I'm trying to install Mandrake Linux 9.1 on my new HP ze5375 laptop. Everyting goes ok until 2nd stage installation. After the installation scans PCMCIA it tries to install driver for the firewire and the computer hangs. The screen says:
Installing driver for bus/firewire card Texas Instruments| TSB43AB21 IEEE-1394 Controller (PHY/Link) 1394a-2000

What do I need to try? Linux nofirewire --doesn't work?? Any ideas??
Thanx,
Z-Ice

Have you configured the BIOS for a successful installation? See here for more details:

http://www.mandrake.tips.4.free.fr/install.html

Not having the correct BIOS settings can upset correct hardware detection, which can lead to the sort of symptoms you are experiencing.

If you haven't had the BIOS settings as per the article in the link, change them and then perform a completely new installation.

I looked at the BIOS and everything is ok. I have worked with many but this is the first which there is not much to change. Laptop figures.... I could not change plug and play or any shadow video memory...

Any other ideas??

thanx,
Z-Ice

I need help!! (.1 freezes like previously stated, yet 8.2 installs fine. It wrecked XP but it installed ok. What can I do w/ 9.1 to get passed the firewire crap?

Thanx,
Z-Ice

You could try forcing the BIOS to scan the PCI devices, the same as would happen if PnP was set to Off. This is done by adding 'pci=biosirq' to the kernel parameters during boot. During the install procedure, you will be given a screen in which you can press F1 for options. After doing that, type:

linux pci=biosirq

and press Enter. See if that makes the installation run better. If not, try a fresh start to an install and add another option:

linux pci=biosirq noapic

Failing that, try again with:

linux pci=biosirq noapic acpi=off

HTH.

I tried all three options you posted and it still will not get pasted the firewire driver?? If you are wondering about the laptop... P4 2.4GHz(533fsb), 512 RAM, 40GB, 3 usb 2.0, 1 firewire...

Humm... Is there any web site that lists all the boot kernel options which I could try?

Thanx again,
Z-Ice

I figured it out!!! I just used linux noauto nofirewire. I think the noauto did it. After I installed the os I configured what the auto did not figure for me.

Later all.....
Z-Ice

Good to hear Z-Ice; enjoy your Linux journey...

I'm new to Mandrake (and Linux). I have exactly the same problem. How do I enter "linux noauto nofirewire" when booting from DVD?

Right at the start of the installation procedure, you will be presented with a screen prompting you to press F1 for options. When this message appears, press the F1 key, and type in:

linux noauto nofirewire

then press Enter. The installation routine will then resume, but will take into account your instructions to use 'noauto' and 'nofirewire'.

Since you're new to Mandrake 9.1, look here for some installation tips:

http://www.mandrake.tips.4.free.fr/install.html

The ones relating to the BIOS are particularly important.

Dude, you are a Goddess sent. I have that same damn laptop and it has been driving me nuts trying to figure out the damn firewire lockup.


Thanks

Remember since you entered noauto you will have a bit more setup after the install. OR Later on during the install. I have not had any trouble with the firewire after I installed.

Z-Ice