[holmes4]

Lots of people here use Ubuntu Netbook Remix on their Minis, so it's probably a good choice. I have no experience with it myself. I have used Ubuntu on a Mini, briefly. Try clicking on the wireless icon in the top bar to set up a connection. Ask in the Linux section of the forum if you need more help.

I have not seen the USB adapter for the SSDs anywhere else - it is custom made by RunCore for MyDigitalDiscount.

[temp0ra]

were you able to get this solved? I have the exact same problem, and have no idea on how to fix it.

[Soporose]

Originally Posted by temp0ra

were you able to get this solved? I have the exact same problem, and have no idea on how to fix it.

If you mean was I able to recover the dead drive, no. In Monty Python terms it is an ex-parrot.

But I can give you exact, specific and easy to follow instructions on putting Ubuntu Linux on a USB thumb drive to keep you going until you get a replacement. Thumb drive installation has allowed me to continue using Firefox for browsing and checking web mail.

Say so if you need it.

[temp0ra]

Originally Posted by Soporose

If you mean was I able to recover the dead drive, no. In Monty Python terms it is an ex-parrot.

But I can give you exact, specific and easy to follow instructions on putting Ubuntu Linux on a USB thumb drive to keep you going until you get a replacement. Thumb drive installation has allowed me to continue using Firefox for browsing and checking web mail.

Say so if you need it.

That'd be great , if you wouldn't mind!

But just to make sure, this problem has to do with the hard drive, and not the bios correct?

[Soporose]

Originally Posted by temp0ra

But just to make sure, this problem has to do with the hard drive, and not the bios correct?

I think if it was working fine, and you didn't make any configuration changes, you can safely assume that the SSD really has died. However, if you follow the directions below, Ubuntu will also warn you with a message about "hard drive failing" or something to that effect.

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Installing "Ubuntu NetBook Remix 9.10" on a USB Thumb Drive
-----------------------------------------------------------

1. Need at least a 4 GB flash drive. NOTE: My own experience is that after using it for a while from a 4 GB thumb drive, the system locks up and needs to be powered on/off. I *THINK* this is due to running out of temporary storage space on the USB drive. It doesn't bother me and is easily recovered, but if you have a bigger flash drive available you might want to use that instead.

2. To install "Ubuntu NetBook Remix 9.10" on a thumb drive run the "universal USB installer" from:
Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux

3. That installer needs to find the "Ubuntu NetBook Remix 9.10" installation file:
ubuntu-9.10-netbook-remix-i386.iso (Download Ubuntu Netbook Remix | Ubuntu). Download the ISO file to the same folder as the installer and it will be found automatically.

4. Insert the USB drive into the Netbook.

5. Connect your Mini-9 to your Internet connection with a CAT-5 cable, which Linux always seems to detect immediately without any assistance.

6. Power on.

7. You now need to perform an upgrade and driver installation. Open Linux's Terminal application (under Accessories) and execute this command line (which is actually two commands in one):
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install bcmwl-kernel-source

8. That may take a while to complete, but when it's finished close the Terminal application by typing the command: exit {enter}

9. Powerdown, remove the Ethernet cable and restart.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to the helpful people on this forum who gave me the tips to put that sequence together.

[temp0ra]

you're a life saver soporose! I believe I got it to work, as I was actually able to boot up ubuntu. I'm going to try and install it on the hdd to see if it's actually the hdd and not windows xp bugging out on me.

So, I originally edited my post to ask you if you got the Wi-Fi to work, and I guess you did, after I found a thread where you asked the same question. However, I am still not able to connect to my wifi network using the bcmwl-kernel-source. For some reason, I'm able to install the driver but upon installing and restarting, the mini doesn't boot up into ubuntu. Hooking up an ethernet cable works no problem, I'd really like the wifi to work though. I googled the problem, but nothing seems to work. Any further help would be much appreciated.