I'm trying to install a a cut down version of Linux (specifically DeLi or Vector) on a Pentium 166 with 48 megs of RAM. The problem is that the CMOS battery is dead, so every time the computer restarts, the BIOS reverts to default settings. Here's the problem. The default boot order is C, A. So the Harddrive boots before the floppy does. So I can't even use a boot disk. Currently the computer has Windows 98 on it. Is there any way I can get Linux on this computer without being able to boot either from a CD or a floppy? Is there an installer that launches from Windows that will allow me to repartion, install etc. and have only Linux left after?

Network installation might be possible, but can I repartition and format through a network connection? Anyone have any links regarding installation via network?

Aargh! Can't even use a bootdisk!

H'bert

Well, I don't mean to sound like a smarta$$, but why don't you just replace the battery? They only cost about $2.78 at walmart. There will be a number on the back, maybe 2016, maybe 2032. Bring the battery with you and you should find a replacement.

I didn't now they were the same ones as commonly available. That seems like an elegant solution. Change the dead battery!



Suppose I can't get my hands on it in a timely manner or that it's more than the battery being dead, do you have any input on alternate ways of partitioning, formatting and installing given that I can't boot from CD or floppy?

...well, why don't you restart windows to msdos. If you have a disk with fdisk on it, you should be able to do you're partioning there. I can't recall if the install disks have a program you can run to start the installation, or if they have to be booted.

Does bios require you to restart after changes are made? If not you can change the settings and simply exit. They will stay active until the computer loses power.

Enter the BIOS configuration when the computer first boots. Change the boot order and exit. The computer will now restart with the new settings.

Once linux is installed the default will be c: so your set as long as no other BIOS settings require modification. Of just don't shut the computer off.

Actually it doesn't. It restarts with the default settings which are to boot from C and then A.

That I can do. But what I can't do is format them in the right file system nor start a linux based install program (afterall, it's MSDOS).

It does restart after every change. Annoying but true.

H'bert

I suppose I could always just eliminate any and all booting information on the hard drive and hope it decides to look at the floppy after failing to boot from the HD. The worst case scenario would be if it just stopped.

The problem is that this computer can't really have a delay in functionality. I can't eliminate Windows 98 and have it sit there until I can get a new battery. People use it for making their resume and finding a job (it's in the computer room of a homeless shelter/drop in).

You are sure it is the battery, right?

Because I have never heard of a computer that could not retain BIOS settings during a reboot, even without a battery. Since when you reboot, power isn't really lost to the motherboard.

It is possible that there is a jumper on the motherboard that is set to always load the defaults, or there may be a supervisor password in the BIOS, I have seen a few old systems that would not keep changes made to the BIOS unless you gave it a special password.

The exact error message is eluding me (bad form for a Linux discussion board, I know) but I do distinctly remember it saying "no power from CMOS battery."



It is an older motherboard (it is a very early Pentium 166, Pre MMX) but when I opened the box and reboot, the motherboard light does go out briefly.

It's definitely not from a password (as I made sure there were none set). And the system gives a lovely beep, an error message and stops until you press F1 to ignore the error.

I'll double check things though. I just realised that I might have a battery that might work from another old motherboard that I don't have any other components with which to use it to make another system. If the model numbers of the battery line up, they're probably the same.

H'bert

A lot of those early pentium mobos (and all 486 and earlier mobos) used 6V ni-cad batteries that were soldered on. They usually look like little blue barrels. Anyway, four AA batteries work fine as a replacement and you can still find holders with the proper mobo connector. Here's one I just found on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...485754638&rd=1
When those ni-cads die they usually start to leak though... because the mobo is continuously trying to charge it, which causes it to overheat and eventually burst open. Once that happens everything around the battery starts to corrode very badly and the mobo really should be junked.