Install MD 9.1 on Dimension 4600
 

I'm trying to install Mandrake 9.1 on a Dell Dimension 4600, P4.8 HT, on board video, sound & NIC, 40 gig HD, 256 RAM

It has Win XP on it and I was able to resize the XP partition and created a new one for Linux. On my first attempt I run into the L99 99 99... problem and on the second I can get to the command but no further. When I try and start KDE by entering startx I get a bunch of errors that flash by and that is it.

Are there any Hardware issues? Why is KDE not starting automatically?

Please be aware that I'm a linux dummy.

Thanks,:confused:

Your graphics or "X" configuration is probably wrong. Post the tye type of graphics chipset for your on board video. You can try redoing your graphics configuration by logging in as root and running:

# XFdrake

The chip set is Intel 865G (which has the on-board graphics).

Does Mandrake v10 have the same problem? If not, where can I download the ISOs and what do I use for burning software? I don't have CD burning software that can do ISOs and I don't want to purchase any at this time since I just want to try Linux for the time being.

Thanks.

Mandrake won't have the driver for the nic because they are 100% GPL software. The ati radeon drivers are generally problematic. Nvidia has much better linux support. I think the GPL driver for your card should work. Your problem may be just a configuration problem, but again I don't use ati or suse so I can't tell you for sure. Again, post this on the suse forum. Someone there might have a quick fix for you or be able to give you a more definitive answer.

One good test I think you should try is knoppix. Knoppix is a linux distro that runs entirely off a bootable cd with nothing being written to your hard drive. It is known for it's excellent hardware detection and problems with knoppix will generally indicate a general hardware problem with linux. I don't mean to discourage you; your problems may be solvable. However, for someone new to linux, it could be a real learning experience. Just go into it with your eyes open.

EDIT: please diregard this post. It was posted in the wrong thread by mistake.