Hello
Trying to install Linux 7.2 (Professional) on a Packard Bell desktop
with an Intel Celeron processor at 433, a Bora Plus M/B, a Quantum
Fireball 10Go hard disk, a Pioneer DVD (*32), a TraxData R/W (8*4*32) and
a 3DX Voodoo3 graphics card, I have encountered freeze up at the first
screen using all media.
The hard disk is already partitioned with Partition Magic, and there is
an early version of Corel Linux already installed.
Using the DVD or CD1, I see the first screen in the Suse reference
manual ; however, both the menu space and the boot option slot are blank,
and the timer is invisible. Neither keyboard nor mouse input is accepted.
Using CD2 or the boot-disk, I find a screen which looks much like an
MS-DOS screen, with contact addresses for Suse, the slogan "Have a lot
of fun" and a blinking cursor at the bottom of the screen. Again, there
is no reaction to input from either mouse or cursor.
After looking at the documentation, I wondered if it might be because of
the way the Pioneer is linked ; however, the machine does read the first
screen, and I can see the Suse CDs from within both Windows and Corel
Linux, and consult the Read documents.
After hunting around in the knowledgebase, I tried holding down the
shift-key during installation, as apparently that works around BIOS
problems that have been encountered from 6.4 on. This has no effect. On
the Packard Bell site, there is no mention of a BIOS upgrade for this
motherboard.
Suse-support has suggested that I try to enter linux vga=normal at the
boot-prompt or that I try YAST1. However, as the installation freezes at
the first screen and accepts no input, I can't do that. I have spent
some time trawling the net, but have not been able to trace any leads
which address my problem. I would be grateful if anyone could offer me a
hand in getting this up and running.
Thank you and best wishes
-
Timothy Mason