Hi,
I just downloaded the three ISO images and burned the images on CD.
After I boot my computer from the first CD and hit "Enter", the progress bar reaches 100% and everything just stops. The CD stops spinning and there is no data processing either.
All i see is penguin with starry eyes and progress bar at 100%

I have also tried text mode, but the installer wont go beyond the first screen. All I see is "Welcome to MandakeLinux..." on the top of a black blank screen. And the same happnes, no processong or spinning CD either.

Do i have to pass any kernel parameters? Is there an update patch?

Here's my system configuration:
IBM Thinkpad i-1300
Pentium III, 750 MHz
128 MB RAM
20 GB hard drive
Trident Cyberblade 8MB video card

I think your CD is corrupted ... try burning a new CD1 or downloading a new CD1.

i dont think so.
i have the same problem with hp notebook.
i tried cd, rewriteablecd, dvd, rewriteabledvd, and the same .
a cant install it.

I'm sorry to say, but you may need to try another distro.

Your computer is somewhat old, and has few RAM, so the latest Mandriva would run slow anyway.

Why don't you try Deam Small Linux??? It's basic installation consumes only 50MB, and then you download the rest of the software. It will works pretty quick.

You may also wanna try: Fedora

[Edit to add] How much RAM does your notebook have?? I think that the installation wont work if it has too few ram ... you may *really* wanna try Deam Small Linux.