[RULE] Kernel loading problems (CD-install)

[C David Rigby]

Daniel,
	Do you actually have a working MS-DOS installation on the DOS-partition
on which you have XOSL installed?  How much space do you have assigned
to it, and how much space do you have assigned to the Linux partition? 
Let's make sure that it is not a question of running out of space during
installation...

	Other comments:
	
	Am I correct in understanding that xosl WILL boot the RedHat 8 CD, but
it WILL NOT boot the slinky-v0.3.96 CD?  That would be the 27 MB
download...  The CD must have been created okay if you can get at least
part of the way through an installation using it as your source for the
packages.

You indicate below that you skipped the "fdisk/cfdisk" options, but I
haven't ever done that, so I am not sure what the implications are. 
Regardless, are you still being offered the option to format your
partitions by the installer?  If so, are you actually formatting them?

Yes, the 27MB download IS a problem for a lot of people.  The kernel
needed to boot a 386 or 486 machine is available from RedHat as an
update, but not as part of the standard installation CDs, as of RedHat
9.  However, a 386/486 kernel is present on RedHat 8, disk #3.  It's
name is kernel-BOOT-2.4.18-14.i386.rpm.

If you read some of the mailing list messages over the last week or so,
you'll see that some of us have been debating the general issue of
kernels.  The problem for us is that RedHat no longer officially
supports any processor less than a Pentium for the ix86 architecture. 
So, as support for the older hardware disappears from the official
release, we try to find ways to compensate ourselves.

On Sat, 2003-08-30 at 00:14, Daniel O'Neill wrote:
> 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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