You can use a program like ImgBurn (google it) to create an ISO file from the DVD, but I'm quite sure you wouldn't be able to boot from that.

Try this link:

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/

or just Google bootable usb linux and you'll find similar info.

 

 

Thanks for your help tung, only what I need is the location of a Dell factory ISO file, one which when loaded onto a USB will be able to restore my Mini to it's factory configuration.  

There are hundreds of hits if I google what you suggest but none that have the specific Dell file I am looking for. All the links I found have since had the URL changed or moved.  It's like trying to hit a moving target. :emotion-6:

I appreciate your help though.

Two questions for you, Barry:

1) To use the ISO file, you will need to mount it like a virtual CD or DVD. How will you do this?

2) If you need a Dell factory ISO file, and you have the Dell Ubuntu DVD that came with your mini, why not create the ISO from the DVD?

 

 

tung,

1) i found a utility called something like unetbootin which can run on Windows.  I installed it on my desktop and tried it with an ISO for the stock hardy on a USB stick, it worked fine getting hardy installed from the USB stick on my mini. 

2) I could try this method, I am a little wary of using utilities I have never heard of but I'll investigate.

thanks

 

2) If you need a Dell factory ISO file, and you have the Dell Ubuntu DVD that came with your mini, why not create the ISO from the DVD?

 

I'm in the same situation, looking for an .iso image for system restore purposes.   Burning/mounting is not the problem, finding the disk image is.

 

 

 

I found this on another forum (sorry, I don't remember where exactly), I made a copy on my PC because it worked perfectly :

Re: Reinstall Ubuntu via USB
Postby John Kiniston on Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:24 pm
OK, I just did this.

I used a .iso of the Dell Ubuntu Restore cd, A copy of Ubuntu 8.10 to write the .iso and a 8GB thumb drive (You only need 2GB however)

Boot ubuntu or your linux of choice, Get your .iso onto that machine.

sudo root

mount your iso:

mkdir /mnt/iso
mount -o loop /path/to/Ubuntu_Restore.iso /mnt/iso

Format your thumb drive and mount it:
mkfs.vfat -I /dev/sdb
mkdir /mnt/thumb
mount /dev/sdb /mnt/thumb

copy the contents of your .iso to the thumbdrive
cp -r /mnt/iso /mnt/thumb

edit the config file so that it will load the image
cd /mnt/thumb
mv isolinux.cfg syslinux.cfg
nano syslinux.cfg
change the last line where it says boot=cd to boot=usb
cd /
umount /mnt/thumb
syslinux -s /dev/sdb

and then reboot and tell your Mini to boot off the thumb drive, It should then allow you to restore Ubuntu onto your sytem.

• When you change the line with boot=usb, you can remove the keyword "quiet" and "splash", that way you will see exactly what is happening in the restoration process.
• You can simply copy the files from the DVD to the USB key, you don't need any special software.
• Be sure to use the "mkfs.vfat -I /dev/sdb" command line. The reason why it's not working for many people, is because the /dev/sdb is split into 4 partition (that is if you key is formated with Windows Explorer or another software making unwanted stuff). Just make sure the /dev/sdb is readable (not /dev/sdb1).

Steve, I have looked and looked for a factory Dell ISO and also even gone through the Dell support phone number process.  They gave up in the end and simply said that I had to get a USB DVD drive.  I did get a factory restore DVD from Dell and I borrowed a USB DVD drive to restore from it.  It worked quite painlessly. However I don't want to buy one, just restore using a memory stick!!  Is that too much to ask?  

I did also try to restore from a Ubuntu Hardy ISO and that also worked although some of the peripherals/stuff did not (WIFI for one).  I am resigned to not being able to do this.  Good luck to you if you can find a way.

Barry

I did get a factory restore DVD from Dell

Did you order it, pay for it and have them ship it to you?  Or did you download it from somewhere?  How can we find a copy?

Can you rip an .iso image of it and post it somewhere?

-Steve

I found it here:

 

http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/Ubuntu_8.04

 

All you need to do is upgrade everything if you want the 8.10

 

PG

I was able to do a clean restore from both a DVD(and a Mad Dog USB DVD burner drive) and a USB flash drive using Nezerak's post

for mounting the ISO image onto my stick then booting, & it works great.

 

BTW It's only a minimally customized version & not the "exact" image that Dell delivered with my Mini 9(Which I did make an image of since mine didn't come with one either).

I have the "My Tech Team support, and am waiting for a Dell Ubuntu DVD to be delivered. I just finished putting a 128GB SSD drive in mine, I hope it doesn't use anymore juice, I don't think it should.

 

 

To avoid confusion I'm JC, I use my fiances' Dell thing, as I didn't want to create a new one when it switched over. She goes by Pixiegirl19, so please help her if she posts something. She is quite computer literate, but has trouble with some things. If you see PG at the end, you'll know I posted & not her.

Sorry for any confusion, I should be home by weeks end...

Steve,

The DVD came with my Netbook (which was BTW refurbished).  I don't know how to rip an ISO image (if I knew that I wouldn't have written this post :emotion-1:)

I will gladly do that if it's not too difficult, I don't want to download anything to do it though.  I can only load the DVD on a Windows box of course as I no longer have the borrowed DVD reader.  What programs can make an ISO out of a DVD installer?  

Barry