CentOS 6.2 installation on non-PAE x86 processor
 

I am trying to install CentOS 6.2 on processor without PAE support.
Installation halts at the very beginning with the message PAE is a requirement for CentOS as per CentOS and RedHat documentation.


I wonder if there is any workaround? Maybe some boot parameters to disable PAE check? Or install 5.x and then upgrade to 6.2? Did anyone have such an experience?

You will need to compile a non-PAE version of the CentOS 6.2 kernel (processor family "Pentium Classic" or below). Upgrading from 5.x won't help, you'll get the same error message.

What kind of CPU are we talking about here? Intel introduced PAE with the Pentium Pro in 1995.

I have Compaq nc6000 laptop with Pentium M inside.
I suppose it is earlier version of Pentium M without PAE.

How do you suggest to compile own kernel version without having the system installed in the first place?

Would it be better than to install CentOS 5.x instead? Or look into direction of another distribution, like Debian?

Obviously, you would need to compile the kernel on another system. You would then need to create a custom CentOS installation DVD with the modified kernel.

Your other option is to choose a distribution that supports non-PAE systems.

I would not recommend using an older distribution of any kind, as you'd run the risk of installing components with known bugs and vulnerabilities.