I keep having boot off of the diskette everytime I restart the machine.

Here's the low down:

I just got a Compaq Proliant Server from a friend. I got Linux installed on it with no problem, but on boot up, it can't detect a hard drive that's bootable. So I insert my boot diskette, press enter, then it boots up.

This is my first time dealing with SCSI drives, so I'm not sure if there's something I'm overlooking.

I used fdisk to create the parition during installation and create the partitions for Linux (83) and swap (82) on the first SCSI drive (sda). When I was prompted with the screen where it ask where to do want to install linux:

-In the Master Boot Record of HDA? (there's also a IDE Hard disk)
or
-In the first bootable sector of SDA? (or something like that)

I opted for the the second one.
I'm thinking here lies my answer to WHY? But what I don't understand is why doesn't give the option for putting it in the MASTER BOOT RECORD of the first SCSI hard drive?

Am I stuck to having to boot from the diskette due to my hardware configuration or is the a conf file I can edit?

Is there disadvantages to having to boot from the diskette?

Thanks in advance.

Check the drive jumpers and make sure they arn't set to "cable select"

You're probably right on target in your suspicions.

There's nothing wrong with installing the bootloader on the MBR of your IDE drive, and it's something you'll have to do if you plan to boot multiple operating systems without using a floppy. You can change the install location using the bootloader's config file. What you need to change depends on the bootloader you're using. Here's a link that should help you sort it out.


BTW:
Aussie, SCSI drives don't use cable select

ic...one day I'll be able to afford one

So that I actually understand this prompt the next time I install Linux:

This is just asking where I want to install the MBR, not the OS. If this is true, then that explains why I get confused at this this stage of the install, because on the previous screen (of the GUI install) I had already specify that root (/) be installed in SDA1 (fs 83), so I didn't understand why it's asking me again.

Now if I had another OS installed and System Commander for bootloading, I should NOT install it in the MBR, right?

Could you tell my why this is?

I think I'll just take your advise and read that article...

"I Think Here Lies my Answer....."

Thanks you guys!

Gee DMR,

That Link has really great stuff explained in it.

Thanks!!!!

It's is now my goal to forward this information to another poor "newbie" soul who doesn't quite understand whats happening between his SCSI and IDE devices.....

:-)

Right on. Glad I could help.