I've just got a new AMD 64 3200 - based box on which I want to install Mandrake 9.2 from scratch. Halfway into the installation, it all crashes. I've tried running Knoppix from CD, but it does the same thing, and I've had a go with a Lindows disk and got the same result.

I'm new to Linux, so a bit perplexed. Does this processor need a 64-bit Linux distro? That would surprise me a bit, as I'd have thought it back-compatible.

I'm just chucking up Windows for Linux and know very little. I'd be grateful for any advice.

Thanks.

Install a 64 bit distro and you should be fine.

Thanks, paricularly for the bottom line pearl of wisdom. I've now tried Mandrake 10 for AMD 64, but I've got the self-same problem. Installation gets as far as the "Welcome to Mandrake Linux (10.0)" screen with "<Alt-F1> for here, <Alt-F3> to see logs, <Alt-F4> for kernel msg" at the foot of the screen, and then freezes.

The new hardware I've got seems to be ok - a DOS floppy boots to the A:\ prompt alright.

Anyone any further ideas to advance me?

Thanks a lot.

do you sata or scsi, what chipset do you have, looks like that is due to chipset or sata controlers. post you mobo ( motherboard brand ) or pc brand and model.