Important: This article covers the OEM installation of Linux Mint 12. It is written for manufacturers and computer resellers interested in pre-installing Linux Mint on the computers they sell to customers.

Step by step instructions

1. Download the ISO

• linuxmint-12-gnome-oem-nocodecs-64bit.iso

2. Check the MD5

• Open a terminal and run this command:
  • md5sum linuxmint-12-gnome-oem-nocodecs-64bit.iso
• The result should be:
  • 97fb8e67b6494f0a637b9443ba18c147
• If the result differs your download is corrupt and you should download the image again.

3. Create a bootable live CD or USB stick

Linux Mint now uses Hybrid images so you can use either a CD or a USB stick.

Using a CD

• Burn the ISO image at the lowest possible speed.

Using a USB stick

• Follow these instructions

4. Install the system in OEM mode

• Boot on the live media and follow the instructions on the screen
• Note that the language, password, keyboard layout you choose are only for you. The customer will get to choose his/her own later on his/her first boot.
• When the installation is finished, removed the media and reboot the computer.

5. Prepare the computer

• The very first time the computer boot, it's still in OEM mode.
• In this mode you can change a few things for the customer.
• When you're ready, open a terminal and type this command:
  • oem-config-prepare
• The computer is now ready for the customer.

The next time the computer boots, a screen will appear to ask the customer to input his/her own information (username, language, keyboard layout..etc).