"can't Create Transaction Lock" Error On Install?

Hey folks

I'm having a strange issue during my installation...

Whgen it gets to the point of installing packages, it soon freezes and displays the error message for every package it tries to install:

Installation of package *package name* failed
Sub Process FAiled. Error: RPM failed: error: can't create transaction lock on /var/lib/rpm/__db.000

In checking out the error, the only info i was able to pull ub from a google search were basically that it wasn't running as root, but this shouldn't be the case considering it's an installation!

So, i'm confused... I'm using a Dell Inspirion 8200 with a replaced Hard Drive (from the orig. Travelstar to a Toshiba mk4020gls)

I've had Ubuntu Breezy on here before, but when i upgraded to Dapper nothing worked, so it's been on the shelf. I recently tried to get it running again, and thought Suse might be a good fit...

Any suggestions as to why this error occurs and how to get Suse installed and running?

Thanks =)

You should always be su (root) when you install an rpm.

You should always be su (root) when you install an rpm.
[/b]

But it's during install

How am i supposed to su during install? Does it not run as root, or am i missing a boot flag?

But it's during install

How am i supposed to su during install? Does it not run as root, or am i missing a boot flag?
[/b]

Have you run an MD5SUM check on the downloaded .iso file/s?

Have you run an MD5SUM check on the downloaded .iso file/s?
[/b]

Well, i checked the disk during the install using the built in check tool and it didn't pass.

I've installed suse on my desktop with this disk no prob tho.

Either way, i download a fresh iso and burn onto dvd, md5sum checks good and the installer check is good.

About 10% in i'm given the same errors, can't create transaction lock...
Details shows:

rpmdb: /mnt/var/lib/rpm/Packages: unable to flush page: 945
error: db4 error(5) from db->sync: Input/output error
rpmdb: write 0x812dc2c, 4096: Input/output error
rpmdb: /mnt/var/lib/rpm/Packages: write failed for page 945
rpmdb: /mnt/var/lib/rpm/Packages: unable to flush page 945
error: db4 error(5) from db->close: Input/output error
rpmdb: /mnt/var/lib/rpm/Packages: read-only file system
romdb: /mnt/var/lib/rpm/Packages: unable to flush page: 945
error: db4 error(30) from dbenv->close: Read-only file system


I'm wondering if this could be hardware related?

I booted with no acpi and nolapic, if that helps.

Generally speaking there have been no installation problems on that model, with 10.0 at least.

http://en.opensuse.org/HCL/Laptops/Dell

Try installing Ubuntu. If it fails there too, start looking at hardware. CDROM drive maybe? Also you could try booting a live CD, like knoppix. When it gets to hardware, the best test to run first is memtest86. Google for it.