Compaq Evo N610c
2.8Ghz, 512 ram, 20gb harddrive
Was running windows XP fine

Slackware, run cfdisk, partition a 4gb swap, and rest for main, type 82 for swap/83 for main, write, then make the main bootable.
Now go to setup, it finds partitions, formats install fails if I do full distribution - not sure what goes wrong, if I just install the base operating command line system it completes without any errors, however when I try to "shutdown -r" this fails and shows me the options weird, and when I reset manually my system says there was a problem loading operating system.
(I do remove the linux boot disc after installation).

I did try instructions for all of this but they weren't too helpful - lucky I have some experience with command lines and fdisk/OS instllation.

Greetingz!

Sounds like you might have a corrupt installation disk. You might want to double-check the MD5 sum on the ISO you downloaded, and maybe re-burn it.
Also, be sure to do a 'fdisk -l' on your drive (maybe /dev/sda or /dev/hda) and make sure your Linux partition is bootable.

(my computer is only 1.8ghz)
Well I finally got some progress from cfdisk
Which was rather unhelpful - lucky I noticed the tiny message below "Only one partition can be bootable."
And read the help in setup - which illogically is only accessable once cfdisk has be run!!!

There is more I'd like to rage about, but that can wait...

I installed only the kernel (perhaps my installation disc has some problems - will research and get back about that later).
This time I installed Lilo - even though I don't need (not sure if that helped or not, will experiment).
It loads up then reset, then it has come to:
darkstar logon:

and I login as root user.

But now I want to try installing the packages from the main cd I skipped, I also have a second cd. I tried setup but nothing happened.
I'm sure there is a place around with all this helpful info, but I couldn't see any.

This is my first time with linux, I have used dos command prompts before but they usually have list commands in /? /h (unlike mysterious linux fdisk GRRR)

At first, if this is the only OS on the computer then you will need lilo, otherwise the system won't boot.
At second, if you are new to Slackware than it is recommended to make a full install. Do not skip any packages, just use the full install option. If you have problems with making the full install please post exactly what you have done and which error messages you get.

Keep in mind that Linux is a Unix system, knowledge of DOS or Windows will not help you here.
To get help for commandline programs the man command is very helpful, for example to get help with cfdisk just try

1 members found this post helpful.

After many install runs, I learned:

1. seems I need Lilo
2. installation crashes to blank screen and no power at package >L<

My battery light turns orange, but I think after all that uncompressing my laptop may be overheating. I could try removing the battery.

I have successfully installed the games package which comes after >L< so perhaps the cd is corrupt, I haven't had a chance to sumcheck it since destroying my own OS.

So I do now have darkstar console line.
Now I don't know what to do.
I installed all the packages before >L< but not relating to K, GNE?, X

I've tried running ls, shutdown, but can't seem to get any results.
Want to run slackpkg but that wouldn't work either - I need to try to install the rest of slack.

Hey mate, i'm pretty sure this thread would be better located here, [QUOTE]http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/slackware-14/[/CODE] That's Slackwares official forum and is located here by going to forums in the top left, then distributions, then slackware. There is installation guides there that you may find helpful, and although i personally can't help you, the people there are very knowledgeable and if you listen to what they have to say, they can be very helpful.

1 members found this post helpful.

I had problems installling Slackware with a similar symptom--it crashed on one of the packages at the same place. Twice.

I wiped the CD with a tissue to clean it in case it had any dirt or fingerprints, then Slackware installed properly. I think this supports the theory that the CD might be the issue.

Also, if you think overheating is an issue, try blowing out the machine's vents, making sure you can feel a draft from the fans, not setting it on a soft surface such as a lap or cushion.

Yeah, now that I at least have the console and a few successful boots - I can figure out if the cd has problems by installing the other packages.
Which I will head over to the slack forums. Thanks for your replies.