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Old 07-03-2012, 06:48 PM   #1
emeisner
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Need to install Slackware but laptop won't read disk


When I booted in BIOS I tried to change the settings to load from CD/DVD drive but it wouldn't let me. Does anyone know what the problem could be? It won't let me click on that option. I am currently running Ubuntu and I would like to switch back to Slackware because it's much better.

Specs:
Dell laptop
currently running Ubuntu

Last edited by emeisner; 07-03-2012 at 06:49 PM.
 
Old 07-03-2012, 06:58 PM   #2
syg00
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Most recent Dells use F12 during boot to pull up a boot device screen. Try that whilst the Dell splash screen is displayed just after a restart.
Should have a message below it to tell you the correct key to use.
 
Old 07-22-2012, 03:34 PM   #3
emeisner
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I am able to boot BIOS but I can't select CD/DVD as the boot option.
 
Old 07-24-2012, 07:42 AM   #4
onebuck
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Member Response

Hi,
Quote:
Originally Posted by emeisner View Post
I am able to boot BIOS but I can't select CD/DVD as the boot option.
You did try pressing 'F12' for boot device selection? You do not need to enter BIOS to select alternate boot device, just press 'F12' during POST to get the Boot device selection menu. What model Dell are you using?
 
Old 07-25-2012, 03:25 PM   #5
OldHolborn
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As you already have Ubuntu on it you probably have grub on it, try this...

on the root of your ubuntu partition mkdir slack14

copy into this /isolinux/initrd.img and the contents of /kernels/hugesmp.s/ from your favourite slackware mirror

reboot

at the grub menu select your normal ubuntu but hit "e" not <enter>

replace
linux /boot/blahblah
with
linux /slack14/bzImage load_ramdisk=1 rw SLACK_KERNEL=hugesmp.s

and
initrd /boot/blahblah
with
initrd /slack14/initrd.img

hit <ctrl>-x

enjoy

Last edited by OldHolborn; 07-25-2012 at 03:36 PM.
 
Old 07-26-2012, 03:33 PM   #6
Didier Spaier
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f your machine can boot on an USB device, just use the USB installer. See here.
 
Old 08-15-2012, 07:27 AM   #7
onebuck
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Member Response

Hi,
Quote:
Originally Posted by emeisner View Post
I am able to boot BIOS but I can't select CD/DVD as the boot option.
On newer Dell Laptops this is a lag when you do a 'F12' to get the boot device screen. I found this out when I received a new Dell Laptop recently. At first I thought there was a problem with the Laptop when I place a LiveCD in the drive. Detection is slow (BIOS) and when the POST completes(progress bar) the F12 is delayed 5-10 seconds. This varied when a LiveCD was in and when drive was open.

No boot delays when the boot device is selected within BIOS. I believe it is the hardware device handler for BIOS.

@OP What is the model for your Dell Laptop.
 
  


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