Linux distro for Compaq M2512 AU Notebook
 

Hello,

I have just got a Compaq perserio M2512AU notebook. I tried all the distros which I have, and found they are not working with this. Here are results :

- Mandrake 10.1 Official Release
Installation start, then say CD Rom Error. However, I burnt 2 new ISOs but still get same results. Those CDs can be read on my Desktop PC with out any problem. I installed on another system and everything working fine. But in my notebook, it says CD Rom Error and then show me a selection box with scsi.ko, floppy.ko, cdrom.ko etc. I am unable to start installation.

- Red Hat Linux 9
This is working fine except sound card. It is not recozining my notebook's sound card. Also Compaq doesn't provide additonal linux drivers.

- Fedora Core 3
Installation doesn't start at all. Screen goes blank. I also tried text installtion, but similar problem.

- Knoppix Game Live CD / Install CD
This is also working fine except sound card. It is not recozining my notebook's sound card.

- Ubuntu 5.04 Live CD and Install CD
Installation doesn't start at all. Screen goes blank. I also tried text installtion, but similar problem.



Can any one suggest fully working distro name for this notebook please ? I am able to run Windows XP SP2 on this notebook but I want Linux on it.

Thanks, Kirtimaan

Try mandriva 2006 free (not a live version)
(or 2005 Limited edition)
be sure to add to kernel boot (press F1 or F2) the line
acpi=off

If this does not work add as well video=vesa

If you have a link with the exact hardware description please post

Bit biased for mandriva, but usually have a good record with laptop.
If this does not work still be time to try something else

Thanks Emmanuel_uk,

For hardware specs, please go to http://h50025.www5.hp.com/hpcom/in_e...2_EV879PA.html

I have already tried video=vesa parameter during bootup. I will try acpi parameter also. But I think problem is something different as now bios versions are acpi enabled.

Thanks, Kirtimaan

>>I have already tried video=vesa parameter
Yes may well be needed in conjunction with acpi=off

>>as now bios versions are acpi enabled
The whole point of acpi=off I think is to bypass/disable that part of the bios

Thanks Emmanuel_uk,

I was able to install ubuntu 5.10 on this laptop using following at boot time.

linux acpi=off noapic nolapic vga=711

after that installation was completed successfully. However, I have to made a change in xorg.conf file as detected driver (ati) was not working (was getting an error message : DRIScreenInit Failed and X was not starting). After searching on this error, I changed "ati" to "vesa" in xorg.conf and now able to run gnome desktop manager as well.

Thanks for your help.

Kirtimaan

>>thanks
You are welcome. Way to thank me is to help on the forum
(your probably are already)

If you have a chance, fill a HCL report in LQ

re ATI driver: You may have too old a kernel, and it seems
to be reported that the ati driver is not good at all.
If you wait a few month, this should be sorted by then

Setting up ATI Radeon XPress 200M Under Linux
http://ensode.net/ati_radeon_xpress_200m_linux.html

Thanks Emmanuel_uk,

Definately I will fill HCL report in LQ.

Regarding ATI drivers, I was running 2.6.0.9 i386 version of kernal. Today morning I have updated ubuntu using Automatic update and my kernel was updated to 2.6.0.10 i386.

Then I changed my drivers from "vesa" to "fglrx" and now it is working fine. (I found this on a site for ATI drivers)

However, seeing the link you have given seems, still I am not using proper driver (I am facing no problem with fglrx).

I will try that too on sunday (IST time) and post results here.

Thanks for your help :)

Thanks, Kirtimaan