Ubuntu
gfxboot package

Cannot install Ubuntu

Asked by K Kalman

Hi,
 I'm trying to install Ubuntu on an older computer that currently runs Windows 2000. In the boot screen, the computer does say it recognizes that there is a Linux disk present, but I always get the same error message: "loading bootlogo...graphics initialization failed...error setting up gfxboot..." and this repeats a few times.
I've tried booting both Ubuntu 10.04 from a CD and 10.10 from a DVD, and tried booting from both the CD rom drive and the DVD rom drive...no help. I tried updating the motherboard BIOS...no help.
I've installed Ubuntu before on two other computers and never had any difficulties. Can anyone offer some advice?
Thanks.

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Ubuntu gfxboot Edit question
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delance
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Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

Did you MD5 test the ISO you downloaded?
Did you burn the CD as slowly as possible?

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arochester (arochester) said : 		#2

How much RAM have you got?

Are you using the Desktop disk or the Alternate disk?

Does you computer have a MAKE and MODEL?

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K Kalman (kkalman) said : 		#3

MD5 test of ISO: CD: No, but I have previously used the CD to install Ubuntu on a different computer. DVD: No, did not MD5 this disk and have not used disk previously.

Burn speed: Yes, both disks as slow as burner program allows.

RAM: 512 MB

Desktop vs alternate disk: Not sure of question...can you clarify?

Make and Model: ASUS Barebone system I assembled from a kit about 8 yrs ago.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#4

There is an option on the CD to test itself
You can also test your RAM using the CD so you know all is well

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delance (olivier-delance) said : 		#5

https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gfxboot/+question/135854 comment 14
See if you can increase in BIOS memory for graphic device

https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gfxboot/+question/130415 Last comment.
Upon encountering the error, simply type "help". Installer proceeds to load as expected.

https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gfxboot/+question/129790 comment 8
When you see the boot: prompt, try typing "live" (without the quotes) and pressing Enter.

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K Kalman (kkalman) said : 		#6

During a boot attempt, when I see the "error setting up gfxboot" message, I've tried typing "help". It displays a Help Index and the following message at the bottom: "This kernel requires the following features not present on the CPU: cx8 cmov. Unable to boot--please use a kernel appropriate for your CPU."

Typing "live" in place of "help" generates the same message. In both cases, the computer becomes unresponsive to any keyboard strokes and has to be turned off.

Processor info: VIA C3 800A MHz.

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Best delance (olivier-delance) said : 		#7

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VIA_C3 "to match compatibility with Intel's Pentium III "
Ubuntu request at least a Pentium IV: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/SystemRequirements
You could try a lightweight distribution like Slitaz.

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K Kalman (kkalman) said : 		#8

I understand that my old kit computer is too wimpy for Ubuntu to run on. I'm not shocked by this. I'll try your suggestion re: a lighter weight distro...I had previously tried Damn Small Linux on this machine but it was a little TOO damn small. I'd love it if I could give this computer new life; I want to give it to a computer-less friend of mine. Thanks to delance and everyone else who weighed in with answers and advice...I appreciate you all.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#9

Lubuntu will also run on low end hardware.
Puppy will also run well.