Google has unveiled it’s Chrome OS last week and has also started distributing the Cr-48 notebooks for pilot testing. Sure, it was great to try out Chrome OS in action on Cr-48. But, what fun is there if we don’t get a little adventurous, right? What could be more adventurous than jail-breaking a Cr-48 and running an alternative OS, such as Windows?

Someone from PCmag.com just did that. Why on earth would he do something like that was not clear. But, he showed the way to hack the Chrome OS powered notebook. How is that possible, you may ask? The key is to switch to the Developer mode.

Apparently, every Cr-48 notebook comes with a white toggle switch located underneath the battery, next to the power connector. The switch is sealed with a piece of black tape. You have to peel off the tape to reveal the white switch.

Developer mode switch hidden beneath a piece of black tape

Developer mode switch in the on position

In order to enter developer mode, you have to flip the switch to the other direction. Make sure the notebook is switched off and the power supply is turned off before attempting to do so. Google warns that switching to developer mode exposes the system to malware and virus attacks, since what you’re doing is turning off verified boot on the motherboard.

When you’re done flipping the switch, put the battery back on and hit the power switch. You will be provided with a warning screen. Ignore the warning screen and Press Ctrl+D to continue with the developer mode.

Getting ready to repartition drive

It will take about five to ten minutes for the system to repartition the solid state drive (SSD), which the console refers as “erasing the stateful partitioning”. When it is done repartitioning the SSD, the system is yours to do whatever you want. Congratulations on hacking the Cr-48.

Repartitioning completed

If you’re trying to install your own disk image on your Cr-48, you should refer to the Developer guide.

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