I am relatively new to the Linux world. I currently uuse Linux in my Computer Engineering classes, but have never used it at home. I am attempting to dual boot Redhat 9 on my current Windows XP system.
My specs are
P4 2.0 GHz
512mb RAM
Install hard drive has 2 partitions 20 gb each

I am able to boot with the install cd-roms and I do a cd check on all cd's, they pass. I then try to install and this is where I am having problems. I am following the guide for dual booting at Redhat.com, it tells me when partitioning to use automatic partitioning and select use exisiting free space. I try this and it says I cannot because I have not setup a root drive. So I do a manual partition with a swap drive of 1gb, boot drive in the ext3 format at 100mb, and the root drive as the rest, 18gb. I am able to get through about half of the install but then the install fails. It fails at different times trying to install different packages, but the error message always says.

"There was an error installing _________. This can indicate meida failure, lack of disk space, and/or hardware problems. THis is a fatal error and your install will be aborted. Please verify your media and try your install again.

Any help would be greatly apppreciated.

p.s. Sorry for the long story

Is there a possibility to check the media in another machine (try to install from the cds)? It should tell you if the cds are OK. If they are it may be a problem with your cd drive - if possible use another one. But it's hard to say before you try the cds in another machine.

I am a newbie too - just trying to give a hand and learn at the same time (to be corrected by all the gurus here).

If your Windowx XP took all the hard disk space, which is usually the case, your Redhat (and probably all other kinds of Linux) installation will fail. You need to manually release enough space (using something like PowerQuest's Partition Magic) as unpartitioned space for Linux.

The hard drive is a 40 gig drive. Windows is already set up on a partition that is 20 gigs. I have 20 left fir Linux, so there shouldn't be a space issue.

Did you partition the 20GB or leave that unpartitioned?

The 20 gig is unpartitioned. I figured I would set it up when I install Linux.

Normally, the installation is very easy and commented, I think it is a cd problems or try to set the hd master/slave to cable select (and maybe auto in the bios too...) and see if there is a difference.

I want ti thank everyone for there quick help. I managed to get it it installed. I used my second CD drive for the installation and made the boot drive bigger. I also sat there and gave the evil eye to the installation screen. But now I am up and running, thanks.