open SUSE loads normally from a live CD, but I get to the screen:
(none): / # _
and that’s as far as I get. I can’t get out with Ctrl+Alt+Del and the CD is spinning in the drive but I can’t eject it. I have to power down at that point to bail out.
I’m a Linux newbie and first-time SUSE user, so if you reply, please use simple instructions.
While I can’t guarantee this is the problem, most of the time an error such as you see (especially if the drive is still spinning) is because of a faulty CD, the reader, or a compatibility problem between the burn and the reader.
You always want to verify the downloaded iso file before burning, using the md5sum. Then when burning (this option is not available in all burners), include the option to “verify” the the burn which compares against the iso. After burning, use the “mediacheck” which verifies against the installation images on the CD. This can save a lot of time and headache later. Good info here digitalFAQ.com | Blank DVD Media Quality Guide.
If you have done all the recommended verifications and still have a problem, then post back with details about the machine.
Hi there,
At what point is this ocurring, meaning what is the last thing that happens just before you are taken to prompt?
Also, linux has virtual terminals which are accessed via alt-f4, alt-5, etc. Kernel messages are usually displayed to f5 and you can often collect meaningful information by looking at these terminals.
Another option is to use some options when booting the CD, such as noacpi,acpi=off
Getting live CDs to work on ALL hardware is tricky, impossible or more trouble than it is worth. You can always try another distro live CD, just to see.
Try checking the DVD media itself as previously suggested, check the virtual terminals for errors, and try noacpi and let us know how it goes.
Cheers,
Pete
How do I do this? I downloaded and installed md5.exe but how I do I have it verify the file? Somehow I need to have md5 point to that .iso file, right? I was hoping I could simply drag and drop it into the filename area, but I figured it wouldn’t be that easy.
Most likely you run it from the command line, click Start, click Run, type “cmd” (and it’s on the programs menu). Put it in the same location as the iso file, then it probably is just “md5.exe <iso file name>” (w/o quotes and brackets of course). It will generate a hash number; compare that to the hash for the iso on the download page or repository. Note: Many burners will display the md5sum before proceeding, for just such verification. Other md5sum tools are here Free MD5 Checksum or Hashing Utilities.
One very strong suggestion: IIRC if you insert the CD while within Windows, there is an icon for doing the installation from there, i.e., it launches from there. Don’t do that, especially if you suspect a problem. Boot from it.