I'm trying to install mandrake 10 on a HP, 350MHZ with 256RAM and a DVD drive. I downloaded the 3 iso's and checked their md5sum, burned them with the test option on, to see if I got it right. During the installation I selected all the options except the server ones, and install both KDE and GNOME. I also selecte the LILO/graphics bootloader.

It then begins to install packages...but it does not go as smoothly as one would desire. Some packages cannot be installed. Most of them are applications: gnucash, mozilla, and some are weird libraries like: libqt.so. I always say...CONTINUE...knowing that problems lurck ahead. AFter it's done installing, it wants to reboot.

After rebooting, the graphic progress bar begins very nicely, but soon after, I get sent to tty1 and have to login in text mode. If I login as root, I cant bring the X-server on line by typing 'startx'. If I logon as a user, I can type " startx " and begin a session. Since the first time I chose GNOME, now it always starts GNOME. In gnome, many of the applications wont work, Control Center for one. I haven't been able to start kde (dont know how ) to see if they work there.

I've tried installing with different sets of CD's and I always get some packages that wont install, the packages change between sets of CDs. I tryied installing in another machine and it worked perfectly. I am beginning to think certain sectors of my HD may be damaged. Is there a way to go back and try to install the packages that didnt install iin the first try? Is there a way to start the graphical loging ? Can I do something to improve the efficiency of the installation.? I was thinking of installing the system without applications and only installing kde and then, if it works, install all the applications. What do you suggest?

I am going to try to install MDK 10 one more time and then I'll try FC1, to see if its a distribution problem or a machine problem.

Thx for the help

Camp

I would suspect a HW problem. i have seen things like this when I had my fsb overclocked too much and when my ddr was failing. Try running a memory checker for a few hours.

Another possibility is the dvd drive is not able to handle the burned cds, could you try swaping the burner to the mdk target computer.

If it were the HD, you should still be able to get the install files from the cds. If your drive has SMART, there could be a warning at post.

After the install, the CDs are set up as the urpmi sources, so you can urpmi them by hand if you want. It will ask for the CDs.

My box is not overclocked and the ram seems Ok. I think the problem is with the DVD not been able to read the burned CDs. I'll try to get an old CDROM to put into my machine and install linux... I was thinking of buying a cheap distro on DVD or downloading Mandrake 9.2 (which I cant find now). I dont know, do youall suggest I should rather go back to 9.2? --I've been reading that 10 Community is more a testing ground than a complete product-- I am pressed for time and I dont think I would like to spend another three hours installing MDK10, and the thing not working again.

THx everyone for your help.

Camp.

I'm using mandrake 10 and it's ok as long as you keep installing the updates. Or you can wait until may and get the official powerpack version. BTW, www.easylinuxcds.com carries mandrake cd's in case you need any.