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Old 01-29-2008, 04:21 PM   #1
paulgerrity
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dell vostro 200 with no operating system


I have a new Dell vostro 200 with no operating system is there a linux system that will load and operate on this machine?
 
Old 01-29-2008, 04:39 PM   #2
camorri
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Post the specs of the machine, and then we'll have some idea what may or may not work.

Best is we know the cpu type, amount or ram, and available disk space. Does the box have a CD reader? Video card, and anything else you consider important to have working would help.

If you just want to take a stab in the dark, burn a copy on Knoppix, stuff it in the CD drive, and see if it will boot. You may have to enter the BIOS and set the drive as a bootable device.
 
Old 01-29-2008, 05:43 PM   #3
paulgerrity
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dell specs

1 TN532 PROCESSOR..., E2140, 1.6, 1MB, PCO, M0
1 DX348 PLACEMAT..., GETTING STARTED..., 200, MNTW, DAO/BCC
1 7W492 KIT..., SOFTWARE..., FREE DOS..., CD/DOC
1 YH958 MOUSE..., UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS..., 2BTN, LEAD FREE..., ENTRY..., LOGITECH..., BLACK...
1 RH659 KEYBOARD..., 104, UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS..., UNITED STATES..., BLACK..., DARFON ELECTRONICS, CORP...
1 CR579 ASSEMBLY..., DIGITAL VIDEO DISK DRIVE..., 16X, Serial ATA..., HALF HEIGHT..., BARE, HITACHI LG DATA STORAGE...
2 WM551 DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE..., 512, 667M, 64X64, 8, 240, 1RX8
1 2G596 HARD DRIVE..., 80GB, S2, 7.2K, 8MB, LEAD FREE..., HIT-PD
 
Old 01-29-2008, 10:36 PM   #4
teddyt
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There should be no reason that Linux will not work on a Dell Vostro 200. I believe I have seen it done, if I'm not confusing machines.

Try a live CD or two, Knoppix, Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, Mepis, Mandriva are all good options.

It's free and if for some reason it doesn't work you have not lost anything. LQ can answer your questions.

Good luck.
 
Old 01-30-2008, 08:57 AM   #5
camorri
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That hardware should run any distro you choose. Can't be sure on all the pieces, but as try one of the suggested live CD's and see if everything is detected, sound, video etc.

Post back if you need more guidance.
 
Old 01-30-2008, 09:13 AM   #6
kazuya1977
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There are probably a lot that would. I would say try Linux Mint{based on Ubuntu Gutsy} or the PClinuxOS, or Mepis{best hardware compatibility there along with Knoppix}.
Have you used Linux before? If just starting, use the ones I mentioned above. Knoppix is cool, but there has not been as much new releases since 2006 if I am not mistaken.

Knoppix is great for system recovery, but for install, try the others. There are many other options, but these are my favorite for beginner to expert.

If you are an expert or advanced user, I may include archlinux, gentoo, slackware, etc.
 
Old 01-30-2008, 09:46 AM   #7
Drakeo
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your using a 64 bit system make sure you load the corect kernel at the boot up and install f2 option before you hit inter. Not sure all the new systems read this and do it automaticaly
 
Old 09-06-2009, 12:05 AM   #8
GJQ
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Hi,
I have got the same system as you but with 20" LCD.Install ubuntu 9.04,all things work.U can give it a try.But my processor is different from yours.Maybe you can give it a try.

JQ
 
Old 09-06-2009, 12:33 AM   #9
Wim Sturkenboom
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Hi GJQ

I can only hope that the starter of this thread already has found a distro that is working on his machine. Else his machine would have been doing nothing for 1.5 years.
 
  


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