Linux onto an older laptop

[nmeyers at javalinux.net (nmeyers at javalinux.net)]

Is there already an OS installed, such as Windows? One other way to boot
into an installation environment is with loadlin.exe, a Windows executable
that can launch a Linux kernel sitting in the Windows filesystem.

Nathan

On Wed, Mar 15, 2006 at 03:41:54PM -0500, John Abreau wrote:
> Sam Korb wrote:
> >Hello-
> >
> >    My friend from Brown University was helping me load Ubuntu onto an 
> >older laptop that we got second-hand (Dell Inspiron 7500), and we ran 
> >into some trouble.  He had some positive experience with the Brown Linux 
> >User Group, so he suggested I seek you guys out and see if you could 
> >offer any assistance.
> >
> >    Basically, the laptop has two batteries instead of a CD drive or 
> >floppy drive.  My friend said that this would necessitate a network 
> >install.  Is this something feasible?  If so, would your group be able 
> >to offer any help?
> >
> 
> It sounds like your main issue is the lack of a cdrom drive or floppy 
> drive. The first thing I'd try is to see if the machine can boot from a 
> usb cdrom drive. If that doesn't work, maybe someone could loan you a 
> Dell cdrom module long enough to install the OS, assuming they have one 
> that works with the 7500. Logistically, it would make sense to do that 
> at one of our Installfests.
> 
> You can join our group's discussion list to get a wider range of advice; 
> also, we're holding our next Installfest on May 20, where you can get 
> hands-on help.
> 
> You can subscribe to our discussion list at
> 
>     http://lists.blu.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
> 
> -- 
> John Abreau / Executive Director, Boston Linux & Unix
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