I tried to install debian 7.6.0 netinst DVD on an external SSD, but installation failled. First if failed at "Select and install software" step, after installing a huge number of software files (I used default software packs selected, not changed it), it stopped and asked to insert a Debian media01 in CD-ROM, I have no this media, then it installation failed. I tried to go back, and repeat this, but it ask to remove already installed files, so I need to format the disk partitions again. I did two times but but can't proceed. Also, at some step it ask to select Linux kernel image to install, which image I should select? No help available on the page.

linux-image-3.2.0-4-486
linux-image-3.2.0-4-686-pae
linux-image-486
linux-image-686-pae
none
...

When I attempted to install first time, I chosed linux-image-686-pae which was highlighted by default.

Netinstall means it installs only the most basic system, then connects to the internet to fetch everything else. During the install process you were asked to select a location to download things from. If it didn't ask, you probably don't have an active network connection. Which is mandatory for a netinstall.

686-pae is fine. If it doesn't mention a kernel version number it uses whatever is current. That is fine.

Please spend 30-60 minutes in the debian installation manual. It is faster than performing a re-insallation every time. If you are a complete beginner in Linux you might prefer Linux Mint Debian Edition. Repeat Debian Edition. It does everything Debian does, but it is easier for beginners.

jlinkels

Had I been in your case, I would choose to only install the base system without the GUI. Then, when I get a working base system I install from the command line using apt-get. Yes, I know it looks cranky, but it increases the chance of a successful installation. To learn which packages to install when you get to the terminal, you can consult debian.org/distrib/packages.

All this was done without errors during installation steps, and internet connection works without problems.
Sure I have read manual, but there was nothing related to this issue.

Will be better to use a full DVD image ~4GB? Does the DVD include a firmware-nonfree?

Are you sure you have selected a site to download files from? Did it test and approve the site you chose?

The installer should ave removed references to CDROM as program source. Did you do anything which could have prevented that removal?

Why are you installing from DVD anyway? The netinst image is about 120 MB. It is better to use a USB stick. DVD read error are not unheard of.

jlinkels

Yes, I selected download location from local mirror, http, no proxy. I didn't interfere the installation process, just followed the prompt. Will try again.
When installer ask to select driver package, between extended(full) package and targeted to system package: which one is preferable to select? I chosed targeted to system.

Can the multiple formatting and reinstalling affect SSD disk lifetime, can it cause issues at some point?

If your system is pae compatible select linux-image-3.2.0-4-686-pae, unless you are planning to compile a new kernel.
I just looked it up & it's just a dummy package.

As it seems you are using the extended installer. Why?

jlinkels

No, the second time I tried to install debian, I selected driver package, targeted to system. Is this better compare with full driver package?
Also, this time I skipped "Select and install software" step and installed the Debian successfully.

That is great that your installation succeeded, but AFAIK the standard debian installer does not ask for which driver package to install, nor which kernel to install.

jlinkels

The debian installer does ask which kernel atleast im Advanced Mode >>Expert Installaton.

That is what I said, not in standard mode. I was wondering why the OP used expert mode.

jlinkels

I used "Graphic expert install" mode, because I needed to use manual partitioning and because graphical mode is much easier than command line. Also Graphic mode is recommended mode to use, from debian documentation.

There is no command line mode install. It is a text base GUI. With lists, Ok and Cancel buttons.

Yes, the Debian recommended way is Graphic, but not Graphic-Expert.
For manual partitioning you can also use the non-expert version.
That is, the non-GUI version allows manual partioning in non-Expert.
I am not sure about the Graphic installer.

If the standard graphic installer allows manual partioning I would not enter Expert mode. Way too many choices which are most of the time not needed and which are often confusing.

jlinkels

Didn't find detailed explanation of manual partitionig in "Graphic install" and "Graphic expert install" modes. Yes, a vaste numbers of choices in Expert mode is extremelly confusing.