# Eth 2.0 Key Generation: Ubuntu Live USB
This guide demonstrates how to safely generate Eth 2.0 validator keys using Ubuntu live boot from USB.
{% hint style="info" %}
The process to create mainnet and testnet keys is identical, but the keys are NOT interchangeable. Be sure to practice everything on testnet prior to depositing on mainnet.
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## DISCLAIMER - FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
{% hint style="danger" %}
Ethereum 2.0 is experimental software. Staking is inherently risky. Generating keys is risky.\
I am not an expert. I am documenting my process in order to learn and hopefully help others.
### There is no guarantee this guide will function for mainnet deposits
{% endhint %}
## Summary
1. [Download `eth2.0-deposit-cli` key generator](#step-1-download-eth-2-0-deposit-cli-key-generator)
2. [Download Ubuntu 20.04](#step-2-download-ubuntu)
3. [Burn Ubuntu ISO Image to USB](#step-3-burn-ubuntu-iso-image-to-usb)
4. [Disconnect Internet](#step-4-disconnect-internet)
5. [Boot into Ubuntu USB](#step-5-boot-into-ubuntu-usb)
6. [Generate Eth 2.0 Keys](#step-6-eth-2-0-key-generation)
7. [Safely store `mnemonic seed` (24 words)](#step-7-mnemonic-seed)
8. [Save `deposit_date` and `validator_keystore`](#step-8-deposit_data-and-keystore-files)
You will need 2 USB sticks and a PC running either Linux, Windows, or macOS.
## Step 1 - **Download `eth2.0-deposit-cli` Key Generator**
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Please be sure you are using the official Ethereum Foundation GitHub account.
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### Visit
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Select the file ending in `linux-amd64.tar.gz` , then choose "Save". Once complete, the file (aka tarball) should appear in your Downloads folder.
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### Copy the `eth2deposit-cli` tarball to the USB:
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Eject the USB with the tarball and insert the 2nd USB to be used for Ubuntu.
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## Step 2 - Download Ubuntu
### Visit and download the desktop image:
## Step 3 - Burn Ubuntu ISO image to USB
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If you're running Windows or Mac, you can follow the guides found here: [Windows](https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows#1-overview) || [Mac](https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/create-a-usb-stick-on-macos#1-overview)
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### Ubuntu Desktop - Click the
icon and search "startup disk creator" :
### Choose the Ubuntu ISO and **Make Startup Disk:**
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**The USB will be completely wiped, be sure to back up any important data!**
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### Installation Complete:
## Step 4 - Disconnect Internet
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### **DISCONNECT INTERNET || aka AIR-GAP**
Physically unplug all modems, routers, and Ethernet cables. Make sure you never turn on WIFI or any networking capabilities. It should be impossible to connect to the internet.
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## **Step 5 -** Boot into Ubuntu Live USB
### Ubuntu USB Startup Process:
1. Begin with the computer powered down
2. Plug the Ubuntu live USB into the computer
3. Start the computer and continually press **`F-12`** to enter one-time boot menu
4. Choose the Ubuntu live USB from the boot menu
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Tapping **F-12** or **F-10** at computer startup is the standard method to enter the one-time boot menu. If that doesn't work you can search "one-time boot menu" for your computer model.
If nothing is working, you may need to use **F-2** and enter the BIOS to allow booting from USB.
{% endhint %}
If successful, the Ubuntu live USB will pull up the GRUB menu. It may automatically continue, otherwise select the first option by hitting `ENTER`
### Select `Try Ubuntu`:
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Once you click `Try Ubuntu`, the Ubuntu 20.04 desktop will begin to load.
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### Turn Off WiFi and Bluetooth:
### Plug in 2nd USB and double click the `eth2deposit-cli` tarball:
### Click `Extract` in the upper left corner:
### Click `Home` towards the upper left, then click the green `Extract`
### Navigate to the `Home` Folder:
### Rename the folder to `eth2.0-deposit-cli`
## Step 6 - Eth 2.0 Key Generation
### Open new terminal window using `Ctrl + Alt + T`
### Change directory to eth2.0-deposit-cli folder:
```
cd eth2.0-deposit-cli
```
### Run `./deposit new-mnemonic`:
```
./deposit new-mnemonic
```
{% hint style="info" %}
You will be asked to provide the following responses:
1. Please choose your mnemonic language:
2. Please choose how many validators you wish to run:
3. Please choose mainnet or testnet:
4. Type a password to secure your validator
5. Repeat password for confirmation
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## Step 7 - Mnemonic Seed
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### **If you lose the mnemonic seed, your stake is lost forever.**
The 24 word mnemonic seed is necessary to withdraw your staked Eth. Without the seed, you will be unable to transfer/withdraw and your Eth will be lost forever.
{% endhint %}
### After confirming the password, you'll be given a mnemonic seed phrase:
### Write down the mnemonic, then reenter it to ensure it's correct:
{% hint style="info" %}
A few things to keep in mind regarding the 24-word mnemonic phrase:
* Make sure you use durable paper and permanent pen
* Store in a waterproof, fireproof bag inside a safe
* A bank security box is helpful in preventing the [$5 wrench attack](https://xkcd.com/538/)
* Minimum of 2 copies in 2 different locations
* You can split a copy 12/12 and give to trusted family/friends
{% endhint %}
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Once you correctly re-enter the mnemonic, your `validator_keys` will be created.
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## Step 8 - `deposit_data` and `keystore` files
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**Files can be found at:**`/home/YOURUSERNAME/eth2.0-deposit-cli/validator_keys`
* **`deposit_data-[timestamp].json`**
* contains data used to register your validator on the Eth2 launchpad
* **`keystore -[timestamp].json`**
* validator keystore file protected by password (aka validator signing key)
### **If you lose the mnemonic seed, your stake is lost forever.**
{% endhint %}
### **Navigate to `/home/eth2.0-deposit-cli/validator_keys`:**
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The "pubkey" is the validator public key and should be the same in both files.
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### `Deposit_data` file contents:
### `Keystore` file contents:
## Copy `deposit_data` and `keystore` files to external USB:
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You can always use your mnemonic seed to generate a new keystore file if necessary.
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Congratulations, you successfully created your Eth 2.0 validator keys!
Close Ubuntu, store the seed, and transfer `deposit_data` and `keystore` to your main PC.
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### Learn how to run a testnet validator: [Pyrmont || Lighthouse Eth2 Staking Guide](https://app.gitbook.com/@agstakingco/s/pyrmont-lighthouse-eth-2-0-staking-guide/)
---
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