You can create a recovery image from Chrome OS by browsing to chrome://imageburner or follow instructions for other OS on the Chrome OS help center site. You can build and run Chromium OS on your Asus Chromebox (versions R32 and later). Follow the quick start guide to setup a build environment. The board name for the Asus Chromebox is 'panther'. Updated 2015-07-06 Seeing there have been quite a few questions about running Windows on the Chromebox recently, all of which being asked in what really seems to be the wrong thread for this, let's create a new thread, specifically for all questions related to running Windows on the Asus/HP/Acer/Dell Chromebox, and our experiences with it. As the title states, I'm planning to buy a used Chromebox to convert it to a sort of HTPC. I've read somewhere that Plex OS can be installed directly but I'm planning to install Windows 10 so it can double as a mini computer in the living room. The Chromebox is an inexpensive small form-factor PC which runs Google's ChromeOS; it is the desktop variant of a Chromebook laptop. Although Kodi does not run natively under ChromeOS, the Chromebox can easily be made to run Linux (or Windows) and Kodi.
*** IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a very fun and “doable” project; one which I was able to successfully accomplish all of the various methods as described in this post. While I’ve tried to provide as much information and helpful hints to guide others, it is my strong suggestion that you read through this entire article as well as to read some of the various links to gain a strong familiarity with the process. As with any similar project, the possibility does exist to BRICK the device. When possible take steps to backup ***
HAPPY 2015 –> UPDATE: January 14th, 2015
Matt has continued to provide updates to both the firmware and installation methods (many thanks to Matt for this work). Please use the following link to learn more: https://plus.google.com/+MattDeVillier/posts/KGX5tGiW4UV
[2nd Update (June 3rd, 2014): A coreboot firmware image has been made available for the Celeron-based Chromebox thanks to Matt DeVillier. By flashing this firmware replacement on the device, a more direct method is established to boot straight to Linux on the Chromebox. It should be understood that this solution is geared towards those wanting to permanently replace the ChromeOS. An advantage to this approach over the other methods listed below (each has their own strengths and benefits), this firmware upgrade aims for better hardware compatibility and performance. For very important information, please check out this link:
As I had already completed the processes as described further below, booting into Linux Mint, I was able to download the flash program from this forum:
To backup the firmware on the device (before flashing), run the following command:
sudo flashrom -r stock_firmware.bin ![]()
** You must unlock the firmware write-protect screw before completing this next step, see instructions below **
After downloading the flashrom utility, performing a firmware backup, and then obtaining the coreboot firmware, use the following command to properly flash the rom:
sudo flashrom -w coreboot-panther-xxxxxxx.rom
[1st Update: Added instructions to fix ‘Boot to USB’ thanks to John Lewis. Allows Installation of different Linux versions via USB drive]
ORIGINAL GUIDE W/ VARIOUS OPTIONS
The following are step-by-step instructions to convert the ASUS Chromebox to a full-working Ubuntu Desktop. I have spent the last few weeks researching the web, finding many great resources, and successfully implementing the process outlined below. Much of the information I’ve assembled has been provided thanks to the hard work and efforts by others. Please read through before completing any steps — there are one or two important notes at the bottom.
I think it is important to note that this guide was composed while working in the Ubuntu Desktop on the Chromebox using tools like GIMP and Chrome Browser. The system and applications load very quickly and are responsive. While it is not for playing hard-core games, I think it makes for a great desktop replacement; small, efficient, and versatile. I would also share that I enjoyed my experience with the Chrome OS. The system was fast, easy to navigate, and I could easily accomplish 95% of my various task and projects as a power-user. This is in large part to the increasing trend of cloud-based software and services becoming more of the norm.
To start, you can complete this process without any additional hardware upgrades but, if you want some more resources/overhead to play with, here are some Optional Upgrades:
(1)x2GB or (2)x4GB Laptop DDR3 1.35V
Example from Newegg.Com
(1)x32, 64, or 128GB M.2 SSD Drive
Example from Amazon.com First Step:Download a Recovery Image (although this can be done from another device at any point. It is good to have on-hand regardless)
https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/1080595?hl=en
or Direct Link to Recovery Image
Second Step:Put the device into Developer Mode
Step Three: Patch/Update Seabios to allow Boot to USB (Update 4/20/14: This patch has been included in the newest version of the Chrubuntu script — so technically, this step can be skipped.)
Many thanks to John Lewis for providing these instructions: http://johnlewis.ie/asus-chromebox-owners-rejoice/
Step Four: Setup/Install Chrubuntu, Crouton, Both, or something completely different.
After playing around with a few methods, I chose to run Chrubuntu thus allowing Ubuntu to run on a cleaner install of sorts while being able to utilize all available resources. I still have access to Chrome OS if so desired. It is very easy to play around with Ubuntu, screw it up, and re-install using the Chrubuntu script (although it is not hard to do this as well with the Crouton method.)
With the new Bios fix above, one now has the option to do a ‘very clean’ install directly from a USB disk of any Linux distribution desired. Caution should be used during the install process as the Chrome OS partition could potentially be wiped (not that it can’t be restored and it may not be wanted.) It should be noted that the Chrubuntu script provides opportunity for a clean install via the USB disk after it pre-sets your drive partitioning allowing for dual-booting between Linux and Chrome OS. It also provides a set kernel w/ patches to allow the hardware to work properly (although this might not be an issue if you utilize a new kernel 3.14.x)
The following are links to each method:
Asus Chromebox Review
Chrubuntu:http://chromeos-cr48.blogspot.com/2013/10/chrubuntu-for-new-chromebooks-now-with.html
Crouton: https://github.com/dnschneid/crouton
Install House Windows
Both: http://terrybritton.com/how-to-get-chrubuntu-and-crouton-working-together-at-the-same-time-on-a-chromebook-989/
Step 5: Modify Default Boot Settings
Can You Install Windows On Asus Chromebox Laptop
Conclusion: At this point, one should have a Asus Chromebox that Boots to an Ubuntu install and, one has the option during boot to still load ChromeOS by hitting <ctrl>+<D>
For some additional resources & notes:
Chromebox 3 N017u
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