[kwlug-disc] linux on old hardware

[john at netdirect.ca]

kwlug-disc-bounces at kwlug.org wrote on 02/16/2010 01:54:43 PM:

> 
> I'm installing mandriva 2010 on an old computer (AMD 2000+, 256 megs of 
> ram (maybe 512 if I can find another stick)) and not having any luck.
> 
> When I boot from DVD, it dies at varying points.  Sometimes right away, 
> sometimes it reads for a bit then dies, sometimes I get the initial 
> install screen then it dies with something like "isolinux: disk error 
> 80, ax=4210"
> 
> I'm reasonably sure that the dvd is fine - I've used it for installing 
> numerous systems.  I'm suspecting something in my old hardware.  Any 
> ideas on where to start diagnosing?

I'm not familiar with AMD 2000+, but I do know that distros have left 386 
and 486 processors behind, maybe this is another casualty. The processor 
sounds like it's Pentium III compatible though.

Another thing to try is a memory check. Don't use the BIOS use memtest86. 
This is a boot option on Red Hat and Fedora dvds, perhaps it's there on 
Mandriva. Once you get memtest running let it run for as long as you like. 
We usually see memory problems within a minute, but running it longer can 
locate some transient problems.


John Van Ostrand
Net Direct Inc.
 
CTO, co-CEO
564 Weber St. N. Unit 12
map
 
Waterloo, ON N2L 5C6
 
john at netdirect.ca
Ph: 866-883-1172
ext.5102
Linux Solutions / IBM Hardware
Fx: 519-883-8533