Help me with Mandrake Linux install

[NateSLC]

Hey,

My PC has WinXP, but I am trying out Linux. I have progressed through the Mandrake 8.1 install process until I get to the part where files are being copied to the Linux partition. The problem is that the installation fails when there are 4 or so minutes left. Is there anything special I need to do with my particular hardware? I've searched the Mandrake site and haven't been able to come up with a solution. My system config is in my sig.

Thanks!
Nate

 

[TonyRic]

Try 8.2, your system and 8.1 may be the problem. Drivers and such.

 

[SilverIce]

I'm also trying to install Mandrake Linux........but I'm not sure what version I have. I think I saw some sort of NEW beta copy on their site..........but don't know if I should mess with the beta. Are you trying to install on another partition on your hard drive? Or is this a fresh install on clean HD?

 

[NateSLC]

Update: I booted of the 8.1 CD #2 and chose a different kernel to install with. My USB mouse would not work during installation (I can use the keyboard) but it completed the installation. The USB mouse worked fine when Linux booted for the first time. Now I'm having trouble with Linux messing up an NTFS partition.

Here's my partition situation:

Primary 60GB HD (2 partitions)

Partition 1 NTFS C: -> Windows XP (20 GB)
Partition 2 NTFS D: -> Windows Data Partition (40 GB)

Secondary 60GB HD (3 partitions)

Partition 1 Linux -> 4 GB
Partition 2 Linux Swap -> 1 GB
Partition 3 NTFS H: -> Windows Data Partition (55GB)

Now, get this. When I boot into Linux, my Windows D: drive becomes unreadable to XP! XP says it's an unknown file system just like the two Linux partitions. I repartition it to NTFS and the next time I use Linux, the same thing happens.

I have now removed Linux. If anyone has any insight, please let me know. I would like to play with Linux, but not without a Windows installation that's safe.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Try Mandrake 8.2. Or dont bother dual booting. Or make sure you dont make the same mistakes.

 

[NateSLC]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Try Mandrake 8.2. Or dont bother dual booting. Or make sure you dont make the same mistakes.

What mistakes did I make?

 

[ebaycj]

i don't understand why so many ppl try to mess with linux, they start out by trying to dual boot.

if you want to mess with it that bad, you should be able to afford a second computer to try it on. buy yourself a duron+cheap mobo+cheap RAM+small HD (20gb)+cheap CDROM+cheap ATX case.

case $25 shipped.
duron+mobo+HSF $75 shipped.
ram $50 shipped.
HD $75 shipped.

total = $225 shipped, and thats for a FAST-ASS linux testbed. (think k6 stuff if you want it cheaper).

it is much easier to learn and work with linux when it is used as it was meant to be, a primary operating system.
leave it running all the time, and see how often you are SSH'ing into it to mess around, or to do something your windoze box cant do.


the above is absolutely the BEST way to learn about any operating system. if you disagree, you're wrong.

ELiTe

 

[NateSLC]

Originally posted by: ebaycj
i don't understand why so many ppl try to mess with linux, they start out by trying to dual boot. if you want to mess with it that bad, you should be able to afford a second computer to try it on. buy yourself a duron+cheap mobo+cheap RAM+small HD (20gb)+cheap CDROM+cheap ATX case. case $25 shipped. duron+mobo+HSF $75 shipped. ram $50 shipped. HD $75 shipped. total = $225 shipped, and thats for a FAST-ASS linux testbed. (think k6 stuff if you want it cheaper). it is much easier to learn and work with linux when it is used as it was meant to be, a primary operating system. leave it running all the time, and see how often you are SSH'ing into it to mess around, or to do something your windoze box cant do. the above is absolutely the BEST way to learn about any operating system. if you disagree, you're wrong. ELiTe

All right. This post pisses me off. The reason why is that you are not helping me with what I asked to do. The whole purpose of your post is to belittle what I am trying to do. Funny thing is, what I am trying to do is something Mandrake Linux is built to do. I don't want to spend $225 for a stand alone machine. I would rather do it this way. If you think that putting linux on a stand alone machine is the best way for everyone to check out Linux, you're wrong. Although I can see how your suggestion would be a good one for some people, it could do without the nasty-a$$ comments.

Nate

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: NateSLC

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Try Mandrake 8.2. Or dont bother dual booting. Or make sure you dont make the same mistakes.

What mistakes did I make?

Couldnt tell you. I wasnt there when you installed it. Definitely try 8.2 though.

 

[NateSLC]

Thanks n0monkey,
<FONT face=Verdana size=1><FONT face=Arial size=2>
I am in the process of downloading it now. </FONT></FONT>

 

[n0cmonkey]

Let us know how it goes. And although I agree with ebaycj on the subject of dualbooting (for most users), he did go about it the wrong way.

 

[NateSLC]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Let us know how it goes. And although I agree with ebaycj on the subject of dualbooting (for most users), he did go about it the wrong way.

What about using an old Cyrix 233?

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: NateSLC

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Let us know how it goes. And although I agree with ebaycj on the subject of dualbooting (for most users), he did go about it the wrong way.

What about using an old Cyrix 233?

It would be slow, but it would work. Thats basically what I started out on (compaq laptop )

 

[flywing]

I have been dual booting win98 and mandrake 8 since last fall and it has worked just fine. Prehaps it is the NTFS. Try it with FAT32 and see if that works better.