I have an old computer on which I am trying to install linux...
I can easily install any linux distribution running of kernal 2.2 but whenever I try to install a newer kernal the screen comes to "Checking 'hlt' Instruction..." then stops and can't get any further.

When I search for this on google many people with this problem come up but no solutions.

The computer is an old cyrix but the error seems to be on all processors with certain properties.

Does anyone know of a fix or some way to get around this as I would like a newer kernal...

BTW I am a linux newbie

The kernel must probably be compiled with 386 support, even if your Cyrix is a 486.
Whatever, you can run a newer kernel ... but you have to compile it yourself. Pay extra attention to CPU-specific configuration options. And make sure you read *all text files* included with the kernel sources you are about to use.

I don't no much about linux at all and I don't know how to do anything myself (I don't understand linux commands).
I started off with firewalls on the computer (temporarily) and I was trying out IPCop and Coyote Linux. I had read through all documentation and come up with nothing so I reverted to version 1.2x of IPCop to get things working...they did. This is now currently on the machine.

I tryed out a live cd and no luck either (same error) but I can't remember which one.

PS. the Cyrix is a MediaGX it may help...

Any help welcome

First and foremost. Linux commands are not too complicated. Just start with something in your box and one-by-one they come to you.
Second, compiling a kernel may sound terribly sophisticated, it's not.
www.kernel.org is a place to start,
http://www.google.com/linux will provide you with easy-to-follow HOWTO's.
And finally, there is a 2.6 kernel patch for Cyrix MediaGX aka Geode, so it's possible!

I found this link: http://www.desktoplinux.com/cgi-bin/...age=0&Session=

but do not understand how to add in the nohlt instruction, is it even possible for an automatic installer i would currently like to install IPCOP 1.4.5 (www.ipcop.org).

Please help, I am a linux noob and am likely to need step by step instructions

Thanks

The Linux PC boots up this way: BIOS-POST > bootloader > OS. You need to tune OS behavior by passing that nohlt option to the OS, it is kernel.
Below is an example line with nohlt added from /boot/grub/menu.lst

kernel /vmlinuz-2.6.8-1-386 root=/dev/sdb1 ro nohlt

You have to ask ipcop people how to use this option with their installer. They have mailing lists and an IRC channel.

Ok done that; no help

I've given up on this project - wait until i recycle my computer or find one by the side of the road

I think the kernel patch for this CPU exist for a reason.

Sorry, didn't mean to be rude.

You've all been very helpful but its to much effort for no outcome (yet)

BTW i out in that no hlt instruction but it stopped in the same place except without the checking hlt instruction message