Hi -- I'm new to the list, and could use some help/advice: I am unable to move past the initial drive/serial detection stage of LM8.2 install (or any Linux distro, for that matter, even PeanutLinux). After searching Vaio lists, Google, and the expert list, I know that it should be possible.
The unit has an integral "all-in-one" design (whatever that really means??) with the DVD/CDROM and 6.4 HD in one assembly. I don't have the 'Sony Notebook Setup Disk', but have managed to get W98 installed (ugh!) by removing the APM 'Battery Mode' from W98 System folder (I have no battery but run on AC). So far I've attempted various permutations of the following: expert lnx4win noauto ide2=0x180,0x386,15 (ide2 displays, then the next line flashes by -- can't read it, and the unit goes into permanent non-resettable hibernation) I've tried using pcmcia.img (with pcmcia=off -- I've no pcmcia cards), usb.img, and cdrom.img with the same results. Just once, using the cmd line above, it managed to display another screen with Installation Options' or somesuch (it flashed on then bye-bye time again.) More than likely these problems are caused by a combination of: a) No battery b) The weird DVD/CDROM setup c) My lack of knowledge (concerning parameters I can pass at bootup If anyone has ideas, I'm really open to anything. I really have no use for a laptop than runs Win98 -- all my work is in LM8.2 on my desktop. Tia, Andre
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