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Installing Ubuntu 9.10 from USB Drive
I have an Inspiron Mini 10v netbook (with solid state hard drive) running Linux (Ubuntu 8.04). I want to upgrade to Ubuntu 9.10 (because hopefully it installs Bluetooth devices better).
I put Upuntu 9.10 onto a USB memory stick using UNetbootin. I then plugged it into my netbook and booted from it. When the menu came up, I selected to perform an OEM install onto the hard drive of the netbook. This caused a hopeful-looking stream of messages, but after a while it came up with:
Gave up waiting for root device. Common problems:
- Boot args (cat /proc/cmdline)
- Check rootdelay= (did the system wait long enough?)
- Check root= (did the system wait for the right device?)
- Missing modules (cat /proc/modules; ls /dev)
ALERT! does not exist. Dropping to a shell!
It shows some suggestions, but I don't know how to follow them up.
What do I do next? I am not a Linux techie! HELP!!
Alan W
barrydrake
18 Posts
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Posted March 25th, 2010 10:00
Hi ....
I think you deserve a better answer. I'm awaiting delivery of my Mini 10v, so I can't yet talk you throu the issue. I know Linux and have become familiar with Ubuntu over the years. Dell has it's own flavour of Ubuntu with some specialised drivers. The Ubuntu forums say that 9.10 works on a clean install 'straight out of the box' BUT .... do you have a rescue pendrive or SD card? If not, can you make one? If the answer is no, please don't attempt to upgrade. You need to have an escape route. It should be possible to upgrade online (first to 8.10, and then again up to 9.4 and 9.10 if you alter the upgrade manager parameters.
Contact me off-forum if you want () and I'll give you a few tips. My netbook is on it's way and should be with me early next week. I do not work for Dell, I just like their products, but I think you're a bit brave tackling Linux before trying it out on an old desktop. That's what I'd advise anyone else to do! Dell ought to offer a download of the exact breed of Linux they supply that you can run before buying ...
Good luck! Barry..
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barrydrake
18 Posts
817
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Posted March 25th, 2010 13:00
Just a bit more on this: take a look at http://www.ubuntumini.com/2008/10/installing-ubuntu-on-dell-inspiron-mini.html This link will give you a fair idea of what you might be getting into and where you might make mistakes. As an example, if you edit fstab and get a wrong string in, you might well find the installation won't boot at all and you have no option but to re-install again! I don't want to put you off Ubuntu - it's fantastic! But you really ought to be learning on an old PC where it isn't going to matter if you mess up. Barry.
AWhiteC
3 Posts
817
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Posted March 18th, 2010 18:00
Thanks for that URL. I had actually found that earlier and tried following it (although it is a bit chaotic).
However, it doesn't really address the problem I have.
Alan W