I am very new to using Linux and I am trying to instal Dream Linux on my Dell Inspiron E1705. I currently have Windows XP installed already. I have not been able to install Dream Linux because when I try to boot from the CD i made, from the downloaded ISO file, it does not boot, it just goes into windows. It does not give any error messages, it just goes right into windows. I know that my cd rom drive is fine, because I have been able to test out Linux Mandriva One. What can I do to make my laptop boot Dream Linux?

Two common errors:

- Look at the CD you burned in Windows. Do you see the .iso file? If so, you burned the disk incorrectly; you need to burn an image, not the file. When done correctly, you will see a number of files and directories on the disk.

- Make sure your PC BIOS is set to boot from CD first, hard drive second. By default, many PCs will not boot from CD.

There are usually three things the first time user does not do.

They do not check the download before burning the image for the correct md5sum. If you did not check it, your download may not be complete, or it could be corrupt.

Next thing, was it burned as an image file? This is a common error.

Last, have you set the CDrom as the first boot source?

For the first two items, look here --> http://www.linuxquestions.org/linux/answers/LQ_ISO

You will see instructions on checking the md5sum, and where to get the windoze program to verify the image. You will also see instructions on what software to use, and the correct method on burning.

To set your drive as the first drive to look for a boot image, this is hardware specific. Most BIOS's have hot keys you press after you first power on. That gets you to the setup screen. In there you will find an option to set boot source, and control the order. If you need more help, check your hardware documentation first, the manufactures web site second, and if all else fails, post back the make and model information of your system.

It is working now. I did what was suggested.