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View Full Version : [ubuntu] Been marooned, can't upgrade dell mini 9 ubuntu!

platinumlolita
June 26th, 2009, 07:06 PM
I want to upgrade my dell mini 9's hardy to intrepid, and then to jaunty. When I open the update manager, the option to gather updates for newer releases is not there. Updating has always been screwy on this dell Ubuntu. :mad: I've had nothing but trouble with this awful Ubuntu variant by dell!
I do not want to get UNR Jaunty because I use desktop edition and I've heard about problems with compiz. I like my wobbly windows and desktop panes!
I also want to keep all of my stuff. Backing up my videos and programs is too tedious, and I just want to update without reinstalling everything.
If I absolutely have to, I will back up and install via usb drive or external cd drive. Is there an IMG file containing Ubuntu Jaunty Desktop Edition? If not, then is there a utility similar to unetbootin? Dell's awfulbuntu won't let me use unetbootin.

I also have had trouble booting into flash drives. My PNY attaché 4gb won't boot when written, nor will my dane-elec micro sd card. Is it my BIOS or are some drives not bootable?

I hope some Ubuntu nerd can help me...
platinumlolita
June 26th, 2009, 07:37 PM
did I offend people or something? Just a simple question...
anjilslaire
June 27th, 2009, 01:44 PM
Dell uses a version of ububntu that is LPIA-based, not standard x86. To upgrade away from the dell version, you will have to do a clean install from a regular ubuntu version. I recommend a clean install of 9.04. I use the netbook ermix, but you can just as easily install the regular version.

The best instructions are here:
http://www.ubuntumini.com/2009/04/user-guides-for-ubuntu-904-juanty.html

Just install the regular version instead of the NBR.
Talon2
June 27th, 2009, 03:21 PM
did I offend people?

Yes
snowpine
June 27th, 2009, 03:30 PM
A fresh install of 9.04 is your best option. I have never personally had trouble with Unetbootin; make sure you use a freshly formatted drive (use gparted) and follow the instructions carefully. The mini 9 won't boot from an SD card, so you need to use a USB flash drive (or an external USB CD drive). Press 0 at boot to choose the USB drive. You can also use the hard drive option in unetbootin to boot from an .iso file on the drive, no external drive needed. Also remember that there's nothing "wrong" with 8.04 Hardy; it is the current long term support version (through april 2011). Good luck!
anjilslaire
June 27th, 2009, 09:16 PM
I hope some Ubuntu nerd can help me...

Not the nicest way to get help, btw.
platinumlolita
June 27th, 2009, 09:50 PM
Not the nicest way to get help, btw.

I apologise. I just don't know which subculture to ask. There are nerds, the green-horn n00bs, and legit/non-legit hackers...
jaqrah
June 28th, 2009, 03:40 AM
I apologise. I just don't know which subculture to ask. There are nerds, the green-horn n00bs, and legit/non-legit hackers...

uuh, it isn't about sub-cultures (or trying to label us with sad cliches), its about Ubuntu culture. We are Ubuntu users and in this particular sub-forum, Ubuntu users who happen to own dells.

Those of us who can help will help.
platinumlolita
June 28th, 2009, 03:12 PM
uuh, it isn't about sub-cultures (or trying to label us with sad cliches), its about Ubuntu culture. We are Ubuntu users and in this particular sub-forum, Ubuntu users who happen to own dells.

Those of us who can help will help.

I suppose so. Other forum communities are so formal. I've got to get used to this one. Of course, there's less child-like flaming, so that's a big plus.

Everyone has been a great help. I switched to ordinary Ubuntu Jaunty via UNetBootIn. I absolutely love it. Cookies for all!