Debian Linux install problem

#43 fan · July 13th, 2008, 11:16 AM

Ok, I want to install Debian, as it is very stable and includes a ton of packages.
Unfortunately, I seem to have a somewhat common problem, I have IDE Hard drives and a SATA DVD drive. Apparently, Debian gets confused by this configuration, and doesn't detect the DVD drive properly. It gives an 'unknown DVD drive error'.
So, what can I do to make Debian detect the drive properly.
BTW, Ubuntu properly detects the drive, for whatever reason. But, Ubuntu, doesn't include all the packages I need, and I have dialup.

SeanC · July 15th, 2008, 07:06 PM

I just read here: does debian 4 support sata cdroms? - Linux Forums

Try using a Debian Lenny net installation...

Oh wait a minute, you have dialup. Hmm...

Are you installing the current stable "Etch" or current testing "Lenny"? If you're installing Etch then try using the full Lenny DVD. You'll have to download it from someone elses PC and burn it but try that if you weren't using Lenny before.

SeanC · July 15th, 2008, 07:08 PM

Here's another option, involving changing your bios to set the SATA and IDE to "Legacy mode". Install the system, then perform a full kernel update (can do it through Synaptic or apt-get or aptitude). The latest kernels have no issues apparently.

Then after updating the kernel, change the BIOS back to the regular setting for the SATA & IDE.

Linky: Serial ATA (SATA) on Linux

#43 fan · July 15th, 2008, 07:19 PM

Thanks Sean. I may have somebody download Lenny.
The disc I have is Debian 4.0 (not sure if it is Etch or Lenny).

SeanC · July 16th, 2008, 12:37 PM

I think Debian v4.0 is Etch.

#43 fan · July 16th, 2008, 12:45 PM

I think I'll try the kernel update method first. Here goes.

#43 fan · July 16th, 2008, 02:33 PM

I looked for legacy support in the BIOS, but there wasn't any mention of Legacy support.
Any ideas as to why?
Motherboard is Gigabyte GA-MA74GM-S2, chipset ATI 740G. Hard drives IDE, DVD SATA. 1 native IDE port on the mobo.

SeanC · July 17th, 2008, 06:02 PM

I don't think all mobos support the "legacy" feature. I have a bunch of P4s in my lab here, they're all Asus but different models and only some have that option.

You might be out of luck with this option. Also look for wording, in the BIOS, like "Enhanced Mode" relating to the IDE Configuration.

#43 fan · July 19th, 2008, 06:47 PM

I tried using an IDE card to connect the DVD drive and Hard drive, it worked with the Hard drives.
However, Debian still gives the same error, even in the IDE DVD drive.
And, I also tried installing Ubuntu, however, it gave a can't partition error, on both of my hard drives.
I'll try formatting the 160 GB drive again now, hopefully that may help.
Ubuntu 8.04, BTW.

SeanC · July 21st, 2008, 02:03 PM

I'm out of ideas on getting Debian or any of it's derivatives to work.

Can you get a copy of Fedora Core 9 and try that?

I was able to install it onto some HP servers in my lab that have SATA hard drives without any issues.

You can try to Debian forums:
forums.debian.net

Or the Debian section on the Ubuntu forums:
Debian - Ubuntu Forums