As Charles Smith wrote, perhaps the installation procedure for 64-bit is different from 32-bit for SUSE. From the description of the problem it would seem that the last step starting YAST is the problem, that the machine reboots rather than install. Alan
As I said at the very end of my last message (admittedly quite subtly), the problem with it rebooting upon loading the kernel turned out to be some BIOS settings on the ASUS SK8N involving ECC Memory settings. After turning off the ECC scrubbing, etc, it seems to work exactly the same as you describe in RH using an alternate 64-bit version of linux and initrd. I have another post-install problem now, but I haven't gotten to the point yet where I've run out of options and need help. Thanks for you response! -Charles Smith