Arch Linux

Raisuli

Member

Registered: 2007-09-28

Posts: 135

[Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

Hi,

just trying to install Arch on my notebook using the 2009.2 release on cd. It boots for a second then switches to a grub prompt. The cd boots fine on another computer, on the notebook both Gentoo's and Ubuntu's live cds boot normally. I get no error messages.

Can anyone help?

The notebook is a Benq Joybook 5100 with 1GB ram and a 40GB hd. Boot order is set to "cd/dvd first".

Last edited by Raisuli (2009-06-16 20:44:38)

deej

Member

Registered: 2008-02-08

Posts: 395

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

Have you tried typing "/arch/setup" ?

Deej

Raisuli

Member

Registered: 2007-09-28

Posts: 135

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

yes, but it's grub, so I just get an "error 27": unrecognized command.

deej

Member

Registered: 2008-02-08

Posts: 395

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

Ah, *that* prompt

Does the installation cd not even get as far as the options screen ?
My knowledge of notebooks / sloppy-tops is nil, so I'll bump this one.

Deej

Raisuli

Member

Registered: 2007-09-28

Posts: 135

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

Thank you.
Sorry for being unclear.  I don't see anything on the cd. It starts to boot, then a grub prompt comes up. Just burned a new cd, same problem.

deej

Member

Registered: 2008-02-08

Posts: 395

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

No, you weren't unclear - it was my reading of the problem that was faulty

So, as we're the only two here a the moment, let's get as much info for those who will
know what to do

Have you mdsum'd the download *and* the burn, just to make sure that isn't the problem ?
Only a very slight chance, I know - but if you can say definately that the burn is OK, that's
one less variable to worry about.

Is the notebook a "brand-spanking-new-all-the-latest-hardware" one ?

Have you tried an older release of the installation CD ?

I'll shut-up now and let Those-In-The-Know take over

Deej

Raisuli

Member

Registered: 2007-09-28

Posts: 135

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

Thanks for asking these questions, Deej. Helps me to narrow down the problem as well.

- checked the mdsum and verified the written data (burned with k3b)

- have not tried older releases yet, sounds like a good next step

- laptop is three years old. Arch was running on it before and installed just fine. Gave the laptop to a friend who's computer had died and allowed him to install XP. Just got it back and tried to put Arch back on.

- the laptop's hardware seems to be fine. Just installed Ubuntu on it and had no problems installing or booting.

But I really don't wanna keep Ubuntu on it.

Last edited by Raisuli (2009-06-16 20:39:07)

Raisuli

Member

Registered: 2007-09-28

Posts: 135

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

Update:

Older release cd is working. Still have no idea why 2009.2 doesn't boot, but at least I can install Arch now. Thanks for helping.

deej

Member

Registered: 2008-02-08

Posts: 395

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

I *knew* Mick'o'Dog would be in the mix somewhere :lol::lol:

Glad it's all worked out...

Deej

Raisuli

Member

Registered: 2007-09-28

Posts: 135

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

lol, me, too.

*blasco*

Member

Registered: 2008-12-08

Posts: 40

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

I have the same Raisuli's problem! With 2009.02 and also with the 2008.06..The 2008.03 works fine.

Last edited by *blasco* (2009-06-16 23:12:11)

SiC

Member

From: Liverpool, England

Registered: 2008-01-10

Posts: 430

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

One great thing about Arch, you install from an older system disc and you still get the same install as everyone else

*blasco*

Member

Registered: 2008-12-08

Posts: 40

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

yes but it is a little annoying..When I execute the 2009.02 or 2008.06 i have only this string:

grub>

hokasch

Member

Registered: 2007-09-23

Posts: 1,461

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

In this case, use the isolinux-images.

For those who have problems with GRUB not loading, we offer the following
ISOs with the isolinux bootloader:

  archlinux-2009.02-isolinux-ftp-i686.iso         i686/32bit CD-ISO
  archlinux-2009.02-isolinux-ftp-x86_64.iso       x86_64/64bit CD-ISO

FTP only, though. There is an alternate, unofficial install cd called archboot, which might be worth a try too.

Last edited by hokasch (2009-06-17 00:14:16)

*blasco*

Member

Registered: 2008-12-08

Posts: 40

Re: [Workaround]installation cd boots into grub

In this case, use the isolinux-images.

For those who have problems with GRUB not loading, we offer the following
ISOs with the isolinux bootloader:

  archlinux-2009.02-isolinux-ftp-i686.iso         i686/32bit CD-ISO
  archlinux-2009.02-isolinux-ftp-x86_64.iso       x86_64/64bit CD-ISO

FTP only, though. There is an alternate, unofficial install cd called archboot, which might be worth a try too.

archlinux-2009.02-isolinux-ftp-i686.iso works! perfect, thank you