# FN Calamari External

## **Guide to Setting Up Calamari External**

### **Preparing Your USB Drive**

Before installing the EFI Bootloader, you need to format your USB drive properly.

#### **Step 1: Format the USB Drive**

1. **Plug** your USB drive into an available USB port on your computer.
2. **Open File Explorer** by pressing **Win + E** and locate your USB drive under **"This PC"** or **"My Computer."**
3. **Right-click** on your USB drive and select **"Format."**

#### **Step 2: Configure Format Settings**

1. In the **Format window**, set the following options:
   * **File System**: Select **FAT32** (If unavailable for drives larger than 32GB, use tools like Rufus or GUIFormat).
   * **Volume Label**: Optionally, name your drive.
   * **Quick Format**: Check this box for a faster format, or leave it unchecked for a thorough format.
2. **Click "Start"** to begin formatting. A warning will appear stating that all data will be erased. Ensure you’ve backed up important files.
3. Wait a few moments for the format to complete. A confirmation message will appear once it’s done.

> **Important Note:** Formatting will erase all data. Backup important files before proceeding.

***

### **Installing EFI Bootloader on USB**

After formatting your USB drive, follow these steps to install the EFI Bootloader.

#### **Step 1: Download the EFI Bootloader Files**

1. Open your web browser and visit the download link:\
   👉 [Download EFI Bootloader](https://ventro.tech/versions/ventro-1387057f-6f7a-4fa1-afe2-f21f3e145e7d.zip)
2. The file should start downloading automatically.
3. Once downloaded, locate the **.zip** file in your **Downloads** folder.

#### **Step 2: Extract the EFI Bootloader to the USB Drive**

1. **Right-click** the downloaded **.zip** file and select **"Extract All"** (or use **7-Zip**).
2. **Choose the USB drive** as the extraction destination. For example, if your USB is labeled \*\*D:\**, extract the files directly to \*\*D:\**.
3. Ensure the extracted files follow this structure:

   ```
   makefileCopyEditD:\EFI\Boot\bootx64.efi
   ```

***

### **Booting from the USB Drive**

Once the USB drive is set up, boot your system using one of the methods below.

#### **Method 1: Boot Menu (Recommended)**

1. **Restart your computer.**
2. **Hold the Shift key** while clicking **Restart** from the Windows Start menu.
3. Your system will boot into **Advanced Startup Options**.
4. Click **Use a Device** and select your USB drive (it may be listed as "USB HDD" or a specific brand name).
5. Your system will boot from the USB drive.

#### **Method 2: Change Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI**

1. **Restart your computer.**
2. Before Windows loads, repeatedly press the BIOS/UEFI access key:
   * **Common keys:** `F2`, `F12`, `DEL`, `ESC` (Check your motherboard manual if unsure).
3. Navigate to the **Boot Menu** in BIOS/UEFI.
4. Locate the **Boot Order/Priority** settings.
5. Move your USB drive to the **top** of the list using the on-screen instructions (usually `+` or `-` keys).
6. **Save and Exit** (`F10` is the most common save key).
7. Your system will now boot from the USB drive automatically.

***

### **How to Download Loader**

If your setup requires additional software, follow these steps:

1. **Visit the Download Page**\
   👉 [Download Page](https://ventro.tech/loader/)
2. **Enter Your License Information**
   * If a license key is required, enter the key you received via email.
3. **Click "Download"**
4. **Extract & Install the Software**
   * Locate the downloaded file and unzip it.
   * Follow any installation instructions provided.

***

### **Troubleshooting Boot Issues**

If your USB drive isn’t booting correctly, try the following:

#### **1. Check USB Format**

* Ensure your USB drive is formatted as **FAT32**.
* If the drive is larger than **32GB**, use **Rufus** or **GUIFormat** to format it.

#### **2. Enable UEFI Mode**

* Enter BIOS/UEFI and ensure **UEFI Boot Mode** is enabled.
* Disable **Legacy Boot Mode** if applicable.

#### **3. Disable Secure Boot**

* In BIOS/UEFI, locate **Secure Boot** settings and disable them.
* Save changes and restart.

#### **4. Try a Different USB Port**

* Some motherboards have issues with certain USB ports. Try a different one.