HD Install :: Stuck on an install



I’m a Linux newbie. I am doing my first Linux install. I’m trying to put DSL on Olivetti Echos 133DM laptop. It’s a 486DX with 16Mb memory and about 2Gb disk space. It currently runs Windows 95. Also it doesn’t boot from CD. The floppy drive and CD drive are interchangeable. I have recently sourced a cable allowing me to have the CD and floppy drive work together – this definitely works with Windows.

I have created a boot floppy disk and a CD (DSL 1.2) When running the install I get:

Code Sample
You passed an undefined mode number.
Press <RETURN> to see video modes available. <SPACE> to continue or wait 30 secs


(I press space)

Code Sample
Uncompressing Linux… Ok. Booting the kernel.

Welcome to DSL

Built using Knoppix Technology.

DSL comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Accessing DSL image at /dev/scd0…



Then I get nothing. It stays at that screen. Would someone tell me what I’m doing wrong, please? How do I proceed?

Thank you for your help
Just a shot in the dark here... did you verify the md5sum of the iso before you created the cd?
also, older cdroms don't always read cdr's well, if you have a different brand of media to try, that may resolve, it sounds like it may be having read issues with the cd...
I didn't verify the md5sum. I'm lazy, I always thought they work but I'll check it.

"older cdroms don't always read cdr's well"

This sounds promising. I'll try the cd in another box. I haven't got a different brand at the moment. But I'm willing to give it a go.

Also can you install dsl to a hd via a zip disk? I may have one of those that I could use.

Thank you for your help, tjm4fun. You've given me some hope of fixing it.
There is a how-to for a zip install in the Documentation.
"http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/talk/node/93"
From the instructions, you need Linux installed to run it. I've got Win95 on the box. I want to wipe Windows off the machine and put linux on the hard drive so it will perminantly boot Linux. I want to make the switch from Windows to Linux.
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