Booting from the SimplyMEPIS 3.4-3 CD. I want to install it, replacing Kubuntu, and have a dual-boot with my existing WinXP.

The error message:
Uncompressing Linux... Ok, booting the kernel.
Looking for MEPIS Linux ...
Can't startup filesystem
Halting...

The notebook:
Sony Vaio PCG-R505EL
256MB RAM
30GB HDD (partition setup below)
1.13GHz P3M
Combo and FDD drive are built into the docking station.
For this series of Vaios, the docking station does not connect over the PCI bus. It uses IEEE 1394, and the combo drive connects to the docking station also using IEEE 1394. I think this is where the problem is.

I can boot from the mepis disc. I have tried using the Boot Minimum option, which sets acpi=off and ide=nodma. No change in results.
I verified the md5 checksum of the iso i downloaded.
I installed Kubuntu from CD without any problems. I tried installing Mandriva from CD and had an issue where after booting from the disc, it couldn't find the combo drive. Therefor, there is possible to install linux from the cdrom on this computer, but some distros have a problem with it.

I found, via google, others (some on here) having the same issue. No one has come up with a solution. Another person with a Thinkpad encountered the same error, and did an install from his HDD. I attempted this and failed, so apparently I am doing it wrong. I would prefer to find a way to make the install work from the CD, but if it can only be done on this system from the HDD, then so be it.

Partitions:
1 - Pri, active, NTFS, 5.5GB, WinXP Pro
2 - Pri, Ext3, 6.1GB, Kubuntu 5.10
3 - Log, Linux swap, 306MB
4 - Log, NTFS, 13.5GB
5 - Log, Ext3, 2.5GB

Thanks in advance.

While you still have XP available stop what you are doing. If Kubuntu(debian-based) was working,why not live with it for a while?
It may make a difference when using docking station whether or not you are plugged into wall or using battery. You need to pass boot parameter to installer to load firewire module so cdrom will be recognized. Find out from Friends of Mepis(debian-based) or Mandriva how to pass that kernel parameter to make the installs work. Research! before you try install.
Check out linux-on-laptops or tuxmobile linux installs on your lappy.

I think I understand.





Thank you.

Sorry it was www.mepislovers.org that would give help.
Other linux lappy installer had to pass pcmcia and firewire parameters to get cdrom recognized beyond boot. One Debian install required special boot floppy to install from firewire cdrom or install from usb drive. Newer kernel may have needed support. Each distro has its own tips. Hard to give tip that works for every linux.
If you have patience and desire you can review the kernel .config file for your ubuntu/kubuntu to make it easy to prepare your own kernel or know what another kernel needs.

http://www.mepislovers-wiki.org/ look for "Booting Mepis CD When Machine Does Not Support It" Otherwise forums there may have better answer.