Arch Linux

tadasv

Member

Registered: 2009-11-24

Posts: 7

Can't boot 64 bit install cd on MacBook

Hi guys,

I am having an installation issue on my macbook. I want to install 64 bit linux on it; however the installation cd does not boot. I can't even see grub. Right now I am running 32 bit linux and it works like a charm. Also, I don't have Mac OS on it---linux is the only OS. I have checked the
cpuinfo and the lm is listed among the flags, which means the cpu is capable of running 64 bit code. I can't tell you exactly which generation it is, but I bought it around the end of 2007 and it has intel 2 core cpu. Do you have any ideas?

Thank you.

minasmorath

Member

From: USA

Registered: 2009-11-24

Posts: 52

Website

Re: Can't boot 64 bit install cd on MacBook

I don't personally know of an Intel Core 2 Duo that was 64 bit, but I could always be wrong, so let's start with the basics: burn the disc at 4x or so to prevent any erroneous errors, (also I tend to burn in SAO mode instead of TAO, but that decision is up to you), also make sure that you are set to boot from CD. I don't know your technical experience so I apologize if it seems like I'm talking down to you o;r being to simplistic, I'm just covering the easiest stuff first.

Mitch

tadasv

Member

Registered: 2009-11-24

Posts: 7

Re: Can't boot 64 bit install cd on MacBook

No, I know how to burn the CD. The funny thing is that i can't load any installation cd that has 64 bit linux on (ubuntu, debian); haven't tried windows, though.

mikesd

Member

From: Australia

Registered: 2008-02-01

Posts: 788

Website

Re: Can't boot 64 bit install cd on MacBook

I'm running Arch Linux x86_64 on a Macbook (3.1). It booted from the CD fine for me. I couldn't get USB booting to work though, I tried that first.

All Core 2 Duos are x86_64. Are you sure it is a Core 2 Duo and not a Core Duo? The original Macbooks (1.1) are only Core Duos. Not sure if the Core Duos are x86_64. I don't think they are.

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tadasv

Member

Registered: 2009-11-24

Posts: 7

Re: Can't boot 64 bit install cd on MacBook

processor    : 0
vendor_id    : GenuineIntel
cpu family    : 6
model        : 15
model name    : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU         T7400  @ 2.16GHz
stepping    : 6
cpu MHz        : 2167.000
cache size    : 4096 KB
physical id    : 0
siblings    : 2
core id        : 0
cpu cores    : 2
apicid        : 0
initial apicid    : 0
fdiv_bug    : no
hlt_bug        : no
f00f_bug    : no
coma_bug    : no
fpu        : yes
fpu_exception    : yes
cpuid level    : 10
wp        : yes
flags        : fpu vme de pse tsc msr pae mce cx8 apic sep mtrr pge mca cmov pat pse36 clflush dts acpi mmx fxsr sse sse2 ss ht tm pbe nx lm constant_tsc arch_perfmon pebs bts pni dtes64 monitor ds_cpl vmx est tm2 ssse3 cx16 xtpr pdcm lahf_lm tpr_shadow
bogomips    : 4322.48
clflush size    : 64
power management:

processor    : 1
vendor_id    : GenuineIntel
cpu family    : 6
model        : 15
model name    : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU         T7400  @ 2.16GHz
stepping    : 6
cpu MHz        : 1000.000
cache size    : 4096 KB
physical id    : 0
siblings    : 2
core id        : 1
cpu cores    : 2
apicid        : 1
initial apicid    : 1
fdiv_bug    : no
hlt_bug        : no
f00f_bug    : no
coma_bug    : no
fpu        : yes
fpu_exception    : yes
cpuid level    : 10
wp        : yes
flags        : fpu vme de pse tsc msr pae mce cx8 apic sep mtrr pge mca cmov pat pse36 clflush dts acpi mmx fxsr sse sse2 ss ht tm pbe nx lm constant_tsc arch_perfmon pebs bts pni dtes64 monitor ds_cpl vmx est tm2 ssse3 cx16 xtpr pdcm lahf_lm tpr_shadow
bogomips    : 4322.54
clflush size    : 64
power management:

I believe it is. grep flags /proc/cpuinfo show lm which stands for long mode aka 64 bit. Have you taken any specific steps to boot from the cd?

Last edited by tadasv (2009-11-25 01:00:06)

tadasv

Member

Registered: 2009-11-24

Posts: 7

Re: Can't boot 64 bit install cd on MacBook

Weird thing just happened---I managed to boot it. I was always trying to boot by holding down the C key, and that didn't work. So, I tried the ALT key and it worked. Interesting. Thanks guys.

Gen2ly

Member

From: Sevierville, TN

Registered: 2009-03-06

Posts: 1,529

Website

Re: Can't boot 64 bit install cd on MacBook

I'm running Arch Linux x86_64 on a Macbook (3.1). It booted from the CD fine for me. I couldn't get USB booting to work though, I tried that first.

All Core 2 Duos are x86_64. Are you sure it is a Core 2 Duo and not a Core Duo? The original Macbooks (1.1) are only Core Duos. Not sure if the Core Duos are x86_64. I don't think they are.

Yes, they are not.  Found this out on my old MacBook too.

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