LiveCD Repeated Problems - Thanks but no luck

[mercantile]

Many folks have gratefully responded regarding my install problems. After I tried
the corections by Daniel Drake I still was not successful. For those who don't
know I have tried for the past 8 days to do a no-network install on my laptop.

A. Using a LiveCD x86 - I am able to get to 'emerge genkernel' (The EXACT same
thing happens when I attempt a stage1 install) where the process fails looking for
a Patch-2.5.9.tar file ( this issue was reported on the Forums in Sept 03 with no
apparent resolution). Searching the web I found this "patch" on some
obscure web link ( can't remember where). Yes, I tried -k and -K too - no go.

B. Tried again using 'gentoo cdcache' to allow me to swap cd's and install the
Patch file. Could not unmount and eject the CD. Tried again using 'unmount -l
/mnt/cdrom' - still not successful. This issue with cdcache is also listed on the
Forums with no apparent resolution.

C. Still not giving up, I seached for a diferent ISO mirror that might have a more
recent snapshot than portage-20040223. Didn't find one....and because o' the cd
swap problem can't load one up seperately.

D. Tried Alternative Installation Methods with Knoppix. Could not load Knoppix
with 'toram' option since I only have 512 memory. The 'tohd' option enabled me to
boot, but alas I could not unmount the cdrom again........ok, so I am now losing
the rest of my patience.

E. Sought to try DSL (damn small linux) for a 50M load to RAM but could find no
way to load into RAM at this time with that distro....

F. Searched again on the Forum, lists etc. for a solution and now I am out of patience.

BARRING other hopefull responses, I am forced to think that a non-network install
is not possible with the Universal CD an my Acer T290 laptop.

[Cosmin]

Quick answer (may not be the best, but...):
Don't use genkernel! As simple as that... It's a good time to get dirty with compiling the kernel with your own hands. The install manual has detailed how-to compile without genkernel.

[mercantile]

Thanks - I thought I did when I attempted a stage1 install from the LiveCD. When I tried to emerge the vanilla kernel I have the same problem.