[soho100]

I have to say after browsing this forum for many months helping out with the myriad of install issues I can see the majority of the problems are all related to either updating to 10.6.3/4 or multi boot setups. I have hacked 9 10v's for friends and family and all are running 10.6.2 (with software updates set to manual) without any issues whatsoever, no KP's no failed boot ups, nothing, just a perfect Netbook Mac. Updating to 10.6.3/4 is just not worth the trouble. As a seasoned Mac user you gain nothing at all in my view so why bother to do it. I manage 10 Macs here in the studio, most run 10.6.2 and I've noticed no difference whatsoever to those running 10.6.3/4.

So guys and gals install 10.6.0 using this tried and tested method...
How To: Hackintosh a Dell Mini 10v Into the Ultimate Snow Leopard Netbook
...using NetbookBootMaker 0.8.3 RC4

Then to get to 10.6.2 run NetbookInstaller 0.8.3 RC5, select your hard drive from the drop down menu, accept the defaults and install. DO NOT RESTART. Download and install 10.6.2 from the Apple website. Restart. Run 'NetbookInstaller 0.8.3 RC5' again accepting the defaults and restart again.

If you want to mess around with updates clone your working 10.6.2 system to an external drive formatted to GUID using Carbon Copy Cloner and run NetbookInstaller 0.8.3 RC5 over it. You can then boot the 10v from this external and re-clone the system back to the internal should you have a problem. Don't forget to run NetbookInstaller 0.8.3 RC5 after the re-clone is complete and reboot again.

Good luck.

[donaldsolsen]

I totally agree with soho100's post above. Leave the Mini 10v at SL 10.6.2 and avoid all the problems and hassles. Just update the programs as they come along, but leave the combo updates unchecked. You should remain very happy with your Dell Mac if you do.

[moshymoshy]

Alternatively you can forget about that useless Gizmodo guide and use one of Mechdrew's exceptionally clear and well-tested guides instead - essential if you don't already have a Mac, and then update to both 10.6.3 and 10.6.4 with no issues whatsoever. Like I did.

[Akki]

I use my mini9 daily and my brother loves his 10v, but the problems you are having is .... wait for it.... its not a Mac. OSX and it's hardware are paired selectively, ignore that and you'd better expect issues. Seems to me a lot of folks try to run osx on other hardware aren't prepared to deal with those issues.

[Thorsteenster]

I honestly can't say I've had any issues with updating, other than not waiting for an updated NBI.
Although I may be putting one together for my niece, and for her this would be a sound practice, as well how I'll do it.
Thanks!

[soho100]

Thorsteenster...if you have a perfect working 10v and intend to hack one for your niece why not remove the new drive (simply done) and pop it in an external enclosure, then clone your 10v system on to it. This has been my method for the last four 10v's I did for friends.

[Thorsteenster]

Ha, because I'll be passing my Mini 9 on to my niece and using my W7 license for something else.

And I'm not saying it's perfect, I just haven't noticed anything wrong with it yet.

[doggage]

Soho, to use this method would I need to use a 10.6.0 retail disc, or will one that came with my Macbook work?

[Thorsteenster]

From my understanding you can't use the discs that come with a Mac because they are system specific.

[soho100]

Yes a retail disc is what you need.