knoppix 5.0.1 USB Key vs. Dell SX260

[sbagdon]

Having issues getting a Dell SX260 to boot from USB key, used this FAQ:

http://www.knoppix.net/wiki/Bootable_USB_Key

A usb key created using a Dell D600 boots the D600, yet won't boot the SX260. A usb key created on the SX260 won't boot the SX260, haven't tried botting the D600 with it. SX260 sees the usb key on the F12 alternate-boot menu, yet won't get past "no boot sector found".

Ideas? Really want to get the SX260 usb key working, as cd-spinup on boot and operation is noisy, and the silent D600 shows how quiet the usb key is.

Thanks!

Steve B.

[cbagger01]

Having issues getting a Dell SX260 to boot from USB key, used this FAQ:

http://www.knoppix.net/wiki/Bootable_USB_Key

A usb key created using a Dell D600 boots the D600, yet won't boot the SX260. A usb key created on the SX260 won't boot the SX260, haven't tried botting the D600 with it. SX260 sees the usb key on the F12 alternate-boot menu, yet won't get past "no boot sector found".

Ideas? Really want to get the SX260 usb key working, as cd-spinup on boot and operation is noisy, and the silent D600 shows how quiet the usb key is.

Thanks!

Steve B.

1) Visit Dell.com and get your SX260 BIOS upgrade to the latest version. Earlier versions of the BIOS have problems with the booting of USB devices.

2) Format your USB key as if it were a USB hard drive or USBHDD using fdisk, cfdisk or similar program. Do not try to make the key look like a USB ZIP drive or superfloppy drive. Dell PCs like to see a USB drive that is formatted like a hard drive.