Is it possible to do an install using a usb floppy on this thinkpad model (since the cd-rom is not bootable)? The usb floppy is recognized in windows, but when I try to boot using a Mandrake image, it is not recognized as bootable.
I have changed the sys config to include in the startup sequence the 2nd floppy drive (no 1st floppy drive exists).


thanks

I guess I need some clarification,

Does it try to read the disk? if so then you probably got a bad disk image or possible damaged floppy.

Do you mean you changed the BIOS settings boot sequence?

I know that other thinkpads (therefore probably yours) support booting to the usb-floppy, if that's all you have. Also, is the CD-Rom internal? if it is than I would say you probably should be able to boot from that as well.

With a little more info, I'm certain we can help you figure this out

I would say that a BIOS upgrade might be a possible solution.
I did a quick googling on your ThinkPad model, and I ran across a few sites with explanations on installing Linux (not Mandrake) on the 365X. There was no mention of a USB floppy (or at least trouble getting one to boot), so I'm led to believe that you should at least be able to boot from the CD, or the floppy, as it makes your computer pretty useless without that.. There was mention of installing via PCMCIA network card, although you still need a bootable drive to initiate all of this.

My ThinkPad (560) has an external floppy that connects via cable, but it's not a usb. Do you know of any other ways of connecting another drive? (Mine's on the left side of the case near the power switch.

Don't give up just yet. It took me a long time to get Slackware up and running on my 560, so I can definitely relate to your situation.

BTW, everything I was able to find on the specs of you particular model told me that it either has an internal floppy, or an external one. There was no mention of anything USB, which leads me to believe your floppy drive is similar to the one I have on my TP560. If that be the case, then you should be able to boot to that drive.

My only advice at this point is to double and triple check the disk images you're using to boot, and buy some new floppies. I went through a half dozen or so before I got one that worked. If they're damaged they won't work.

Have tried simplelinux boot image and even FreeDOS boot diskette, as well as different Mandrake boot images.
Same error - I9990305

The BIOS recognizes the second floppy drive as being available for the start sequence, but that is all.