Kali now. Its the latest version of BackTrack. Download it at www.kali.org.

OTW

Thank you very much!! ;)

YES. i got it .thanks

hello, im new on here, i really like your tutor, it really interest me
ho ca i get started and also download BackTrack

Amanda:

Welcome to Null Byte!

BackTrack is no longer supported, so we have converted to Kali. Please see this tutorial on getting started with Kali.

OTW

Hello master OTW, is this tutorial just for linux? im using win 7

John:

BackTrack and now, Kali, is an operating system, not an application. You can install it with your Win 7 as a dual boot or in a virtual machine on Win 7.

OTW

thanks OTW, I'll try kali

Hello sir, i was searching the web when i found this website. then i found your tutorials. i wanted to know do these operating systems still work?

yes, of course they do.

I do recommend that you install Kali, rather than Backtrack, though.

OK thank you, i didn't expect anyone to respond. thank you.

and with these operation systems. could one shutdown remotely a strangers computer, one who is sitting in front of you?

which tutorials show you how to install kal i linux? how do i use it, im stuck. please help. i go to install but a message pops out saying. that the application you have is not supported with 64 bit. but i have downloaded the 64bit. but am still unable to do anything. i believe i am doing something wrong. please put the links to the tutorials that are necessary to use kali linux.

Edward:

Are you trying to install it in a virtual machine?

OTW

I am running BT5 R3 on a 15" mac and I have had no luck in turning the default resolution into the proper resolution for my computer

Any ideas?

* edit*
I managed to figure it out.
Problem solving skills coming in handy already

First or all I want to special thanks to the administration of null-byte. This is a leading site for security students.
Secondly that I am fail to finding bt5 for downloading from whole Internet. Where can I find it again?

Thirdly that I am new in security learning what should my first step??
I am a web developer and my aim just secure the login and passwords of servers.
Thanks again

I have a question. I wanted to install Kali dualboot but my alienware laptop doesn't allow me to boot up from a disk so this option is not a good one. I guess the next best thing for me would be the USB option as I have one that has 64 GB. However, can someone tell me the benefits to doing it this way and the downfalls. I dont know if its actually worth it and plus I am gonna be new to Kali and hacking. Thankyou

Hi

I am new, from where do I start?
Kindly help me, what is Back Track ? what it does?
Sorry for stupid question..

BackTrack has been upgraded to Kali Linux.

This is a hacking platform. It has many hacking tools built in. Just about any hack you can imagine is possible with Kali.

Sir, I'm new here. Would wish your kind help n blessing for getting further.

Welcome to Null Byte, Script Kiddie!

What help do you need?

Hi There,

i just need to implement metasploit for security testing in my organization. can you please guide me regarding installation and basic security testing using metasploit.

Thanks in advance.

Welcome to Null Byte!

I suggest that you install Kali Linux which has Metasploit built in. As you security testing, there are numerous guides here on Null Byte on how to test systems.

OTW

i have problem with airodump-ng wlan0
i am using alfa rlink USB adeptor

root@kali:~# airmon-ng stop wlan1
PHY Interface Driver Chipset

phy0 wlan0 iwlwifi Intel Corporation Wireless 3160 (rev 83)
phy1 wlan1mon rt2800usb Ralink Technology, Corp. RT2870/RT3070

root@kali:~# airdump-ng wlan1
bash: airdump-ng: command not found
root@kali:~# airodump-ng wlan1
Interface wlan1:
ioctl(SIOCGIFINDEX) failed: No such device
the above reply i am getting multiple time

i have installed kali 2.0 recently updated iso

can anyone tell me? what is the most important that you need in my laptop to use this backtrack?

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