MagnetarJones's Journal: Mandrake Linux

I put a second drive in my Dell PC at work, downloaded and burned the Mandrake 9.2 ISO's and proceeded to TRY to install Mandrake.

Strike 1.) Boot off CD #1, start install, get to the searching for packages part and error out with "missing basesystem package" so I restart - CD doesn't work. Re-connect everything - still doesn't work. Replace CD reader.

Strike 2.) Boot off CD #1, start install, get to the searching for packages part and error out with "missing basesystem package" so I restart - CD doesn't work. Re-connect everything - still doesn't work. Replace CD reader.

Strike 3.) SAME FUCKING THING!!!! I have 3 readers that don't even power up now, WTF is with this shit????

I'm trying to like Linux, really I am. This just adds to the long list of BULSHIT you need to put up with to get up and running. Don't give me the "I never have any problems" crap because I can say that about Windows and I know that won't hold any water in an argument.

More Info: The CD stops working somewhere shortly after install commences and isn't working at all when the "missing basesystem package" which is the reason for that fucking error because it can't find the "missing basesystem package" because its ON THE CD!!!

I don't have any problems

[baldass_newbie]

Seriously, though, there must be an issue with how it's recognizing the drive and loading drivers.
I just did Slackware 3 days ago with no problems. I want to tell you to give that a shot, but I don't know that it will solve whatever is causing you trouble.
There could be an issue with how your BIOS is addressing the drives or what drivers Mandrake Drax thinks it should load versus what you actually need.
You can also create a bootdisk from that image in Windows and then boot from the floppy. This was how I

Re:I don't have any problems

[MagnetarJones]

Yes, booting from CD

I updated the BIOS between the first and second attempt. This is a modern, common, - Dell Dimension 4100 - so the hardware should be pretty standard.

I'll find another CD reader and try the boot disk method.

Dude, Mandrake has KNOWN LG CD-ROM reader issues

[llamalicious]

Check this:

Mandrake Errata - LG Cdrom [mandrakelinux.com]

The initial 9.2 ISOs were pulled until the problem was fixed by LG (there's some firmware issue) Basically the installer kills the drives...

The current ISO's available for download have fix with them.

Re:Dude, Mandrake has KNOWN LG CD-ROM reader issue

[MagnetarJones]

I looked around the site yesterday for something like this, obviously I missed it.

DOH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re:Dude, Mandrake has KNOWN LG CD-ROM reader issue

[llamalicious]

There is a fix for the "damaged drives" and new firmware to apply. Then all is happy.

(all that's linked from there too)

I only found out about this because I tried to download the 9.2 iso's right when they pulled them... was confused at first.

Re:Dude, Mandrake has KNOWN LG CD-ROM reader issue

[MagnetarJones]

I got 3 dead drives and none of the patches worked. I tried both the LG patches and the Dell patches. Oh well, they were mostly junk anyway. I have a Plextor writer in this comp too, the install went just fine using that drive.

Re:Dude, Mandrake has KNOWN LG CD-ROM reader issue

[leviramsey]

Once the firmware is fried, it's a paperweight. No amount of patching will fix it.

I have no words

[jawtheshark]

except these [slashdot.org]. Sorry, instead of going the easy way (Mandrake), go the hard way. The hard way is always better ;-)