Ok, so I got a computer from my grandma.
The reason I got it is because her HD had a virus that corrupted windows files that were essential to run windows (good for it!).

So I went down to a used computer store and bought a small little 2 gig HD. There were no files on it and so it's almost like-new.

And I decided I want a fast OS. Not windows. But something that would be fun to sit and learn about and mess around and also use basic functions and possibly FruityLoops or something.
So I decided to try Linux Mandrake 9.1.

And on my pc it won't boot from the CDROM I guess and so I followed the instructions to make a boot disk (located on the 1st CD titled: install.txt):

2. Make a boot floppy with Windows
If your computer cannot boot from the CDROM, you must make a boot floppy under Windows as follows:
• insert the CDROM, then open the icon "My Computer", right click on the CDROM drive icon and select "Open"
• go into the "dosutils" directory and double-click on the "rawwritewin" icon
• insert a blank floppy in the floppy drive
• select "D:\images\cdrom.img" in the "Image File" field (assuming that your CDROM drive is "D:", otherwise replace "D:" as needed)
• select "A:" in the "Floppy Drive" field then click on "Write".
To begin the installation:
• insert the CDROM in the drive, as well as the boot floppy, then
• restart the computer.

So i did that and when it booted it said:
Verifying DMI pool data:
Boot Failed
Boot Failed
Boot Failed
Boot Failed

(the other boot faileds were because I hit the enter key).

And so now I'm stuck...
Can anyone either help me with my problem or tell me another OS that I might find useful...


Thanks much.

It might be a bad floppy.

Did you try using another disk?

No... but 2morrow I'm going to buy a new set of floppy's so I can see if I just maybe need a fresh new one...
I'll report what happens 2morrow...

this can be happen if ur disk is bad

hello i m vishal from india
where r u from?

You might be able to make your computer boot from the CD. Go into the BIOS setup screen (tap the Del or F1 key repeatedly as the computer goes through its boot procedure). Look for a 'Boot' menu, where you should find (depending on the computer's age) an option to specify which devices the computer can boot off, and in which order. Set the order to CD-ROM, floppy, hard disk, other bootable device. Exit the BIOS setup, making sure you select the 'Save Changes' option as you exit. With a CD in the CD-ROM drive, the computer will then boot straight off the CD.

You might find a 2GB hard disk too small for Mandrake 9.1 if you want the full GUI install. If you want to use the hard disk that came with the computer (in addition to the 2GB one) that would be OK; it doesn't matter if it had a virus on it before, because the Mandrake installation will erase it. Just make sure that you re-partition the whole drive and select the option to install your bootloader on the Master Boot Record. You will be able to spread out your Mandrake installation across both drives in the installer.

<edit> better expression.

What are the specs on the computer.
If it is a low end Win 95 machine, or less, that could also cause your problem.
What processor and how much RAM?

Ok... so it's between 300-500mHz and has 64 megs RAM.
It ran windows 95. And the other Hard drive was only 740some mb big... so I "upgraded" it, heh.

Yea... So i tried another floppy @ my gf's house and made a NEW boot disk.

It works fine, BUT now it's saying it can't find my CD ROM drive which was the problem when I tried to install Windows 98.

Also, due to the fact I have NO jobb, I don't have enough money to buy a new larger hard drive (18 dollars for the 2 gig was my limit) and due to lack of pc building skills AND money, I can't afford or install a new motherboard with a new processor. But I'm going to save for more RAM and possibly better speakers.

All I want outta this system is to run music, view web pages, and play smaller games like POSSIBLY UO (although a bitch to run on Linux, but it's kool, I gots time), also do instant messaging , and no way do I wanna do them all at the same time...

But now my major concern is too find out how to get it to detect my CDROM, either that, or if anyone can reccomend a better suited for my PC and needs OS then by all means lead me that way. But I'd rather use linux...

And what it tells me is after it says no CD ROM detected is:
Which Driver should I try to gain SCSI acces from:

And then it list a lotta stuff... if ya need a list or wanna help me quicker... feel free to instant message me or just ask on the forum..

And thanks again

Hard drive size will be one of your biggest problems. RAM a close second.
You may want to try Vector Linux if you just want to get some basic stuff running.
You could try searching Google for problems with that model, or troubleshoot by plugging the CD into another system and confirm it works.
Vector can be installed from the hard drive if you have a way format it (don't forget a swap) and then transfer the files to it. Looks like that should work OK.
Good Luck.

Well I know that the CD rom werks... I just better make sure all the cables are in correctly...

Also someone i know plugged the A: in wrong and it fried a power cord and that might messed up something..

I'm not sure...
So I maybe need to just get and install drivers for the CD ROM?
Someone tolde me linux don't need drivers though..

Thanks for al lthe help

If the data connection on the floppy was backwards, any floppy you put into it is toast.
I hate to even ask this, but is the CD set up correctly in the BIOS? Can you set it bootable?
Linux drivers for basic (and not so basic) hardware is included either in the kernel or as modules. CDs are normally detected and work at boot.

You know what it was!!!!
I'm reatard (but linux is install as I type...)

I didn't plug the damn cd rom into the motherboard...

HOW DAMN DUMB am I...

the cord was plugged into the back of the cd rom..

but for some god damn reason, I forgot to plug it into the motherboard...

so it's installing now though, but i am SOOOO dumb...

So unbelieveably dumb...

THANK YOU ALL THOUGH, you all helped a lot, but sometimes, you just kant help the retarded w/ linux