Install Mandriva2K8 on Dell Optiplex 320

Hi,

As known, Dell OptiPlex 320 does not support a few linux distribution well(CentOS,RedHat,Fedora). I meet some problems when install Mandriva2008, and finally get successfully. Here's my steps, hope it is useful for you.

1. Install Mandriva 2K8 normally,(CD boot,step by step).
2. When installation accomplish and reboot, the system will halt.

It is reported that Dell modify 320's BIOS(I don't know why). I have to install grub again.

Since Dell OptiPlex shipped with RedFlag Linux, of course, this distribution Linux can be installed well. Then use this RedFlag DVD CD, and enter rescue mode. In the comand line(with networking), copy the following four file to mandriva's /boot directory:

192.168.3.xx is another DELL 320 installed RedFlag

# scp 192.168.3.xx/boot/grub /mnt/mandriva/boot/grub
# scp 192.168.3.xx/boot/stage1 /mnt/mandriva/boot/grub
# scp 192.168.3.xx/boot/stage2 /mnt/mandriva/boot/grub
# scp 192.168.3.xx/boot/e2fs_stage1_5 /mnt/mandriva/boot/grub
# cp /mnt/mandriva/boot/grub/menu.list /mnt/mandriva/boot/grub/grub.conf

# grub
> root (hd0,4)    my /boot is located at /dev/sda5  
> setup (hd0)
> quit

OK, reboot, and then enjoy Mandriva2K8 on Dell 320,


Phillip

well done Phillip

First, I have to complain this Dell machine, whenever install Linux Distro(no including RedFlag). Google results say it is because Optiplex 320's BIOS is dedicated designed for Windows Vista,and its SATA driver do not support Linux.

Step 1, insert the Ubuntu 9.04 DVD and install, it will takes about 30 minutes. At the first rebooting, only a cursor is displayed at the top of screen. The system is halt.

Step 2. Install grub2. Enter rescure mode(boot from DVD),

mkdir /media/root
mount /dev/sda8 /media/root      (/dev/sda8 is my /)
mount /dev/sda6 /media/root/boot  (/dev/sda6 is my /boot)
mount -t proc none /media/root/proc
mount -o bind /dev /media/root/dev
chroot /media/root
sudo aptitude install grub2
sudo grub-install /dev/sda
sudo grub update-grub

update-grub will create /boot/grub/grub.cfg file.

Step 3. Restart, the grub2 menu only display Ubuntu and single/memtest86, my Windows 7 is gone. At this time, the Ubuntu can be boot successfully, and I have to find Windows back. Refer the following:

http://blogs.koolwal.net/2008/12/28/...b2-or-grub-pc/

and then review the grub.cfg, windows items are added.

Done, hope this helpful.

Thanks,
Phillip