Before updating (I use the phrase loosely) to Suse 10.1 I was able to add local directories to YAST's list if installation sources.

paths that worked previously, i.e. "/data1/downloads/linux/suse10.1/", now fail with the message

"UNABLE TO CREATE INSTALLATION SOURCE 'dir:///data1/downloads/linux/suse10.1/'"

I realise that I am probably too stupid to be using Linux, but if there is another explanation perhaps some kind person will enlighten me?

nobody is too stupid to use linux. It is just if you actually want to use it.

Did you try deleting the installation sources and putting them back in. I havn't upgraded yet but maybe they changed how the installation sources worked.

I think I was probably kidding about the stupid

Yes, I've done all those obvious things. I had no issues setting criteria for removable media and URLs. It's only the local directories. Maybe they're not supported anymore (?).

Yast is buggy I installed smart package manager and find it easier & a lot faster.
For installation instructions go here http://spinink.net/2006/05/20/instal...ckage-manager/
Regards
Sharke

I did install SMART earlier when I read there were problems with YAST. But additional channels and mirrors just wouldn't install for me so I gave up and returned to the mess they've turned Yast2 into. NB: I can't get over how slow it is.

Anyway, I've worked around the problem by placing the local files onto my webserver. Yast2 seems happy enough with URLs as long as they aren't 'local' directories.

Thanks

If you install smart from guru as per instructions it comes with channels and mirrors preconfigured you also have a tray icon for notifying if updates available. Yast sure has problems on my system using online updates takes 10 minutes to list updates available smart takes 45 seconds.
Regards
Sharke

I tried that. It installed the Packman mirror http://packman.unixheads.com/suse/10.1/ and that's it. No other repositories. I tried using both the GUI and shell to install additional repositories. While there were no error reports when I installed them, they are certainly not installed.

Smart then reported a whole bunch of dependency failures for software that is working and which Yast seems quite happy with.

The other thing is SMART complains about depency issues with something called "vamps" and "libdvdplay", neither of which YAST reckons is installed.

It's all too confusing...

Anyway, it doesn't matter. I have a work around for Yast2 not being able to use local directories for software installations. Everything except wireless (Atheros) networking is now up and running. I installed the madwifi rpm but only the gods know where it finished up and what one is supposed to do with it. And after nearly a week of screwing & searching & reading about getting the 'update' sorted out I figure its time to take a rest. I am just too sick of it.

If I sound a bit peeved and jaded, sorry, but that's how it is.

FWIW, I ran into the exact same issues and problems you did with Yast. I finally just pulled the plug and went with v10.0 rather than v10.1

I understand. But I'm just about there. If I can work out the wireless networking during my spare time this week it'll be OK.