stumped noob

thesmokingun · Apr 20, 2008

so i figured i would try out linux. I have an empty partition, so i would like to install ubuntu on it...I have the cd (whatever the latest version is) and I can't get it to load up...I got to the page where it tells me that it's running in low graphics mode, and I have done it twice now, once to just continue, and another, to select my graphics drivers (geforce 8 series) both times, it just goes to the black screen w/blinking cursor. I have booted knoppix before (it worked) just from the cd, but i was hoping to at least boot into this one, to check it out, and maybe install it (i have the directions for dual booting, and plan to follow them)

My system specs are (if needed):
Gigabyte x38-DS4
Intel C2D E6750
1GB GSkill DDR2 1066
EVGA 8800GT 512MB
Sony USB DVD R/RW
I have a 250gb SATA drive (currently has win xp pro installed), and 2 200GB IDE drives (could this also pose a problem with installing? the empty partition is on the 1st ide drive )

any assistance would be appreciated....I have heard that there is an "alternate cd" method of installing ubuntu, but i don't know if I should go that route... thanks in advance for any help.

plodr · Apr 20, 2008

You may have to resort to cheat codes to get it to work.
http://www.knoppix.net/wiki/Cheat_code

Start down here
noapic noagp noapm nodma nomce nofirewire nopcmcia noscsi noswap nousb nosmp noaudio

You may have to tell it to not detect something because it may get hung up on detecting something.
I'd also remove the USB DVD (is that what you are running from?) because I've had live CDs stop at the detecting USB and wouldn't move further.

thesmokingun · Apr 21, 2008

thanks for the response. I went ahead and installed opensuse instead (was a 4.7gb dvd, rather than just the live ubuntu cd) I am now trying to figure out dual booting, but i think i have it...I will play more tonight.

plodr · Apr 21, 2008

If you aren't given a boot choice at startup (do you want to boot windows or SUSE), then grab a SuperGrub boot disk or boot CD http://www.supergrubdisk.org/
run it and repair the mbr. Then you can see a choice when you boot up and decide what you want to boot.

thesmokingun · Apr 22, 2008

i have supergrub on the ultimate bood cd....and some tinkering, and now i cant get either one to boot...i can get suse to boot using the dvd, but it wont access my windows drive now....i cant remove and fix mbr either, says loading grub, and all i get is a command prompt (grub> )....im gonna play around more when i have the time, ...thanks again for the response..

thesmokingun · Apr 23, 2008

ok, so i have fixed my earlier problem (sort of). I use the windows recovery console, and fixboot, then fixmbr, to get back into windows now.... I cannot see the linux partition in windows (is this common) and i want to try and fix the boot now so i can choose windows or suse...If i need grub, then fine...any suggestions on how to do it? or should i just scrap it and try to install another

thanks for the input so far..

plodr · Apr 23, 2008

Yes, it is common. The last item you install will "fix" the mbr so the other thing is invisible.
I've never used SUSE so I don't know how the installer works. Linux is pretty well-behaved. If you install the bootloader on the MBR rather than just in the partition, it will give you a menu of what to boot from. You may have put Grub just on the partition.

I'd say try supergrub again and see if you can fix it. If not, then you'll have to go back to the recovery console again. Sorry. There might be an easier way but I don't know it.
Hopefully someone with experience in SUSE will chime in and offer assistance.

Log in or Sign up

stumped noob

thesmokingun MajorGeek

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

thesmokingun MajorGeek

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

thesmokingun MajorGeek

thesmokingun MajorGeek

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member