Linux Newb w/ boot problem "Extreamely broken BIOS"

X_ArchAngel · Last edited by X_ArchAngel on Tue Jun 01, 2004 5:15 pm; edited 4 times in total

Hello everyone. I'm an experienced computer user who is interested in dabbiling in Linux for the first time, and Gentoo has really tickled my interests. Rather than try it on my regular computer right away, I have assembled myself the following system from my spare parts to get myself familliar with Linux/Gentoo first:

Pentium 133
64MB RAM
4GB HD
3COM 3C509B-TPO ISA ethernet card

I planned on using the Minimal LiveCD and get Gentoo from my Internet connection (256k DSL). I created the CD using Nero Burning Rom v6.

However, when I try to boot from the CD on my system, it gives me an error message which goes by so fast I can't read it to research on it, and the system will restart immediately. It will do this forever: try to boot, instant error message, instant reboot, lather, rinse, repeat. I have tried using the pause/break button to see if I can hold the boot process enough to see the error message, but I keep missing it.

Can anyone lend some insight as to what the problem might be? If needed I will try and provide any extra information about my setup as requested.

Thank you.

X_ArchAngel · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 11:51 am Post subject:

I actually just managed to pause the system at the error message. What I got is as follows:

ISOLINUX 2.08 2003-12-12 isolinux: Loading spec packet failed, trying to wing it...

isolinux: Extreamely broken BIOS detected, last ditch attempt with drive = FF

I'm searching the net as well to see what I can dig up.

speedsweep · n00b Joined: 30 May 2004 Posts: 31

Hello!

It might come from the Minimal CD iso you downloaded.
If I were you I would get a Universal CD wich will be as good.

And after downloading an ISO, you should verify the checksum of it by using the tool mentionned in the Gentoo Handbook to be sure it's not corrupted.

Dave.

X_ArchAngel · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 11:58 am Post subject:

I downloaded the ISO from an FTP. Direct download and not fragmented like off of BitTorrent or similar, but I'll double check the ISO, just to be sure.

From what I've initially searched off of the net, the perticular problem I seem to be experiencing is associated with BIOS deficiencies or problems and not nessicarily with the boot disk itself. I'll try searching more as well as checking the ISO.

*EDIT* The ISO I made my CD with is okay, according to MD5summer.

LeTene · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 12:18 pm Post subject:

If that BIOS continues to have problems booting the CD, you might want to try out this nice boot floppy Smart Boot Manager on Sourceforge. I used it on a couple of old dual P-Pro boxes that flatly refused to boot any gentoo CD's - it pops up a nice text-mode menu asking you what device you want to boot from.
_________________
Docs, Tips & Tricks at the Gentoo Wiki page.

X_ArchAngel · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 1:07 pm Post subject:

Hmm... SmartBoot won't seem to detect my CD-ROM, so that leaves me with the same problem.

Does anyone know if there is someplace I can find or ask for help with SBM? I looked on the net and can't seem to find anyplace...

X_ArchAngel · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 1:51 pm Post subject:

Another thought. Isn't it possible to create a LILO boot floppy that'll allow me to access the CD-ROM and hopefully begin the installation process? Again, I've browsed around but never found anything definiative...

cbock · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 2:39 pm Post subject:

you may want to try flashing the bios up to date. sometimes that does wonders.

X_ArchAngel · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 2:57 pm Post subject:

It's an AMIBIOS that was crafted for Yukon systems, went out of business c. 1996...

No updates.

No nothing, as a matter of fact...

And now SBM keeps giving me a "Disk error! 0x01" and I can't do anything, including uninstall it. I can't do anything with the HD. =/