[SOLVED] Text Based Server Install

shizzles · 12-29-2010, 01:44 PM

Hi guys/gals,

I am trying to install either Ubuntu or CentOS server in text mode only. The problem I am having is that the hardware that I am trying to install it on has no vga output, I can only connect to it via console cable.

I am able to boot from USB CDROm or flash drive but unfortunately since the hardware does not have a gpu (atleast none that I'm aware of) I am unable to get past the boot screen.

If someone can point me in the right direction or know where I would be able to download the text install of either OS, that would be awesome.

Thanks in advance.

eSelix · 12-29-2010, 02:29 PM

You can install Ubuntu through network via ssh. For this you must start installation with kernel arguments, for example I used:

Code:

locale=pl_PL console-setup/ask_detect=false hostname= interface=auto mirror/country=manual mirror/http/host
name=APT:3142 mirror/http/directory=/ubuntu priority=critical auto url=http://APT/ubuntu-ssh.seed quiet

where APT is my apt-cacher server, it is not required, if you not specify one, I think some default will be used. Preseed file also is not required, but with it you can prepare totally automatic installation.

You can also connect to your PC with monitor through serial (RS232) cable, Ubuntu installer also support this, but I didn't tested it.

You can find more info in Installation guide.

reed9 · 12-29-2010, 02:33 PM

You can download a text installer for Ubuntu here. No idea about centos.

shizzles · 12-29-2010, 03:54 PM

Thanks guys, I will try doing both and let you guys know how it went.

jamrock · 12-29-2010, 07:24 PM

You can do a text installation from the regular CentOS cd.

Just type linux text

shizzles · 01-30-2011, 03:17 PM

still unable to get it to work

Reuti · 01-31-2011, 09:44 AM

Does the machine support to run without a graphic card - how can you change the boot order in the BIOS? Is it a dedicated server machine with decent documentation? It may also help to install a graphic card temporarily.

shizzles · 01-31-2011, 12:00 PM

It is a headless server very similar to this device http://axiomtek.com/products/ViewPro...231&ptype1=209

michaelk · 01-31-2011, 12:16 PM

My first guess is you need to configure the installer to redirect to a console port. However if the BIOS automatically redirects the output to a console port can you see any output when the CD boots?

Boot the CentOS CD and at the prompt try the following command.

boot: Linux console=ttyS0 (assuming console is standard 9600,N,8,1)
if not 9600 then substitute the baud rate as below
console=ttyS0,9600n8

shizzles · 01-31-2011, 12:25 PM

michaelk

Wouldn't the command Linux in

boot:Linux console=ttyS0

try to do the install in graphical mode ( I might be mistaken on that) or will the following command of console=ttyS0 negate that and make install text by default instead ?

michaelk · 01-31-2011, 12:57 PM

Never actually tried using console mode. I assume you meant:

linux text console=ttyS0

See what happens...

shizzles · 01-31-2011, 09:26 PM

So after countless hours of searching i FINALLY found a tutorial that showed me exactly what i needed to do.

I appreciate all the help you guys provided for me.

For the future, here is the link to anyone that needs to do a headless linux install

http://markliggett.wordpress.com/201...a-cdrom-drive/