Mandrake 9.2 - Lots of install problems
 

Ok, I have an old computer that I am trying to install Mandrake 9.2 on.

First time I tried to install, it locked up after the mouse configuration and testing.

Second (well, maybe fifth), I used text mode, which worked fine.

Then I did something dumb, and tried to test the graphical interface or something, while i was in text mode. It locked up, so I restarted.

Now, when I run the installation in text mode, It locks up when Installing driver for disk/scsi|hardware_raid|firewire card Initio Corporation|360P

Mmmm. I don't have firewire, i might note.

How do I get it going now?

I tried to use FDisk, and Format from my Windows98 boot disk, and they said it was not supported or something.

I can't find FDisk on my Linux cd. I think it is the download version of Mandrake 9.2

Any help?

On Knoppix and Mandrake it locks up on Initio.o

Odd how it worked once though.

Please help

Make sure you have disabled Plug N Play OS in your BIOS. That would be #1.

Hit F1 and type in expert. See if that helps. Sometimes it does. Just say NO to the RAID stuff that comes up. I assume you don't have RAID either.

Try the first one first. If that don't work try the second one. If that don't work Post back. We'll get a bigger hammer.

Later

:D :D :D

The only thing I found was:
PNP bios yes/no
Configoration auto/manual
Reset configuration data yes/no

I tried Reset configuration data to YES, and I managed to install.

Now I can't boot into mandrake.

I get this far:

Loading initio.o module
PCI: Enabling device 00:0f/0 (0000 -> 0003)
PCI: FOUND IRQ for Divice 00:0f.0

Then it locks up.

Will I need to pull something out of my computer?

Oh.
Here is a report on my computer if you want to see everything about it.

http://bloggsworld.orcon.net.nz/test...r/Report03.txt

Set that to NO. There may be some other hardware that is not compatible for some reason. You may want to check the Mandrake errata site here.

http://www.mandrakelinux.com/en/errata.php3

There may be some patch to use.

Back later, suppers getting cold.

:D :D :D

Im sorry. What I MEANT to say, is that ther is NO option like PNP bios yes/no.

I went a bit loose in the bios, and now linux works.

I just have to find what settings they were. My bios has some obscure wording.

Thanks Guys.

Every BIOS is different. It's hard to tell someone what to look for unless you have the same one to go by.

Glad you got it working. Write those settings down in case you need them again. :rolleyes:

Later

:D :D :D :D

Hmm. Well it would seem that sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesnt.

Now I cant get it to boot, and no settings have changed.

I was sure it was the option to Reset Configuration Data, that let me run linux.

It would let a PNP operating system clear what the bios had set, and put its own settings.

But it doesnt work now.

For some reason my bios keeps switching it from enabled to disable, so every time I save it as enabled, it goes back to disabled.

You may want to see if there is a jumper that will let you clear the cmos. After that do the default configuration thing then check the plug n play setting and try again. I suspect that it is the BIOS but you never know. :scratch: :scratch:

Later

:D :D :D

You mean inside the computer?

remember your talking to a complete newbie here. Not just with linux, but with a lot of other stuff as well.

Will I need one of those, antistatic wrist straps?

It is inside, but you only have to pick clean hands. Of course your computer must be unplugged when you open it. Look at the mainboard paper for more informations. There might be something like reset CMOS. You only have to follow instructions and it should be all right.

Just grab the frame of the case when you take off the cover, something that is not painted. That will eliminate any static problems. I have been doing that for years and have never had a problem.

Go to the manufacturors website or look in the info that came with your mobo. It should tell you how to do that.

If it is a Dell or Gatway or something, call and ask them how to do it. They should be able to tell you that. May even be on the website, if you can find it.

Wouldn't hurt to check for dust and such too. Especially around the CPU fan and heatsink. A ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

later

:D :D :D

Woo. There is something about clearing the CMOS.

You can clear CMOS by shorting 2-3 pin, while the system is off.
Then, return to 1-2 pin position.

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/suppor...il.php?UID=309

Thats my manual