Ubuntu floppy based network install.

changlinn · 07-10-2005, 06:52 PM

I have a laptop that has no cd drive, and a floppy drive that is externally connectable, it can however boot from it.
Are there any images that will allow a network install?
Or can I use a tcp/ip boot disc, map a network drive then install from there, if so what tcp/ip disc would you recommend?

changlinn · 07-12-2005, 02:25 AM

So no one answered, but I searched around the ubuntu wiki and came up with a possible solution, only problem is my pc I am installing on has no inbuilt network card, just pcmcia slots, I have a dlink pcmcia card, and netgear and netcomm wireless cards, so i will try them...

edit: oh yeah here is the link for prosperity to the guide in the wiki https://wiki.ubuntu.com/WindowsServe...C%28network%29

changlinn · 07-12-2005, 10:36 PM

Well that guide doesn't work on my pc, as my pcmcia nic doesn't support pxe boot and I can't find a boot disc that will make it support it...
Maybe I can install a different distro on it...

No one knows?

willwarner · 07-20-2005, 12:03 PM

Thanks for the link! I'm in the same situation, trying to install Ubuntu, and from the # of views, I think other people are having the same problem. If the network card is PCMCIA, maybe use a network cable for the install, then add the PCMCIA later?

changlinn · 11-23-2005, 09:51 PM

it didn't have an onboard NIC, had to use PCMCIA, but that wouldn't work, eventually broke down and bought the docking station of ebay. All good ubuntu working.

stinkydiver · 12-08-2005, 02:01 PM

I was looking for the same information, didn't find a solution anywhere, so
I resorted to an internet install of Debian.

It may not be as easy as Ubuntu but it was preferable to having no install at all.

- Download and make Debian boot and root floppies
- Boot using boot floppy
- Follow instructions
- Choose ftp install
- choose a good mirror (first mirror I tried was broken)

Regards.

peonuser · 04-07-2008, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stinkydiver

I was looking for the same information, didn't find a solution anywhere, so
I resorted to an internet install of Debian.

It may not be as easy as Ubuntu but it was preferable to having no install at all.

- Download and make Debian boot and root floppies
- Boot using boot floppy
- Follow instructions
- Choose ftp install
- choose a good mirror (first mirror I tried was broken)

Regards.

I love the debian pc floppy install also. I am trying to get it to work on a old beige g3 to re-purpose some of those old units.

changlinn · 04-07-2008, 09:26 AM

way to resurrect an old thread.
I have since seen a decent PXE install setup at an Ubuntu stand and it was very impressive, just plug in and reboot straight into a PXE live environment, if everything works, click install and you are done in about 15 minutes.

peonuser · 04-08-2008, 01:09 PM

I finally was able to use bootx and I have the machine installing from the net. I am not a regular mac user of those old systems. What an education..