Blog | OSX | mechdrew

Title says it all. Turns out that the previous version’s instructions (which were deleted in the last update) weren’t completely inaccurate, they just needed some additions! I can verify that the files DO work, so there is nothing wrong with the guide itself. I still need to investigate the Linux side, but everything else should be just fine.

Please make sure to follow every warning and detail, and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not attempt to contact me if you are using a dowloaded/torrented/pirated/illegitimate version of Mac OS X, it wastes time for both of us and I will eventually find out since they don’t work with my guides.

At long last, I’m done updating the main guides. This is the quickest I have been able to update all of the guides, but that’s because I spent most of my time this evening focused solely on completing them.

The big update for the NBI 2 is a flat image based on NetbookInstaller 0.8.3 Final. I’ve also changed the Windows instructions so that all three major versions (XP, Vista, 7) use the same instructions. I found a bunch of errors throughout as well during the process. I had to remove the Windows screenshots because they were horribly inaccurate with the new instructions, I will try to upload new ones in the next few days.

So that should be it, besides adapting the updates for the MyDellMini Guides section.

A few months ago I upgraded from my Mini 9 to a Mini 10v. The Mini 9 is a great machine, but I don’t use it anymore and could use the money. As such I’ve posted the Mini 9 up on eBay for sale. You can find all of the details on the listing.

I held on to it for so long because it actually has a little sentimental value to me. It was my first netbook, and my first real “hackintosh” (I hate that word). It served me so well up until I upgraded, otherwise I would still be using it today. I wrote many of my beginning guides on its somewhat cramped keyboard, and without it I wouldn’t be in the glorious world of Mac OS X so heavily as I am today.

Feel free to bid on it. And as a bonus for those reading on this blog, I still have the Apple logo pasted over the Dell Logo on the lid, I can keep it there if you want and you are the winning bidder.

Big news folks: NetbookInstaller 2 has been written and uploaded! This guide allows those who do not have a Mac running Leopard or Snow Leopard to install Mac OS X via USB disk drives. This includes steps for Windows, Linux, and Tiger! After weighing all the options I finally found a solution for Windows that didn’t require a bunch of bloated software, and it also makes the techniques similar for all three operating systems.

I’ve also made a few adjustments to the NetbookInstaller 1 guide, and guide 3 has been updated to reflect the newer NetbookCD 0.8.3 RC3 ISO that has just been uploaded. Go check it out, have fun, and of course leave your comments or e-mails about your experience with these new updates.

I just bought Snow Leopard today. Mainly I bought it out of curiousity and also for the guides, so many have switched at this point that I’m feeling like an idiot when people ask about SL. I haven’t actually opened it yet, still has that plastic wrap on it, and probably won’t for a few days. I’ll explain in a later post.

Thanks to the feedback from viewers here and some forum members over MyDellMini, NetbookCD 1.1 has been released today. This release primarily consists of a fix for the Snow Leopard verison, which for all intents and purposes just didn’t work for the 1.0 Final release. Also included on both versions is a CD edition of the NetbookInstaller 3 guide, providing easier access and a reference tool for users without requiring Internet access. You can find the new releases on the NetbookInstaller 3 Guide page or on the Downloads page.

Well isn’t that nice! I was expecting tomorrow to be the release date for 0.8.2 final, but it’s out NOW! A huge thanks to meklort for his work. This release supports patching Snow Leopard, but I still don’t have it so my guide will be delayed two weeks or more. It has also been reported that 0.8.3 work has already begun.

Get it:
NetbookBootMaker Final
NetbookInstaller 0.8.2 Final

And just in time; I was going to begin rewriting the guides tonight! I’ll update the links in Method 1 first before working on Method 2. I also have an external DVD drive for tonight only, so that will be updated as well. Expect some changes on the site throughout the night and coming week!

After a few people have requested information on when some of the guide will be updated, here is the current priority list for what I am working on. It is subject to change, but this is the general idea:

1. Windows-only install guide for Mac-noobs who don’t have a Mac available to run the typical installation method.
2. External DVD drive update, as soon as I get full confirmation that the boot CD works.
3. Multi-boot guide with special emphasis on the RTM (gold master) version of Windows 7.
4. Snow Leopard. ‘Nuff said.
5. Mac OS X Installer customization methods. Details on how to add your own information, including a custom Welcome screen.
6. Revised troubleshooting tips.
7. Software recommendations and notes for installation.
8. Hardware upgrades, Mac-compatible.

I also need to update the Contact page, I had tried before but for some reason it won’t load. Don’t worry, the current Contact page is fully functional.

On a related note, I am trying to complete as many of these objectives as possible before Wednesday, September 9th. This is because from that day until the end of the month I will have limited Internet access, maybe only once or twice a week. This will make it difficult to keep up with answering questions related to these methods of installation since the instructions aren’t posted. Just giving everyone a advance warning.