[meklort]

Hi everyone.

bmaltais and I have been working on a new installation method that's ready for some more people to test out. We are replacing DellEFI with a new program called NetbookInstaller and including with it a NetbookBootMaker.

The new installer consists of a slightly updated interface, the ability to select a target destination, as well as machine detection to install appropriate kexts on different hardware (such as the 9 versus the 10v).

-- NetbookBootMaker --
This applications patches an 8gb + flash drive with the dvd restored onto it. You need to format the usb drive as HFS+ and then restore the dvd. This is essentially the same things as mechdrew's single usb guide.
The first change to this application is that the install application will no longer fail. You do not need to run postinstall as you do in mechdrew's guide. It will also automatically reboot.
The next change is that after the machine reboots, it'll boot into a working install. No user intervention is required at this point unless If you have a 10.5.0 or 10.5.1 install you will want to update immediately.
The last change is that we now include the NetbookInstaller application on the install dvd, so you can run it form the utility menu in case of a failed update. This could come in handy when you install the 10.5.7 update. Instead of having to boot into save mode, you can boot to the install dvd, run NetbookInstaller and everything will be as good as new.

-- Netbook Installer --
A new program has been developed to replace DellEFI. The main change with this application is that you can now select a destination volume.
The app can also detect different hardware versions and will install kexts as appropriate.

So, a summary of the changed
- No user interventions needed when installing the dvd from the patched usb drive.
- Machine detection is now built in
- Multiple machines are supported (mini 9, 10v, and the lenovo s10 (although it is untested).


Before you try it out, there are a few things you need to know, mainly that this method is alpha. The new programs have not been fine tuned or polished yet. You will encounter bugs or things that can be improved. Please report any issues you have as well as changes you would like to so. Finally, if your hardware is currently not supported, please get in touch with either myself or bmaltais and we will work with you to add support.

I've uploaded two files and attached them to the google code project page. If you are doing a new install, all you need to do is download the boot maker. The NetbookInstaller app is included in the boot maker and will be installed to /Applications after you reboot.


Netbook Boot Maker 0.8.0 (initial release, alpha)
NetbookInstaller 0.8.0 (initial release, alpha)

[nathan7]

Sounds really sweet. I will give it a try soon. Thanks meklort and bmaltais.

[bmaltais]

Originally Posted by nathan7

Sounds really sweet. I will give it a try soon. Thanks meklort and bmaltais.

This is pretty much as close as it get to the perfect OSX installation experience on a netbook.

[bmaltais]

Meklort,

I might have found a way to make things even better... automate the restore of the DVD to the USB key with NetbookBootMaker. Here is a command that worked fine for me:

sudo asr --restore --source /Volumes/Mac\ OS\ X\ Install\ DVD/ --target /Volumes/osxdvd/

We could probably even do a format first on the destination to clean things up. I will seek what that command would be.

UPDATE:

Here you go. This will partition USB key known as disk2 with 1 partition under MBR HFS+ with name of osxdvd:

diskutil partitionDisk disk2 MBRFormat HFS+ osxdvd 100%

So this would allow a user to plug in a USB key, insert a DVD and run NetbookBootMaker. The user would select the source DVD volume in the GUI, then select the Destination USB device and hit install. At the end the user get a fully bootable restored copy of OSX Install DVD with all the tweaks needed to install on a netbook.

[mechdrew]

Cool stuff. I'm working on setting up the install drive right now. Once this is finalized I'll update the guide for everyone else.

[nathan7]

You need to format the usb drive as HFS+ and then restore the dvd.

Do I need to partition the USB drive in 2 like I did before for the single USB key method, or just erase and restore the install DVD to it? Thanks!

Edit: Just read the latest guide and I see it is all done on a single partition now, so I think I am good with one. Restoring now.

[bmaltais]

WARNING for 10.5.0, 10.5.1 disk owners!

An issue was discovered with the upgrade from 10.5.0 to 10.5.7 via the combo. After restarting when the upgrade is done your system will Kernel Panic!

There is a way out but I suggest you wait a bit.

10.5.4+ DVD owned should be fine.

The issue is with a kext included in the kernel cache file. It will be removed in a subsequent release.

To get out of it you have to boot via the USB key and select NetbookInstaller from the menu at the top (where the terminal command, diskutil, etc) are located.

Select the right target and make sure that the extensions and dsdt options are selected.

Install, and reboot. All should be fine at that point, including graphics.

[Azabu]

Perhaps post over at Lenovo IdeaPad S Series Forum • View forum - Mac OS X to get S10 users to test this. They still seem to have issues with various bits of the hardware.

[bmaltais]

Originally Posted by Azabu

Perhaps post over at Lenovo IdeaPad S Series Forum • View forum - Mac OS X to get S10 users to test this. They still seem to have issues with various bits of the hardware.

Done:

Lenovo IdeaPad S Series Forum • View topic - New NetbookInstaller 0.8 released

[Eligos]

bmaltais, you forgot to warn them of this "WARNING for 10.5.0, 10.5.1 disk owners!"