can't install suse 9 on laptop which runs windows xp
 

Hello,

I am a total newby to linux. I posted this question in the software forum, but maybe I should post it here.

Pretty new to computering also, and not experienced in the technical side of it.

Tried installing suse 9 from cds on my laptop, which runs windows xp. The start panel for installation did not show up, just a list of suse files, which I could not open. I couldn't open the boot screen either.

I know I am missing some obvious,easy thing to do, but I don't know what it is. I am using xp to open the installation program. Is that what I should be doing? If not, what other way is there to boot into the suse cds?

thanks for your patience,

Laura

reboot and boot from the suse cd

what kind of laptop?

you may have to go into the boot options - my toshiba laptop default was to boot from hard disc first, so had to change it to boot from cdrom first. Toshiba that was easy as there's a "toshiba controls" in xp "settings", otherwise you'll have to go into the bios to change it. (will be in the compter's instruction manual)

then put the cd in, and restart the computer,

(if the computer is old & doesn't boot from the cd then it's a bit more difficult, although the instructions are in the suse manual. you have to copy various files from the cd onto floppies, and boot from them (there's a boot disc & some modules discs that you have to make). However if your laptop is that old it won't be running xp, more likely w95! so ignore this)

hope this is of some help.
good luck!
it's worth the effort in the end.

Thanks for the help! I was able to get into the boot set up, change it to cd setting and then boot into the installation screen.

Now, I am trying to figure out how to change my desktop from kde to Gnome, but I'll post a new question for that topic.

Thanks again,
Laura