Installation - can't get past initial screen

[strayduck_uk]

I've just bought a DVD copy of Fedora Core from an online retailer. It arrived in the post, I whacked it in the disc drive and started things up.

Everything stops at the initial screen though. The fedora logo image is badly distorted and when I press enter to try and start installation, the error message "cannot find image linux kernel." None of the function keys work so I cannot access the installation options.

I'm using a Packard Bell E3242 with an AMD Athlon XP-M 2400+, 256 MB RAM and a 30 GB hard disk. I'm also a total linux newbie, so any suggestions gratefully appreciated!

Dan :-)

[MAnix]

Hmm. That could be the DVD. Try it inside another machine?? if the image loads up and you can access the install (dont worry it doesnt do anything unless you confirm so u wont accidentally destroy another pc!!) then you know it should work.

If you ordered the DVD you probably have technical support. Id get onto the retailler who should issue you with better advice. They can issue a replacement if it is the DVD.

If there is a problem with the DVD and you want Fedora, my advice would have been to download the images from the net here (http://fedora.redhat.com/Download/) , the cd .iso's are my fav but im old skool. Burn them at a low speed, like 4x, and this helps prevents errors. Then you can try them again.

Post back if it still wont load or if there are other errors.

Also if your a linux noob try these notes for a good idea of how to configure your pc when it is installed:
http://stanton-finley.net/fedora_core_5_installation_notes.html
They are really useful to many people and talk you through many common error traps. It gives an overview how to set up services and multimedia. Very good.

[CheezyArmpit]

i get the same error on the cd version, i bought it off pcdiscs.co.uk, i also get an error about an invalid keyword in the config file

[strayduck_uk]

That's exactly the error message I get. I also bought it from pcdiscs.co.uk...but I tried it on a mate's computer and it worked. I've even converted him to Fedora, so it can't be the disc. What computer are you using?

[CheezyArmpit]

a laptop (basically a rebranded mitac 8355 if you wanna look up the specs)

[strayduck_uk]

The only similarities with that and mine are the use of an AMD processor and the same Sound chip. Funnily enough, I tried to use the next edition of Ubuntu (v 6.06, Dapper Drake flight 7) and that presented the same error on booting from the disk. The only thing I can think of is something has happened to the next version of the linux kernel...??

[CheezyArmpit]

clarification: radeon 9600 gfx card, 1400x1050 tft screen, panasonic slimline cd-rw/dvd-rom combo, amd 64 3200+ cpu, 512mb ram, 30gb hd (10gb reserved for *nix, 20gb for winblows - games), orinoco silver 802.11b wifi card.. had the graphical corruption too, had it with FC4- but could install fine. tried 'expert', none of the F-keys work (F2 for help etc)

[strayduck_uk]

If expert installation is the way to go...how do I do it and is it hard...

[CheezyArmpit]

i meant i tried that and it didn't work, just type expert :P

[strayduck_uk]

Nah that don't work - same error. Seems strange that both this and Ubuntu 6.06 would show the same error. Ah well, will wait until new computer arrives and try again!

[CheezyArmpit]

i'm not going to give up that easily, i'll wait until somebody suggests something, might go play with it quickly actually

[JN4OldSchool]

Try typing "linux vesa" at the install prompt.

[CheezyArmpit]

no, it can't find the "linux" option in the cfg.

type: vmlinuz initrd=initrd.img

it may work for you :) the vmlinuz bit i just tested (guessed, forgot initrd filename)

[JN4OldSchool]

ahh, my mistake, I misread the first post.

[CheezyArmpit]

it worked, you may wish to try:

vmlinuz initrd=initrd.img vesa

if you have graphical issues, as suggested by JN4OldSchool

[MAnix]

If expert installation is the way to go...how do I do it and is it hard...

ok. well i had a prob like this once on an old machine. you could try this:

take HDD out of machine and take it to another machine that you know boots the disk, like ur mates u mentioned...

Install FC

do all the yum updates you want unless the machine you have set up at the mo has a direct net, then no bother.

Put it back into main machine and it should auto recognise hardware due to modprobe and other goodies FC loads with.

You may have a message appear regards graphics and it needs you to hit enter when it asks if u want to load new config file for VGA so you can view again if the other machine wsas vastly diff.

I did this and it worked. if you are determined the this is the way to go. i have seen this error before which is why i posted earlier. I know this works and WILL work.

Give it a try and i bet it works. I saw this prob and the machine i had trouble with was a pentium 3 467mhz with intel graphics in an old desktop case. i installed it by taking HDD out and putting it in my intel p4 2.8ghz prescott with nvidia graphics.

**Note, remove power cables AND ide cables from existing drives in machine you are using to install so as to prevent data loss from donor PC, and remember to connect back up again.**

I never posted this before as this is one hell of a workaround and is also requiring a knowledge of hardware and PC installs of HDD's etc... buut you seem eager. you can find pointers on the net for how to connect a HDD but here it is simply. Remove the 4 wire connector that is your power, this is red, black yellow and black. then remove the ribbon style cable that is in the same device. the hdd is a small 3.5" flattish rectangualr object that has metal finish on one side with a label and underside has printed ciruits and components.

Post for more help and let me know if this works for you. could be one for bugzilla??

[CheezyArmpit]

ok. well i had a prob like this once on an old machine. you could try this:

take HDD out of machine and take it to another machine that you know boots the disk, like ur mates u mentioned...

Install FC

do all the yum updates you want unless the machine you have set up at the mo has a direct net, then no bother.

Put it back into main machine and it should auto recognise hardware due to modprobe and other goodies FC loads with.

You may have a message appear regards graphics and it needs you to hit enter when it asks if u want to load new config file for VGA so you can view again if the other machine wsas vastly diff.

I did this and it worked. if you are determined the this is the way to go. i have seen this error before which is why i posted earlier. I know this works and WILL work.

Give it a try and i bet it works. I saw this prob and the machine i had trouble with was a pentium 3 467mhz with intel graphics in an old desktop case. i installed it by taking HDD out and putting it in my intel p4 2.8ghz prescott with nvidia graphics.

**Note, remove power cables AND ide cables from existing drives in machine you are using to install so as to prevent data loss from donor PC, and remember to connect back up again.**

I never posted this before as this is one hell of a workaround and is also requiring a knowledge of hardware and PC installs of HDD's etc... buut you seem eager. you can find pointers on the net for how to connect a HDD but here it is simply. Remove the 4 wire connector that is your power, this is red, black yellow and black. then remove the ribbon style cable that is in the same device. the hdd is a small 3.5" flattish rectangualr object that has metal finish on one side with a label and underside has printed ciruits and components.

Post for more help and let me know if this works for you. could be one for bugzilla??

That is assuming my suggestion didn't work:

it worked, you may wish to try:

vmlinuz initrd=initrd.img vesa

if you have graphical issues, as suggested by JN4OldSchool

I had the same problem and i managed to fix it like that, i managed to get onto anaconda too(graphical installer).

Repartitioning before I install though.

[smfinley]

This is a known bug (https://bugzilla.redhat.com/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=178143). Typing "/isolinux/vmlinuz initrd=/isolinux/initrd.img" at the boot prompt and hitting enter will get you through it.

[MAnix]

ahhhh ha. well my mistake for before but that seems to of solved a mystery i had before. i just did the above and worked around it, but i tried the solution posted out of curiosity and it worked so i guess i was hitting this bug. cheers all. guess you learn something new everyday!!

[strayduck_uk]

Done, sorted - Fedora 5 now running on my laptop. And it's beautiful...

Thanks for all your help...expect many more confused queries over the next few weeks as I get to grips with this thing!!

Dan :-)