What to do with a broken chromebook (laptop)?

[clm1919]

Short version, i promise (well, i tried....).

I bought four Acer R11 (C738T) Chromebooks at auction (as-is-no-returns). post #1

After diagnosing them and doing salvage/triage I cobbled together two fully function ones, one that is adequate and...welll...poor #4 is just a pile of parts. post #2

BUT - the motherboard works fully, it's unlocked, write protect screw removed (4GB ram, 16GB emmc, all ports SEEM good). Haven't done FULL firmware replacement (yet - maybe i should try that for once)

I was just going to pack it up and put the pieces into the "closet of junk valuable spare parts".

But i was thinking, if i put a spare 64 or 128 GBSD card in there maybe it could be a "server" of some kind. I haven't run any kind of home server in about 20 years...and it was a MacOS (mach) PPC machine.

So two things I was considering (not knowing at ALL how hard either is on Linux)

***maybe just hosting media files (reducing duplicate copies on multiple machines)

OR-

***some kind of claws or thunderbird email device i could try to learn to do (whats it called??) ssh forwarding over X11 using openbox or something.

- not for archiving, just to have the client up and running on another machine I could access remotely.

Just asking for creative ideas that a Linux- Neanderthal could pull off.

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****rambling status of parts******

Keyboard - many dead pads - key donor (missing keys) - so would need external to at least set up.

Tracpad - wouldn't "click" - had some kind of residue (from battery??) - cleaned it but didn't need it to fix the other 3 so, not tested.

Screen - cracks (functional) but one hinge is broken so it needs to be jury-rigged just to stay up...did the owner drop it down the stairs??

Battery - it seemed to work fine - but it had spots of some dark stick "stuff" - which was also on the bottom of case and got into odd areas - I cleaned it all, but I'm hesitant to use it except in testing. Maybe some kid spilled Coke or Pepsi on the machine....??

[wizard]

@clm1919

Run a couple of Puppy file servers on old laptops. One is for media, the other for files and programs I use a lot or want to archive. Both store their files on external USB HDD's.

They boot from the internal eMMC or HDD and store on the external drive. Using Bionic64 has been the simplest.

Can provide howto info if you like.

wizard

[clm1919]

@wizard That would be awesome, and sounds (relatively) simple....

I don't suppose it's as easy as making a workgroup and flagging a "shared folder?"

In all seriousness I'd be happy to give this a try, if only as a learning experience. I've never installed any puppy but the Bookworm iso, but I imagine it can't be trickier than configuring ChrunchBangPlusPlus (#!++) - which, by the way, has made me appreciate the JMW desktop a LOT more (although i still prefer LXDE and Xfce... creature of habit).

[wizard]

@clm1919

I don't suppose it's as easy as making a workgroup and flagging a "shared folder?"

Setting up the file share is, but we'll do more than that for a file server.

This will get the system ready:
1.Do a UEFI Full Rom install from mrchromebox.tech
2. Boot Puppy from USB
3. Use Gparted to repartition the internal eMMC
-partition1=100mb, fat32, label=ESP, flags=boot,ESP
-partition2=min 1gb, ext3 or 4, label=linux

4. Install Bionic64 to partition2
5. Install grub2 to partition1

Shut down, remove USB and reboot to eMMC.

Post what drive/partition will store your files.

wizard

[bigpup]

Looking at the board.

You could hook up the external power to get power to it.

Use a USB connected keyboard to provide a keyboard.

A USB mouse to provide a mouse.

Only thing is how to connect an external monitor to it.
External port that would feed a monitor.

That would work basically as the Raspberry Pi computers work.

[clm1919]

@bigpup - Thanks for the input!!
-using my so called "smart tv" as a monitor for now (model has one full HDMI port)

-I put the battery back in for now, because i realized i needed they keyboard to hit esc+refresh to go into
developer mode (i forgot i hadn't done that on the donor machine) so i put the bottom back together

-the machine has only TWO USB 3.0 ports, but the usb-2-ethernet adapter has 4 ports in it, so i also plugged in a full keyboard and mouse there

-i actually own one of the raspberry pi 400 models (the ones built into a keyboard) - I haven't really used it except to tinker - i only own one functional monitor (and the stupid "smart-tv")

-even after cleaning the tracpad still won't "click" - but i could probably set it with the "double finger tap" and "triple finger tap" thing in the puppy setup - something for later.

@wizard

BOLD= my edits

This will get the system ready:
1.Do a UEFI Full Rom install from mrchromebox.tech Check

2. Boot Puppy from USB Check

3. Use Gparted to repartition the internal eMMC Check - used GPT - should i have chosen msdos(MBR)?

-partition1=100mb, fat32, label=ESP, flags=boot,ESP Check
-partition2=min 1gb, ext3 or 4, label=linux Check - 4 gigabyes - ext4

3a) added a 8 gigabyte partition labeled "shared" (just for testing for now)
3b) added a 2.4GB partition to put a swapfile on later

4. Install Bionic64 to partition2

-Used the "puppy installer" with the lighting bolt icon - it's not the same one I've been using w/ bookworm. When i try to use the "Universal installer" I get an error - UEFI is not supported. this is only useful if you want to install to a drive that will not be booted on this machine..

-I clicked "continue" and chose INTERNAL Flash Drive option

- got a warning that the second partition didn't have the boot flag, i bypassed it

-couldn't find the grub2 option, only legacy grub and grub4dos

-shut down and rebooted w/ bookworm puppy USB

5. Install grub2 to partition1

-ran grub2config 2.0.2 using bookworm puppy USB - only UEFI boot loader available
-it found the Bionicpup60 8.0 on partition 2
-rebooted

Shut down, remove USB and reboot to eMMC.

-puppy linux grub2 appeared in boot menu
-did a save/shutdown
-successfully boot w/o having to go to options and select anything
FYI - no WIFI card, using USB to Ethernet adapter.

Post what drive/partition will store your files.

wizard

for now i'm just going to put files on the "shared' partition and maybe an SD card - just to try things out. If i want to expand later, i'll try to figure a way to add storage - maybe one of those "replace the wifi card with an SSD drive" that i THINK mouldy (or was it mikesir) mentioned a while back.

have to eat shower and be up early, but I had a cancellation tonight and decided to give this a go first.

I realize i probably didn't do it "right" or "proper" but it boots (no sound though, but who cares, it's gonna sit on a shelf near the TV and router)

[wizard]

@clm1919

Should have clarified for you to boot from your BW64 USB and use it to partition, grub2 and Bionic64 install.

should i have chosen msdos(MBR)?

No

added a 2.4GB partition to put a swapfile on later

No, not needed & not really a good idea on eMMC

FYI - no WIFI card, using USB to Ethernet adapter.

Ethernet is better choice for server, but we could setup server using BW64 and wifi, is a bit more hassle.

Server doesn't need audio.

i'll try to figure a way to add storage

Easy to use a USB HDD/SSD, which can then be quickly moved to another computer if necessary.

More tomorrow

wizard

[bigpup]

If you need a external power supply (power brick) for any of these ChromeBooks.

Whatever brand they are.

That brands laptop external power brick should also work on the ChromeBook.

My ChromeBook is an HP.

I also have a normal HP laptop.

The power brick that was provided with the normal HP laptop, works on the HP ChromeBook.

[wizard]

@clm1919

Create the file share (file storage)
Boot the server
Menu>Filesystem>Pmount
-right click your storage drive/partition
-choose: Mount partition at boot

fs-pmount.jpg (31.56 KiB) Viewed 1032 times

Menu>Network>Samba Simple Management
-enter a name for your shared files in the left column
-enter the path to your shared files in the right column

fs-share.jpg (50.02 KiB) Viewed 1032 times

-click the SAMBA OFF button
-click: Apply
-click: Quit

-open Rox File manager
-navigate to /etc/samba/smb.conf
-drag and drop smb.conf to the desktop
-click: smb.conf on the desktop
-in the global section, add: guest ok = yes
-save the file
-disable the Firewall

You can now test the file share.
-add some files and directories to your share location
-place the mouse cursor over the network icon in the right side of the tray
-note the IP address

Use another Puppy computer on the local network.
Menu>Network>YASSM Samba share mounter>Setup
-enter the data for your file share

Example using IP 192.168.254.106

yassm.jpg (9.06 KiB) Viewed 1032 times

-click: Test

You should now be connected to your shares.

After this is working, we can setup a static IP address

wizard

[clm1919]

@wizard

So I was writing out a long detailed post and I decided to "take notes" instead, as I felt it was getting too long... and I'm known to ramble...

Short version- I got it to work and could access the server from two other chromebooks running Bookworm.

just one clip from my rambling post (now an archived *txt doccument.....backed up to the server

Use another Puppy computer on the local network.
Menu>Network>YASSM>Setup

The only items that seemed similar(in both Bionic and the Bookwork machines) were
-Samba Simple Management
-YASSM Samba share mounter
-YASSM Samba share search

I was able to use the "shared search" tool and was able to mount both the 8GB partition on the internal drive AND a 64GB SD card (why not, the machine has a full slot

So far, so good.

[wizard]

@clm1919

Set A Static IP Address (optional)
Home routers automatically assign IP’s from a pool of about 250+ address’s. This is the number after the last period in the IP address, i.e., 192.168.1.xxx. The xxx can range from 1 to 254. Address’s assigned are not static and can change, especially if the router loses power. Instead of letting the router assign the address you can tell puppy to use a static IP address.

If you are comfortable doing it, you should access your routers administrative interface (every router is different) and check or change its address range. If not, read on.

You want to pick an address the router won’t try to assign to another device. Many routers do not automatically use the whole 250+ range. Look at the number after the last period in your IP address. If it’s only one or two digits chances are your router may be using the whole 250+, if it’s 3 digits chances are the router is only using from 100 up to 254 or less. In my case, the number is 106, so I could safely assign a static IP like 192.168.254.50
If you have only 1 or 2 digits after the last period, then assign a high number such as 200, example: 192.168.254.200 would work on my system. This method is not ideal but will probably work fine since the router would not ever assign that large of a number on a home system.

Assign a static IP in Puppy
Menu>Setup>Internet Connection Wizard>Wired or wireless Lan>Network Wizard
-click the button for your interface
-click: Static IP
-type the static IP in the IP address box
-leaving the Gateway and DNS address’s blank prevents server internet access
-click OK
-click YES
-click Done

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-reboot and test

Next will be Remote Administration

wizard

[clm1919]

@wizard

Success!!!....

... during Coffee and Oatmeal (and get depressed reading the news....) morning time.

question - leaving the DNS parameters blank, in theory, should mean the machine shouldn't be visible to anyone outside my "workgroup"? (hack protection?)

note: my Linux Chromebooks can't seem to automatically "find" the server over wifi. I have to enter things in manually. I scanned the help thread and once i realized you were supposed to just enter the IP address it was easy (note to self - maybe make simpler/shorter share folder names)

When using my only other usb-to-ethernet adapter (usb-c, so not all can use it)-

- they auto-detect the server using the "YASSM Samba share search" and i can just use the "pull-down" menu and select a shared folder and mount it - easy-peasy!!

...this tutorial reminds me of some old "even a caveman can do it" commercials.... you rock Wizard!!

[clm1919]

@wizard
@bigpuppyfan

USB-to-ethernet adapter quirks:

Just and FYI for anyone else who might have this issue.

While the coffee was brewing I had a problem with the USB-to-ethernet adapter, nothing seemed to work

- then i remembered to unplug the USB keyboard and mouse from the integrated USB ports on the adapter - now it works every reboot. (plugging in other usb stuff AFTER boot seems to work fine)

I ended up plugging the keyboard into the Chromebook's only other usb port and configuring the trackpad for "double finger and triple finger" tapping in setup (since it won't "click" anymore) and not using the USB mouse.

[wizard]

@clm1919

question - leaving the DNS parameters blank, in theory, should mean the machine shouldn't be visible to anyone outside my "workgroup"? (hack protection?)

Not quite, but it's harder to find, no gateway or DNS does prevent the server from accessing the internet.

wizard

[clm1919]

@wizard
minor update - while setting up for work:

a) was able to access server using PCManFM file manager in Deb12/LXDE
b) was able to access server from Windows 10 Home work Laptop

yippee!

[wizard]

@clm1919

Install Remote Administration (optional)
This uses VNC remote control to allow you to login to your servers desktop from another computer (on the local network) to check its operation, edit configurations, restart, etc.

On the server:
-install x11vnc_server-0.9.14.pet from here:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/wizard ... t/download
Menu>Network>VNC server
-click: Every time
Note: ending a VNC remote session can result in the server being unable to blank its screen, do this to fix.
-copy restartx.sh to /root/my-applications/bin

restartX.sh.gz

Remove fake .gz before using

(35 Bytes) Downloaded 6 times

-using Rox, drag and drop /root/my-applications/bin/ restartx.sh to the desktop
-end any VNC remote session by clicking restartx.sh

On the client:
-on older Puppy’s, try a tightvnc_viewer from here:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/wizard-stuff/files/
-on newer Puppy’s try TigerVNC client from the repo since it is more convenient to use.

-open the viewer
-enter the server IP address
-enter your password when prompted

Your server desktop should open in a window.

MS Windows computers can also connect to the Puppy VNC server using any of the free VNC clients available. Portable versions can be found on the web.

Next, Other Useful Configurations

wizard

[clm1919]

@wizard

I had a cancellation - and since this tutorial has been so great...
(seriously it should be pinned somewhere - without my silly comments) @bigpup

I decided to give the next step a try with the Acer 512 Spin I've been testing/using during work w/ Deb12/LXDE.

sadly no time to set up a nice pic ATM - but thought I'd report:

***Success*** ---> using quick internet advice I used Synaptic Package Manger to install
-tigervnc-common
-tigervnc-viewer

just one question comes to mind - If i run the BionicPuppyServer headless (I might dig up a poor quality monitor for it, not sure if i have the space) - would that be a problem in the LONG TERM?

Space is the reason i use laptops and have only one monitor "deployed". (and the other has..."issues".. and lives in the "closet of junk".

must eat before next student(s).

[wizard]

@clm1919

(seriously it should be pinned somewhere - without my silly comments) @bigpup

This one is a little customized for your Chromebook, will publish a more generic one once we're done.

just one question comes to mind - If i run the BionicPuppyServer headless (I might dig up a poor quality monitor for it, not sure if i have the space) - would that be a problem in the LONG TERM?

No problem.

wizard

[wizard]

@clm1919

Other Useful Configurations

DO A BACKUP OF YOUR SAVE FILE/FOLDER

PUPMODE 13
Consider running the server in PUPMODE 13 to help prevent unwanted changes to the configuration.

Daily Reboot
Consider using a daily reboot just to keep everything cleaned up.
Menu>System>pSchedule>Schedule new task
-Command=wmreboot
-Task name=daily reboot
-select an Hour
-select: any, for all other choices

YASSM
If your clients use YASSM to connect, YASSM mounts the share in /root/YASSM, you may want to symlink that to /mnt to be consistent with most other mount points.

Auto Connect Shares
If you want a client to always connect to a share when booted, try downloading mntshare.sh and edit the indicated lines, then copy into /root/Startup. Mntshare.sh will mount the share in /mnt by default. You can also rename mntshare.sh to suit your need.

wizard

[clm1919]

@wizard Loving this bite-sized tutorial!!! TYTY!

DO A BACKUP OF YOUR SAVE FILE/FOLDER
- Check

PUPMODE 13
-Will look it up and do it - I understand, but don't remember how ATM

Daily Reboot
-Check

Auto Connect Shares
-Honestly, for now, it's good practice for me to do it manually over multiple platforms. it's not second nature - I need to (re)learn server stuff - did download attached file for future use - TY

YASSM
If your clients use YASSM to connect, YASSM mounts the share in /root/YASSM, you may want to symlink that to /mnt to be consistent with most other mount points.

I'm not sure I understand - the above (because I'm a noob-4-life) <edit> after coffee and oatmeal this makes sense 2me now </edit>

also, it seems neither ROX or Xfe have the ability to connect like I did under D12/LXDE (using PCManFM). Am I missing something? I really liked the direct simplicity - and it's good practice for me.
----------------------------------------------------------------
<obligatory rant> Why does windows use the "other slash" in file directories??? switching back and forth drives my dyslexia crazy!!! </obligatory rant>
--------------------------------------------------------------
<edit> once yesterday the trackpad firmware/driver didn't load on a reboot, i think it's on it's "last legs". I dug up an old bondi-blue mac keyboard from the "closet of junk" because it has a pair of built in USB ports to plug a mouse into. Also the system twice seemed to "loose" it's Ethernet connection - not sure if it's the USB port, or the adapter, or software. I just rebooted the machine and everything worked. </edit>

[rockedge]

Why does windows use the "other slash" in file directories???

Seems to be influenced by UNIX and mainframe operating systems, it's to be different from UNIX and it's usage of "/" for indicating that the following is a parameter switch of some type. MS-DOS used "/" as a switch or parameter indicator as well. So Windoz went with "\"

[wizard]

@clm1919

YASSM
If your clients use YASSM to connect, YASSM mounts the share in /root/YASSM, you may want to symlink that to /mnt to be consistent with most other mount points.

I'm not sure I understand - the above (because I'm a noob-4-life)

When you mount partitions, USB drives, etc., they show up in the /mnt directory. If you connect (mount) a file share using YASSM, it will show up instead in /root/YASSM. So if you want to find that in /mnt with your others, just create a symlink in /mnt that points to /root/YASSM.

Everybody is a NOOB sometime, just look how far you've come

also, it seems neither ROX or Xfe have the ability to connect like I did under D12/LXDE (using PCManFM). Am I missing something?

No, it's just a difference in how they mount file systems.

Here's a example for how to make it easier:

-Open mntshare.sh and enter the parameters for your share
-rename mntshare.sh to something you like

Example:
share name = music
edited mntshare.sh and renamed as mntmusic.sh

-open XFE or Rox in /mnt
-create a bookmark to /mnt
-copy or symlink mntmusic.sh into /mnt

Now all you have to do in the future is:
-open XFE or Rox
-click bookmarks
-choose /mnt
-click mntmusic.sh
-open the music directory

Alternate1:
When mtmusic.sh is clicked it creates a directory /mnt/music and mounts the share there.
-unmount /mnt/music
-open XFE or Rox in /mnt/music
-create a bookmark to /mnt/music
-copy or symlink mntmusic.sh into /mnt/music

Now all you have to do in the future is:
-open XFE or Rox
-click bookmarks
-choose /mnt/music
-click mntmusic.sh

Alternate2 for Rox:
-edit mntmusic.sh
-uncomment line 30
-save
-drag and drop mntmusic.sh to the desktop or other location you like

Now when you click mntmusic.sh it will mount the share and open it in ROX

wizard

[clm1919]

@wizard thanks for the YASSM explainer comment- I thought I understood the original post (after coffee and oatmeal) but I understand it MUCH better now

[rcrsn51]

, it seems neither ROX or Xfe have the ability to connect like I did under D12/LXDE (using PCManFM). Am I missing something? I really liked the direct simplicity - and it's good practice for me.

Many big-boy Linuxes have included Samba client functions in their file managers. So they could find and mount a remote Windows SMB share without too much trouble. And they have the expertise to keep their tools working as Samba has evolved, particularly with concerns over security and authentication.

But Puppy/ROX has none of that OOTB, so community members have developed tools like Pnethood and YASSM to fill the void. But it's a battle to keep them working with all the variations of Puppy and their different Samba code bases.

[wizard]

@clm1919

a) was able to access server using PCManFM file manager in Deb12/LXDE
b) was able to access server from Windows 10 Home work Laptop

Android phone/tablet users can also access the shares. Try Android Total Commander + LAN plug in. Handy for streaming your own media content.

wizard

[clm1919]

@wizard
late morning - a tiny bit under the weather...

Try Android Total Commander + LAN plug in.

stayed in bed listening to my media from my phone.... AWESOME!!

eventually needed to "grow up" and start the day (darn it)....skipped reading the news during coffee+oatmeal time - played with other android devices. I need to mail you a STAPLES (tm) button - "this was EASY"

TY TY again!

PS. - is there a way to turn off the "shade" ability for windows - i keep triggering it somehow when using the track-pad "multi-finger-tapping" and having to "un-shade" the windows. It usually happens when I'm trying to move/oraganize them using the track-pad. The apple keyboard doesn't have a recognized "alt" key so i can't use the alt+click to resize/move things.

[wizard]

@clm1919

is there a way to turn off the "shade" ability for windows

Maybe, it's a function of the JWM window manager. Do know that right clicking the "minimize" button toggles shading, that might be what you're doing.

wizard

[clm1919]

@clm1919

is there a way to turn off the "shade" ability for windows

Maybe, it's a function of the JWM window manager. Do know that right clicking the "minimize" button toggles shading, that might be what you're doing.

wizard

AH, i did NOT know that right clicking the minimize button toggled that feature (I never even thought to try it). That's actually kinda neat.

I set the track-pads to "two-finger" = left click and "three fingers" = right click

FOR ME - this reduces accidental clicking when using a trackpad with JWM's "one click vs double click"

(but apparently also accidental "right clicking" when trying to drag things.)

As I'm usually controlling everything with one keyboard and mouse (and barrier across machines) I rarely use the track-pads.

[clm1919]

@wizard @bigpup @mikewalsh

So i was going to shut everything down for the night, but on a lark i decided to play with BionicPuppy a bit (on the server). While looking at the sound options I found the "Sound Card Wizard" often mentioned in other forums threads (but I couldn't find in BookwormPup64_10.0.7 installs I have) - so i thought I'd tinker with it.

<edit before BigPup or Wizard have to remind me - Server is running Bionicpup60 8.0 - i think>

<Test Sound>
card 0: PCH [HDA Intel PCH], device 3: HDMI 0 [HDMI 0] nothing

card 1: PCH [HDA Intel PCH], device 7: HDMI 1 [HDMI 1] nothing

card 2: PCH [HDA Intel PCH], device 8: HDMI 2 [HDMI 2] BARK BARK!! - made me jump in my seat (volume set a bit loud on the TV i guess)

The internal speakers still won't play anything.....but to be fair ATM I can't recall If i re-connected them or not (was pretty sure I had).

When I ran the "AlsaMixer v1.1.3" it gave the following info:

Card: HDA Intel PCH
Chip: Intel Braswell HDMI
View: F3: Playback F4: Capture F5: [All]
Item: PCM [dB gain: -8.20, 0.00]

If i remember correctly - the kernel is less than v5. I kinda wish that PITA had an HDMI port - just out of morbid curiosity.

OK - bed time. Another long day tomorrow.

[wizard]

@clm1919

card 2: PCH [HDA Intel PCH], device 8: HDMI 2 [HDMI 2] BARK BARK!!

Stroke of luck, usually not that easy. Pays to experiment.
Probably still no sound on the internal speakers.

On another subject, if you haven't tried any of the connect methods using mntshare.sh, you should try this one first to see how easy it really is.

Alternate2 for Rox:
-edit mntshare.sh in Geany
-uncomment line 30 (remove the # sign)
-save
-drag and drop mntshare.sh to the desktop or other location you like

Now when you click mntshare.sh it will mount the share and open it in ROX

wizard