Can't install to Dell Optplex

eric_marsh · 11-25-2005, 11:52 PM

Hello,

I've got a stack of 5 450mhz Dell Optiplex computers that I want to donate to a school in Honduras. Because this is a poor country, I want to get the computers running with Linux to keep costs at a minimum.

For some reason I don't seem to be able to get Linux installed on any of the machines. I've tried both Debian and Fecora FC4. Sometimes I get disk errors, sometimes the install hangs in the installation phase.

Do these optiplex computers have some sort of special issues that I need to know about?

Thanks,

Eric

comptiger5000 · 11-26-2005, 07:49 AM

run a media check on the install disks, if any fail, re-burn at the slowest speed possible (often 4x)

Also, check the disks in the machines, these may need to be replaced.

Install hangs are usuall due to bad install media, its happened to me on FC3 and FC4.

RanDrake10 · 11-26-2005, 08:08 AM

Have you tried to run one of the live CD distro's?

eric_marsh · 11-26-2005, 08:53 AM

I did burn one CD at the slowest speed and that didn't work. As for the live distos, I want to be able to provide them with a complete disk set because they will probably not have a fast net connection if any at all.