nixos-hardware/toshiba/swanky/README.md
2018-08-24 14:15:28 +03:00

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# Toshiba Chromebook (`swanky`)
There might be a way to install NixOS without hardware modifications (via
enabled developer mode and SeaBIOS boot on Ctrl+L), however I'd highly
recommend replacing Google's Coreboot payload with Tianocore: that allows for
proper virtualization, suspend, removes annoying developer mode screen, and
generally just works much better.
These instructions carry some risk of bricking your device, since you'll be
reflashing BIOS. Risk is rather low, but please for the love of god make a BIOS
backup and store it someplace safe. That's the only way to reinstall ChromeOS
back after this procedure (BIOS image has licensing info), and it's the easiest
way to unbrick (it's nice to be able to return to the last good state).
If you ever get unlucky, you can unbrick your device using a makeshift programmer
based on Raspberry Pi or BeagleBone Black, some cables and a SOIC clip, see:
http://sicarul.com/how-to-un-brick-your-toshiba-chromebook-2-gandof-without-invoking-any-demons/
## Enable developer mode
This will wipe all user data and settings from the laptop.
Power off, then hold ESC + Refresh (F3) and abruptly press power button. You
should see "Chrome OS is missing or damaged" message, press Ctrl+D. Press enter
at the next screen, then press Ctrl+D again. Wait until the laptop boots into
ChromeOS, then power it off.
## Disable hardware-backed BIOS write protection
Follow guide at: https://github.com/brendenyule/NativeToshibaCB2Guide/wiki/Remove-Write-Protect
Ignore 2.2, only follow the first part of the guide. I also placed some ductape
over #5 to make sure that metallic motherboard shield would not re-enable write
protection.
## Flash Coreboot + Tianocore BIOS
Go through installation dialogues until you have network access and are able to
log into Guest session. Open Chrome, press Ctrl+Alt+T to open `crosh`, type in
`shell` to get a real shell. Then, run:
```
$ cd ~
$ curl -LO https://mrchromebox.tech/firmware-util.sh
$ sudo bash firmware-util.sh
```
Choose option 3. Do not skip BIOS backup!
Documentation: https://mrchromebox.tech/#fwscript
## Enable hardware-backed BIOS write protection
This is a cool security feature, so after flashing Coreboot + Tianocore BIOS
and making sure new BIOS works, consider re-enabling BIOS protection. Just put
in the missing screw #5.
## Install NixOS
`dd` an image on a flash drive, partition the drive, etc. On some later models,
you can swap SSD with any other 2242 M.2 SATA SSD, but on `swanky`, you have
to live with what you have (16GB eMMC). I recommend `256MB` for EFI partition,
and the rest for `/`.