I have tried multiple times with different dvds and different iso's and I still get the dreaded "missing file" and "corrupt package" error on install. I have tried the memory test, which passed. I have tried 3 different computers (although the same DVD drive). I also have tried doing a network install via ftp. I get the same error each time, although it sometimes gives a different package name as the offender.
I have had success in the past with version 7 and 8, however the version 8 was created on a different pc and when I try to boot that drive on any of the three I am using, I get a kernel panic message.
I am so frustrated that I am thinking of stepping in front of a bus. or loading XP.
Please Help!

Could you elaborate on how far you get in the install process before getting an error, and exactly what error you get?

Do you mean that you installed 8 on one system, moved the drive to another, and got a panic? If the hardware is substantially different between the two systems (hd drive controller in particular), you would need to remake your initrd to match the new system. I wouldn't recommend tackling this, try to get thru a conventional install first.

The error occurs after I select the packages I wish to install. It formats the filesystem, and then starts the actual install. That is when the error occurs. As for the error message, it is:

"The file xxx.<SNIP>.xxx.i386.rpm cannot be opened. This is due to a missing file, a corrupt package or corrupt media. Please verify your installation source" Where the xxx is the offending package which differs from dvd installation to ftp installation.

as for the kernel panic, i won't be pursuing that any more. I want a clean installation. I just mentioned it to show that I have been successful in the past. Perhaps my mind in going!

this is a very common error when you "pick and chose " what to install .Just do a default install then after fedora is installed ,then add the packages you want .

Well, I tried the default install and no joy.

what is the real name of the file or is it this"xxx.<SNIP>.xxx.i386.rpm"

as to the "corrupt media" this can happen when the dvd is burned at the max speed try reburning it at 2x .
Also sometimes the combination of dvd brand and dvd device "don't" get along ,try a different brand of dvd .Sometimes the cheap ones don't work and sometimes the very expensive ones also don't work.

I didn't write the exact file names down, but they were different from dvd install to ftp install. as for the dvds, i tried two different manufacturer's discs, at low speed and high speed. I have the same problem with ftp installs (different package though) and I have tried dvd and ftp installs on 3 different computers.
I am quite frustrated with this whole linux thing. Although I am not an expert, I have been sysadmin on HPs and SGIs in the past and have been using/adminstrating/building/repairing/programming computers for a long time. my first was a Commodore 64! remember those?! I just don't have the time and/or energy to make this work. If I can't get it working, then there are an awful lot of people out there who are in even worse shape. If linux is to succeed, these problems need to be worked out. just my $0.02
Thanks anyway for trying to help!

I take it you have cleaned the dvd head ,or if it is an old dvd drive it might be wearing out .
Also if your hardware is old ,fedora 9 and old hardware don't mix to well .That is why I am still on 8 ( 2001 dell box).
As i stated in post 4 the only "missing dependencies" i have ran into is ,sometimes, when i do a very custom install. Going to the advanced tab and adding a bunch of programs not included in the default desktop install. This has been true with fedora 4,5,6,7,8 .