[RULE] Kernel loading problems (CD-install)

[Daniel O'Neill]

Sorry if this is too long, I'm aiming for completeness!

I am encountering problems installing the kernel during a slinky install
of RedHat9. Note: same machine as in "My 486 won't boot" mail thread.
I am running the slinky install from floppies using slinky V0.3.96,
loading stage two scripts from floppy. The install seems to go well util
the machine prompts for the kernel. BTW I'm using a ext2 file system and
I'm not installing any of the
optional components. I will relate what happens as best as I can remember:

I am using XOSL (which includes Smartboot) to boot floppies and CD's.
The installer sucesfully installs components off of
the CDROM, it then tries to unmount a CDROM file system and reports that
that it was unsucessfull as it can't find the mounted directory.
It tries to eject the CD and fails for similar reasons, "no such file or
directory". The installer then gives the usual message: RedHathas removed
the i386 .... and prompts for a CD, and here's where the real fun begins.

The CDROM drive won't open! After a bit of coaxing and some ugly sounds
from the drive I can get the RULE iso CDROM in the drive and press enter
and the installer returns:

    mounting /dev/hdb on /mnt/cdrom
    mount failed...

It does this a bit quickly as if it doesn't even try and the light on
CDROM drive doesn't flicker. The installer then continues on to loading
LILO, and creating a boot disk, which it never writes and after asking for
login stuff it tries to reboot and completely fails!

Attempts to use the iso image instead of the boot2 disk image also fail as
do attempts to boot from the cd, this despite the fact that Smartboot has
no problem booting the RedHat 8.0 CD (the istall still fails but the CD
boots!)

Using the boot-root kernel from the RedHat 9 distribution does not work
which is not suprising as when I try to install RedHat 9 using anaconda it
reports "kernel panic" as my machine aborts the idle task due to sync
problems (if I remember correctly). Whereas anaconda for RedHat 8.0 boots
and attempts installation before failing due to insufficient memory.

Atempts to rectify the problem using the shell (Alt + F2) fail because the
shell fails to start, reporting:
Bummer, could not run '/bin/sh': no such file or directory
and I can't seem to mount the hda3 using Tom's root-boot or MuLinux (on
the MSDOS partition).

I will try the slinky version comeasurate with the iso next to see if that
will make a difference.

What should I do to get the kernel installed?

Are my previous boot probelems (Re: My 486 won't boot) comming back to bit
me in the arse?  During the install I skip the fdisk / cfdisk option to
use partions I created earlier using PQ Magic and I have only set up a
swap and primary linux root partition (no /boot partition) could this be
contributing to my problems? the fact that I'm using preexisting
partitions and the fact that I haven't set up a /boot partition?
BTW The installer never prompted me for the location of a /boot partotion,
is that normal?

BTW is it just me or is 4 hours downloading an iso image a bit of overkill
just to get my hands on a useable kernel? I mean did I really need to
download 27 Mb just to get a kernel?


As allways I'd be gratefull for any assistance.
Daniel O'Neill

'You can put a cat in an oven but that doesn't make it a biscuit'



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