Configuring your PC to boot from CD/DVD

Before you can boot and install DesktopBSD, you will need to set up your PC to boot from a CD/DVD. This can be done in your computer's BIOS, and it differs from PC to PC. Typically, however, you enter your BIOS just after turning the computer on by pressing either Delete, F1 or F10 on your keyboard. Once in the BIOS, you'll need to navigate through and change the boot order to have your CD/DVD drive to boot before the first hard drive. Refer to your system documentation or motherboard manual for more information on where to find these options.

When booting, you will see a string of messages output. You will then be presented with the DesktopBSD boot menu. In most instances, the default option is fine. The other options are there for troubleshooting and for advanced users.

Choose Installation and click on OK to skip the Live Environment and go straight to installing/upgrading/repairing DesktopBSD. Otherwise, if you'd like to preview DesktopBSD or boot into the Live Environment for other purposes i.e troubleshooting, select Live System and then click on OK.

Upgrading DesktopBSD

If you have an existing version of DesktopBSD you can simply upgrade your OS using the Upgrade feature of the DesktopBSD installer.

The Upgrade utility will only work on versions of DesktopBSD 1.0 and later. If you are using a version of DesktopBSD prior to 1.0, you will have to backup your profile onto a DVD or another partition, do a normal install and then migrate your profile back.

The procedure for upgrading is the same as “Repair” option.