Mandrake 10.1 Installation hangs at Installation of Bootloader

dnl · 01-01-2005, 03:47 PM

Every time I try to install Mandrake 10.1, the whole process runs smooth until it starts to install the bootloader. I normally choose the bootloader to be installed into the first sector of drive (MBR). It will then stop its installation process at this point. It is not possible to pass this step and do a summary and installation update.

When I reboot the system (displaying full details), it hangs after the message : Building Mozilla registry Disabling IRQ #18.

Any ideas how to solve, please ?

Dommy · 01-01-2005, 07:54 PM

Sounds like your MBR is protected from writing. Look in your BIOS there may be a setting you need to unlock. Try google to see if this has been reported elewhere

Alternately, build your system to boot from floppy and see if it loads correctly.

davcefai · 01-02-2005, 01:38 AM

Some motherboards have a "Virus Protection" setting in CMOS. If this is enabled then it will explain your problem as all it does is protect the MBR.

dnl · 01-03-2005, 05:48 AM

Thanks for replying. I had a look in the BIOS (AMIBIOS). Nothing about virus protection or MBR write protection settings. Need to try boot floppy still.

Dommy · 01-03-2005, 05:26 PM

If that fails just check if your Mandrake discs against their MD5 sums to make sure their not corrupt.

dnl · 01-06-2005, 12:45 PM

I make use of a wireless keyboard and mouse (USB). By disabling USB legacy in the BIOS and making use of conventional keyboard and mouse, I managed to run the complete installation. I must add that I have also updated the BIOS.

To run Windows XP - I need to enable USB legacy in the BIOS.
To run Linux - I need to disable USB legacy.
(To be able to use the wireless keyboard and mouse)
This is rather inconvenient to do every time I want to switch between operating systems. Need to check out forums for tips still.

bobbyjoe · 01-06-2005, 11:02 PM

same prob here, I think its just an unresolved mandrake bug. I never checked the mandrake site because I doubt that it is mandrake fault. If you find out what's the prob, please inform us

Dommy · 01-07-2005, 12:34 AM

Interesting DNL, I've used a wireless keyboard and mouse with both XP and 10.1 but was never satisfied with the performance in either OS. I found the receiver could not be more than 8 inches( 20cm) from the mouse otherwise the mouse would not work, the keyboard seemed unaffected by distance. It got so annoying that I gave up and went back to a wired keyboard and mouse.

davcefai · 01-07-2005, 12:34 AM

Why don't you try running Knoppix and see if the same happens? If Knoppix runs OK then it looks like a bug in either Mandrake or the NVIDIA driver. (since you also have the problem with the nv driver then it would probably be Mandrake.

Knoppix is a "Live CD". Runs entirely off the CD and has unbelievably good hardware detection.

http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html

Note it is a 700 MB download and, frankly, an essential tool.

dnl · 01-07-2005, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dommy
Interesting DNL, I've used a wireless keyboard and mouse with both XP and 10.1 but was never satisfied with the performance in either OS. I found the receiver could not be more than 8 inches( 20cm) from the mouse otherwise the mouse would not work, the keyboard seemed unaffected by distance. It got so annoying that I gave up and went back to a wired keyboard and mouse.

My experience in the broadcasting field tells me you possibly have a fault with your mouse's RF transceiver. My mouse reaches 1m easilly. First make sure its batteries are in good condition.

Dommy · 01-08-2005, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dnl
My experience in the broadcasting field tells me you possibly have a fault with your mouse's RF transceiver. My mouse reaches 1m easilly. First make sure its batteries are in good condition.

Tried that, didn't work.

My wife has a wireless setup on her system but its the older type that has ps/2 plugs for the keyboard and mouse, hers works like a charm and I've often wondered if there is some RF interference from her unit as we sit about 5 meters apart. Our computers should be otherwise identical as they were purchased from the same store about 3 months apart.

dnl · 01-08-2005, 04:18 AM

The fact that your keyboard works fine, makes me think that the problem is more specific your mouse. I assume that both the keyboard and mouse operates on the same frequencies, but are separated by unique ID's - not sure of the protocol and modulation technique.

Try to assign another ID to the mouse. My system allows one to do that - especially when the keyboard and mouse conflict because of the same ID's. Refer to your manual.

Also try to unplug your wife's keyboard/mouse system while you check your mouse - to confirm that interference is not an issue.

If none of the above helps - jump on it !!

Dommy · 01-08-2005, 06:48 AM

The manual is all pictures which basically say press keybord button , wait 20 secs, press mouse button.

I tried using mine while her computer was off but that might not be indicative as the batteries are still in both. What I want to do someday is swap keybord/mice between the 2 computers and see if that works, however, The Significant Other get toey when I start messing with her computer so I'll have to bide my time.

In the mean time I've gone back to good old solid PS/2 cabled keyboard and mouse , works like a charm.