Damn Small Linux - Not!

eldergeek · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 4 Location: Tow, TX

Download the ISO file for DSL-N and burn a live CD with it. If the target
computer will boot up in DSL-N from the CD then you've done it correctly.

Open up an xterminal window and type:

sudo su<Enter>

cfdisk<Enter>

Assuming that you are ready to blow away all of your existing data storage
(you might want to back up any special drivers and other important stuff in
case you want to re-install the original OS), Delete the existing partition/s
and create new ones, as follows:

1. Primary - at least 128 Megs (I've had exellent luck with 300) - Beginning
of disk - Type 82 (Linux swap) This should be shown as hda1.

2. Primary - whatever space is left, or at least two gigs. - Bootable - Type 83
(Linux). This one should be shown as hda2.

If your hard disk is very large, it's ok to leave some unpartitioned space for
future use.

Once these two partitions are set up, and showing in cfdisk's window,
select "Write" from the menu, type out "yes" at the prompt, and hit
<Enter> to write these changes to the hard drive.

Next, reboot your system with the live CD. If, as sometimes happens on
a reboot, your system tries to boot from the hard drive, just hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete
and it should reset the boot process and boot from the live CD the second
time around. Once DSL is fully rebooted from the CD, once again, open up
an xterminal window and type:

sudo su<Enter>

Then type:

mkswap /dev/hda1<Enter> (don't leave out the space in front of the first slash)

[returns information about the partition]

Next type:

swapon /dev/hda1<Enter>

[returns to command prompt]

Finally, type:

dsl-hdinstall<Enter>

[begins installation]

Now, follow the instructions given on the sceen as carefully and exactly as possible.
If, for example, it tells you to type "hda2" then type in "hda2".

Your system will need to reboot one more time but from the hard drive (remove the
CD when the drive pops open, then hit enter) and you must continue to follow the
instructions on the screen.

If the computer is to have only one user,
respond with "n" at the query for mult-users.

Do (please) record the passwords you select on paper and store them where you can
find them until you have them memorized.

These instructions were copied from:
and edited to make them more understandable.
They apply to both DSL and DSL-N.
Additional information for DSL here:

stade · Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Posts: 3

thanks..

Lopote · Joined: 16 Aug 2006 Posts: 1

I´m from Spain my English is very bad i´m sorry

Your post is very good.

Thank for it help me very much

eldergeek · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 4 Location: Tow, TX

I had a terrible time learning how to install DSL-N. Once I finally figured it out, wrote myself some simplified instructions, and found that they made the installation faster and easier I saw that I could give a little something back by posting them here. I'm very pleased that my efforts have been of assistance to others. I wish I could contribute more. To the developers of DSL and DSL-N; Thank you.

Mister 2j's · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 3

And when it's can't boot from CDrom directly, how utilize the 2 floppy disk of DSL-N?

eldergeek · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 4 Location: Tow, TX

I'm aware that many distros come with copies of the files needed to create boot floppies. For example, I made myself a set of three boot floppies for the Debian (stable) net install CD but the necessary files were on the CD whereas I could find no such files on my copy of DSL-N-01RC2 (the most current CD I have). I'm sure it's possible to create boot floppies for DSL-N but the knowledge is, unfortunately, beyond me.

roberts · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 320 Location: OC CA USA

The two floppies images are available for download in the current directory. Use the DSLpanel, Floppy Tool to create (write the image) to the floppies. Note the first floppy needs to be 1722k which the tool provides.

Then simply boot from the first one and when prompted change to the second one.

One could also use a Smart Boot Manager floppy and then was also a recent post on how to make a DOS/USB floppy that would scan USB devices for an image.

Cameron · Joined: 28 Sep 2006 Posts: 1

eldergeek <- THANK YOU!!! Razz

I have been stuck for a while trying to get DSL-N to install properly. This post should really be stickied.

Welp...I am off to donate to this project!

Thanks again!