ArchLinux install cd won't boot.

SimplyBradley · 2010-03-09 23:25:36

I am trying to install Arch Linux onto an old Dell Dimension 4300. The issue I'm running into is that the dvd-rom drive isn't even able to recognize the disc. I've tried other discs (Starcraft) and another cd to boot from (Gentoo) and those loaded just fine.

The issues occurs both when trying to boot from the cd, and when trying to open the cd from within Windows XP. When trying to open the cd, the window completely freezes up. I am even using a cd written by the Windows machine.

Anyone have some useful suggestions?

Thanks
Brad

JackH79 · 2010-03-09 23:46:13

Could be that it didn't burn correctly. I'd just try it again with another disk.

bgalakazam · 2010-03-09 23:46:57

What program did you use to burn the CD?
Did you get the right architecture?
Does the CD work on other computers?

SimplyBradley · 2010-03-10 01:20:41

The CD works on my laptop running Ubuntu 9.04, and on my friend's laptop running OS X 10.6.

I've burned two cd's. Disk Utility on the Mac, and then some random tool I got on XP.

On the Ubuntu machine I've tried both disc's through a virtual machine and they boot just fine.

The iso I got is the arch-core-2009.08-i686 one so I presume it is 32-bit and should be compatible with the Desktop.

If neither the BIOS nor Windows can read the disk, does that say something about where the issue is?

Thanks!

Edit: made a few changes to the post.

Last edited by SimplyBradley (2010-03-10 01:25:38)

bgalakazam · 2010-03-10 06:14:52

My opinion is the DVD drive is having trouble reading it. Try burning it on the Dell itself or use another drive for the install.

SimplyBradley · 2010-03-10 19:37:44

One of the CDs I am trying was burned by the Dell. If I don't have other drives lying around is there another way? (besides buying one of course)

The BIOS doesn't allow for usb booting either.

ruffedgz · 2010-03-10 21:03:38

It actually sounds like the Dell Dimension 4300 doesn't have a DVD drive but more of a CDROM drive. If the Gentoo and Starcraft CD (not DVD's) loaded up fine and you burned the arch-core-2009.08-i686 iso onto a DVD, then I would rule on that.

Instead of using the CORE version of arch linux and using a DVD, could you try the FTP version of arch linux on a CD to see if that works?

The FTP version I feel is the best way as long as you have an internet connection, you will always get the most current version of arch linux (as long as the repo selected is still alive).

SimplyBradley · 2010-03-11 03:17:08

Well its not on a DVD or else that would make sense. I haven't tried the FTP version, I'll give that a shot as soon as I land a new blank cd. Thanks!

Daenyth · 2010-03-11 03:31:39

It may be a grub oon cd issue. I seem to remember some drives don't like that boot loader on cd

Last edited by Daenyth (2010-03-11 03:31:47)

tpowa · 2010-03-12 14:55:51

you could try archboot isos here:
ftp.archlinux.org/iso/archboot

Last edited by tpowa (2010-03-12 14:56:10)

kjon · 2010-03-12 16:52:02

that's right. On some stubborn machines, is preferable to pick the "isolinux" alternative. Isolinux will boot on most machines where grub will show you a black screen only.

Arch Linux

#1 2010-03-09 23:25:36

ArchLinux install cd won't boot.

#2 2010-03-09 23:46:13

Re: ArchLinux install cd won't boot.

#3 2010-03-09 23:46:57

Re: ArchLinux install cd won't boot.

#4 2010-03-10 01:20:41

Re: ArchLinux install cd won't boot.

#5 2010-03-10 06:14:52

Re: ArchLinux install cd won't boot.

#6 2010-03-10 19:37:44

Re: ArchLinux install cd won't boot.

#7 2010-03-10 21:03:38

Re: ArchLinux install cd won't boot.

#8 2010-03-11 03:17:08

Re: ArchLinux install cd won't boot.

#9 2010-03-11 03:31:39

Re: ArchLinux install cd won't boot.

#10 2010-03-12 14:55:51

Re: ArchLinux install cd won't boot.

#11 2010-03-12 16:52:02

Re: ArchLinux install cd won't boot.

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