EEE PC - using UBUNTU Linux OS - ATA Siliconmotion SM223AC - Failing

[Semprincess]

The hard drive is giving the error message "Disk is being used outside design parameters" The disk utility file reads "attribute 32" which just means the hard drive is old. I used the start up disk utility to copy an updated OS Xbuntu 11.04-desktop-i386.iso to a 16 gig class 6 USB card. Is it possible to simply use the usb card space as extended memory for the existing OS, or is there a way I could make the computer completely operate from the usb card? When I try to mount the new OS from the USB - I get - wrong fs type, bad superblock on /dev/loop0. Any suggestions?

[rokytnji]

is there a way I could make the computer completely operate from the usb card?

My EEEPCs run AntiX. Sounds to me that your cheap phison internal SSD drive is starting to get ready to fail. If Me. I would format internal drive as Fat32 so it can be used for storage and run Ubuntu off of external usb card.

I am not sure if your error messages are from running a journaling file system like ext4 on that cheap interna SSD Asus uses.

I run AntiX as ext2 file system because of posts like yours. I am too cheap to upgrade my internal 16gig SSD drive to something more modern like This

You can change your bios to boot off of external usb. Easy way is using the ESC key. Google on how you can permantly change bios boot order for your model of EEEPC (since there are many models).

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LiveUsbPendrivePersistent

[sgosnell]

It's certainly possible to run the OS from a USB drive, or better, from an SDHC card. That way, it doesn't stick out in the way, you can keep it mounted all the time. I've run several distros from SD card, and it works fairly well. It's not a lot slower than the slow SSD in the older EEE-PCs, and they're cheap enough. Long-term, you may want to consider buying a new SSD, but an external drive can work well enough.

I wouldn't do it as a persistent LiveUSB though, since it will fill up with unremovable files. Those aren't designed for daily use, just for trying out a distro. I prefer doing a full install on the flash drive. For that, you need a second flash drive, at least 1GB, to hold the liveUSB. Boot that, with the large drive connected, and then run the installer. Linux will let you install to any drive, internal or external, any format.

I have heard of some kernels giving false warnings on SSDs, so your current SSD might still be fine, but it's certainly older and slower, so you might still consider buying a faster and larger one. The EEE-PC forums have a lot of information that might help you.

[Semprincess]

I sincerely appreciate your information and links!

*hugs* for everyone who takes time out of their busy day to demystify the problems!