04-12-2009, 06:27 PM
DaviDC. wrote:
Swapping the SSDs out shouldn't have any effect on the mini itself.
Sometimes mine gets stuck on the gray startup screen with no swirly thing at the bottom. This seems to be a known problem according to what I've read on the mydellmini forum.
Running the latest version of DellEFI should fix any problems with Leopard.
Is it booting into XP okay? I have no idea how restore XP to that 'new computer' state. Maybe create a new account for your friend, providing as much info as possible then delete your account.
OK, Maybe I didn't make it clear what I have and what I did.
1. Bought a Black Mini9 16GB, 500MB, XP (no Cam, no BT) a few months ago
2. Updated the RAM to 2GB
3. Installed Leopard
4. Have been using it somewhat regularly ever since - no issues other than what had been reported.
5. Ordered a Red Mini9 8GB, 1 GB, BT, 1.3 Cam, XP
6. When I got home from MO yesterday I swapped the SSD and RAM between the two Mini9s
7. I now have the Red Mini9 with the 16 GB SSD with Leopard and 2 GB of RAM
8. The Black Mini9 now has the 8GB SSD and 1 GB RAM and the previously never booted Windows install on it
9. I reran DellEFI for the third time, this time manualy - checking all except those that were suggested not to run (Thanks for the suggestion richorlin) on the Red Mini9 and that seems to have solved the boot problem.
10. I wanted to send the Black Mini9, with the 8GB SSD and 1 GB RAM to my friends and hoped to give them a "new computer experience" by not running Windows setup (so they could do that themselves). I wonder if the Dell version of XP is linked to the MB and might give them problems. I have the restore CD for the original install.
So, what I have decided to do is to run through the Windows setup on the Black Mini9, delete the M$ Works applications and anything else I find superfluous, update the XP OS with whatever service packs need to be installed, put AVG on it and use it a couple days to be sure there are no hiccups. Then I'll box it back up, include the manual, CDs and accessories and send it, wishing my friends God Speed.
I appreciate the help on this - my head is so stuffed up with a cold that I really didn't want to slog through the mini9 forum looking for answers. Thanks to you all, I don't believe I'll have to now.