Offline AI USB update process
Updates keep your offline AI fresh, but you should apply them on your terms. This process ensures you back up, validate, and stay offline-ready before and after every update.
Backup-first approach so you can roll back if needed.
Validation steps to confirm offline behavior post-update.
Tips for scheduling updates without disrupting travel or outages.
Back up before updating
Clone the USB or copy the PortableMind folder to a secure drive. Keep prompt packs and manifests in the backup. This gives you a rollback point if an update clashes with your hardware or policy.
- Use a quality drive for backups; verify the copy before proceeding.
- Label backups with date and version.
- Store backups separately from your daily-carry USB.
Download updates on trusted networks
Only fetch updates on secure, trusted networks. Avoid hotel Wi-Fi. Once downloaded, disconnect from the internet and apply updates locally. Keep Wi-Fi off afterward to maintain offline posture.
- Verify file integrity (checksums or signatures) if provided.
- Pause VPN/proxy tools if they interfere with local copy speeds.
- Do not delete your backup until you finish validation.
Apply updates carefully
Follow the provided update script or instructions. Keep the terminal open until it completes. Ensure at least 15 GB free on the USB before starting. If prompts ask to overwrite configs, back them up first.
- Close the AI UI during updates to avoid conflicts.
- Use direct USB ports, not loose hubs, while copying models.
- Document what changed for your own release notes.
Validate offline after updating
Unplug from the network and launch the AI. Run a set of known prompts and compare speed to your baseline. Check that localhost loads, SmartScreen/Gatekeeper approvals still work, and models respond without trying to download anything.
- Keep a small validation checklist on the USB and run it every update.
- If something regresses, roll back to the backup and contact support.
- Update your baseline startup time if performance improved.
Schedule updates smartly
Avoid updating right before travel or during critical work. Plan updates when you have time to test offline. If you carry multiple USBs, stagger updates so one stays on the prior version until you’re confident.
- Keep one USB untouched as a fallback while testing a new release.
- Note which version each USB carries in a manifest file.
- Skip updates if your current build is stable and an outage is imminent.
Use cases
Pre-travel checks
Update at home, validate offline, then pack the tested USB for the trip.
Compliance-conscious teams
Maintain backups and validation logs for audit trails.
Performance seekers
Apply updates on a test USB first to compare speed before rolling out.
Checklist
- Back up the USB before every update.
- Download on a trusted network; validate integrity.
- Ensure 15 GB free space before applying.
- Run offline validation after updating.
- Stagger updates across multiple USBs if you carry spares.
- Document version and changes in a manifest file.
Quick cross-links
Hop to related guidance while you keep this page open.
Troubleshooting
Update failed mid-way
- Restore from your backup and try again with a direct port.
- Check free space and rerun with antivirus paused or excluded.
- If errors persist, contact support with logs and stop using the partially updated drive.
Performance worse after update
- Compare against your baseline; if worse, roll back to the backup.
- Reapply AV exclusions and check cache health.
- Report regressions and wait for a patched release before retrying.
Approvals reset
- Re-approve SmartScreen or Gatekeeper.
- Update your SOP to note the new hash/version.
- Validate offline again to confirm behavior.
FAQ
Do I need internet to update?
Only to download the update files. Apply and validate offline afterward.
What if an update breaks something?
Restore from your backup and report the issue. Keep one USB on the previous version as a fallback.
How often should I update?
When you have time to validate. Skip updates if you’re stable and headed into a critical window.
Do approvals reset after updates?
Sometimes. Be ready to re-approve SmartScreen or Gatekeeper and update your documentation.
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