i get that message after booting from cdrom and splash screen which give the options of how you want to start installation. I tried installing, install in safe graphics mode, and checking the cd for errors. I get the same results. I don't know what it means but i have a feeling that it wants me to prepare the disk tables before hand. it also says i can type "help" for a list of built in commands. this is the second cd on the second machine I have burned so I don't think it can be resolved by downloading and burning once again.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I think this mat be because you have a SATA disk
I found the solution in this thread:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=415009&page=14
See hbjason's post, it worked for me.

uh oh,
Doesn't seem like there is a particular fix to this. I have two IDEs not SATA. I'm a little new at this and am about to start on a new kernel for my Slackware box. I guess i better just focus on one thing at a time. I will however give it another try if only for the learning experience after i install my new kernel.

thanks for the info.