Install linux ubuntu on an empty HDD

mullac51 · 03-17-2009, 04:09 PM

ok, i have just bought a brand new pc which has had NO OS on it before and i tried installing linux on it but when i got to the partitions part it was just blank nothing was there, i couldnt click on anything.
could someone come and help me xD
thanks

pljvaldez · 03-17-2009, 04:13 PM

What are the PC specs like motherboard, etc? And what version of Ubuntu are you trying to install? It's possible since it's a "new PC" that some of the hardware is newer than the drivers of the disc you're using to install. If you want Ubuntu, I would download the latest version of the CD. Then boot up the LiveCD and run the installer from the desktop (if that's not what you're already doing).

If you have the LiveCD running, then can you post the output of lspci and sudo lshw commands?

mullac51 · 03-17-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pljvaldez

What are the PC specs like motherboard, etc? And what version of Ubuntu are you trying to install? It's possible since it's a "new PC" that some of the hardware is newer than the drivers of the disc you're using to install. If you want Ubuntu, I would download the latest version of the CD. Then boot up the LiveCD and run the installer from the desktop (if that's not what you're already doing).

If you have the LiveCD running, then can you post the output of lspci and sudo lshw commands?

i am using the LiveCD and im trying to install ubuntu 8.10. i dont know how you mean the specs of y motherboard but i just type down this. it says Intel core 2 quad and it says intel G31 + ICH7 Chipsets. the computer is brand new and i cant do anything on it except try to install ubuntu.
and i cant send you those commands because im on a different computer to the one which im trying to install ubuntu onto

thorkelljarl · 03-17-2009, 06:06 PM

You can find out more than that.

If this is a laptop, you can give us the make and model. If not, and it is a factory assembled system, it too has make and model information. Otherwise, take a screwdriver, open the case, look at the mother board, then google.

You have checked the integrity of the Ubuntu 8.10 CD you are using?

You might download and burn a copy of Parted Magic or GPartedLiveCD and see if one of them sees your HDD.

You might also be mindful of these criteria for inquiry.

http://www.linuxquestions.org/linux/...Ask_a_Question

amani · 03-17-2009, 06:48 PM

1. Boot PartedMagic CD

2. start the partitioner

make disk label
make partitions ext3, xfs , jfs, reiserfs and swap (2 GB),

then install ubuntu

DragonSlayer48DX · 03-17-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mullac51

ok, i have just bought a brand new pc which has had NO OS on it before and i tried installing linux on it but when i got to the partitions part it was just blank nothing was there, i couldnt click on anything.
could someone come and help me xD
thanks

Hi, and welcome to LQ!

Maybe we should start from the beginning-- What exactly do you mean by:

Quote:

it was just blank nothing was there, i couldnt click on anything.

Was the screen blank? Was the partitioner window open, but the buttons were disabled? Were there just no options available?

Ubuntu's partitioner basically looks for installed OSes. If there aren't any installed, naturally there won't be an option to save or delete it. Also, how long did you wait before you shut down? On a large drive it will take several minutes to prep the drive for the file system.

Hope this helps

jefro · 03-17-2009, 08:50 PM

Start at bios. Is the hard drive shown there?