Linux 7.2(odessy) won't install

[ruccus]

To whom it may concern,

Posted in this request for help in italics are two separate incidents that I sent in to customer support. One was with Linux-Mandrake and the following with Macmillan. I was unaware that the two were networked. Anyways, at the end of the two posts is a rather lengthy list of error messages that I recieved will trying to install Linux. Could you please help me in this matter. My system specs are:
via 503+ mb running at 100mhz fsb
96 mgs 100mhz dimms
AMD k6 2-450 cpu
voodoo 3 3000 video card
SB Xtreme Gamer Live sound card
Creative Labs 56k flex modem model 5600
realtech 8029 ethernet card running adsl thru dhcp
standard 3.5 floppy drive
120 mg imation super drive
48x creative cdrom
one 13g maxtor hd (running Windows ME)
one 8g maxtor hd (blank for now. I want to install linux on it separate from windows)
This is a hand built system that I did myself and have had over 4 years now and have really no problems with it. At this point, I am in a position to go to school and get certified in the Microsoft stuff. However, I also would like to get my feet wet with the unix field and possibly pick up something there. Not only that, but between you and me I am getting fed up with the microsoft thing as it is. I appreciate any help that you can help me with. Oh by the way, a few weeks ago I purchased and installed Linux-Mandrake 6.5 complete and have had no problems in using it.


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This message is a response for your technical inquiry on the product Linux Mandrake Operating System 7.2 Complete, ISBN 1575954524

We received the following message from you:

I am having problems installing linux on my computer. I have two hd 13g(dedicated to windows) and 8g(for linux). I have tried as many possible installation options available to me from just using the 8g as the only hd online to going through lnx4win. When I tried the lnx4win the 8g drive clicked a lot for about ten minutes (not thrashing)before I turned off the computer. This during the formatting process. Is this normal? / I have gotten several error messages from missing, can't make, or can't open such and such, / missing header, and at times a looping process where I end up at the choose install type. I meet the requirements to run this system. I installed 6.5 a few weeks ago and have had no problems. I reinstalled the 6.5 did a install, did a reinstall, did an install with window/dos partition/, and did an install with just the 8g drive by itself. I also tried to do a rescue. So now I am at a loss. What did I do wrong? / bryan

In response to your inquiry...

For Technical Support, please see the Mandrake support information below:
http://www.mandrax.org/en/mcpsupport/
or this email:
macmillansupport1@mandrake.com


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I do apologize for the lengthy post here. Here is a sample of the error messages that I get.
"There was an error installing packages:
mesa
cdparanio
qtcups
fortune xli
aalib
mpeg
detect mc gtkdialogs
libghttp
perl
zip
gnome
There were many more and they all ended with the suffix .mdk. The install program will self terminate midway.
other error messages:
mkdir: error creating directory ..../postinstall.
no such file or directory.
error occurred ldconfig failed
no hdlist found
packagefile: missing header
Do I have a defective disk or am i doing something wrong?

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Can't get an edge in wordwise

[This message has been edited by ruccus (edited 02 December 2000).]

[This message has been edited by ruccus (edited 02 December 2000).]

[bleg26]

Which are you installing from:
1. Store bought package?
2. CD you made from a d/l ed .iso image?
3. Local HD from which you d/l ed from a FTP/HTTP site?
4. FTP/HTTP install?

IF:
1. Do you have all CD's (should be at least 2 CD's) or maybe defective CD's
2. Did you make both CD's
3. Did you d/l everything (all files/directories in the Mandrake directory)
4. Try a diferent site.

I seemed to have the same problem when I did a FTP install. I just went to a diferent FTP site, and problem solved. The site was probably at max capacity.

[This message has been edited by bleg26 (edited 02 December 2000).]

[ruccus]

I have a boxed set with 4 cds. I have been browsing the this message board and have seen some ideas that may work. I was running bootmagic (which should not have made a difference when I was using the 8g drive alone). Possibly setting the bios to default settings may help. I am wondering if the partitioning aspect is throwing me off. But I can't see why when I choose automate.

[ruccus]

One more thing to include, I bought the box set from Wal-Mart! Is that the problem? Earlier posts suggest that may be the case.
Open for comments and or suggestions. The other choice is to install LM 6.5 and d/l the 7.2 from an ftp site, but I don't know how to do that! How about some pointers.

[DrDrake]

Very long and unorganized post, don't feel like actually looking for your problem, but I noticed the word lin4win. THIS IS BAD. stay away from it. Install linux on its own harddrive, and just use the Grub bootloader to switch OS's. Again, do not use lin4win. Create a partition with DiskDrake (in setup process) on your 2nd harddrive just for linux, and a 128mb swap partition. Also, you will not need windows for long anyways once you find out how to use VMware..

[UncleMonty]

I can at least confirm the problem.
I get the same error messages when installing Mandrake 7.2 on my AMD K6-2 / 500Mhz system.

Try underclocking your CPU to 166Mhz during the installation. For some reason, this seems to reduce the "instability" for want of a better word.
Also, at the first moments of the installation, instead of pressing the "enter" key, type in the word "text" without quotation marks, and then press "enter".
This will bring up the old fashioned text based installation.
Then choose the mode of installation, I would avoid "Automated" or "expert".
After that, you just answer the questions by tabbing, arrow-keying, and entering.
Don't try this if you are a complete newbie, I almost am, but with a bit of study, figured it out.
By the way, 7.1 installs much more reliably than 7.2 on my system, and Red Hat 6.2 is rock solid.

Later addendum: 12/6/00

No-Go! I'm back to Red Hat 6.2.
Mandrake kept coming up with new ways to bomb during installation on my system. One interesting one, when the entire system would freeze at the moment I set up my user's account password. Type it in, enter, OK. Type it in the second time for confirmation, freeze. Happened every time.



[This message has been edited by UncleMonty (edited 06 December 2000).]