[jm100dm]

Quote "I'd try a Sidux (Debian Sid based) install to see if that hangs."

Downloading it now.

Thanks

[jm100dm]

E: dpkg was interrupted, you must manually run 'dpkg --configure -a' to correct the problem.

I never had done this so I decided to try it. Researched it some on goggle to see what it meant.

Ran sudo dpkg --configure -a
It seems to have worked as a program ran for several minutes and when it ended I restarted but still only 800x600 and 640x480. Then went into system - administration - hardware drivers and enabled the legacy driver. Then restarted the computer again. It seems to have worked as there are now several options available but 800x600 is still the highest available. I may just live with it as this project has already taken too much time. Maybe that is the best this older video card has to offer.

After running dpkg --configure -a I am now also able to add/remove programs.

I have Sidux burned to a disk and will use it later on another computer

[jm100dm]

I am not able to find either the cd or dvd rom anywhere. Should they not just appear in the computer file with the file system, 8.7 GB media and floppy?

[jm100dm]

I switched the cdrom to slave on the master ide and now it shows up. Eliminated the second drive and dvd for now. Now I need to find out how to use the burner. It keeps asking for a disk and I've tried 2 different types with no luck. Maybe need to find a driver for this cdrw once I find out what I have. It looks like this is what I have Philips cdd3610.

[monckywrench]

"Gateway Pentium III 450 MHz LPMINI TOWER
512 MB PC100 sdram - 'only came with 128'
200 Watt Power Supply
4W4SBOXO.15.0012.P07
Running Ubuntu - Linux 2.624-16-generic
BIOS date 2-4-1999
Network card SMC2-1211TX
Onboard sound ES1371 Ensoniq Audio PCI ENS1371
Video card - Riva TNT2 Model 64 / Model 64 Pro
40 GB Maxtor as master
9 GB Slave drive
Cdrw and Dvd drives"

I actually have a few of those Gateways (in parts, and the mid-tower style, but same guts) so I might toss one together later in the week out of curiosity.

The CD drive appears to be supported, but I don't have one of those.

"I have Sidux burned to a disk and will use it later on another computer."

I'd boot it live on that one. That's what I'll use first when I test mine.

[jm100dm]

Loading Sidux right now.

[jm100dm]

Waiting for /del to be fully populated ...done.

Appears to be stuck here with the the cd-rom flashing constantly like it is trying to read it.
Tried three times to no avail.

[monckywrench]

It may be a case of a machine that won't install recent distros.

Since it's someone else's machine and they presumably want it back soon, I'd just install Windows 98 or 2000 and hand it back. Image the clean install and make yourself a restore disk. That way every few months you can reload it when it takes a dump.

[jm100dm]

Thanks monckywrench for your help with this.

I returned the machine to the owner with Ubuntu 7.04 upgraded to 8.04 as is. It works fine for the intended purpose which is for her kids to go on line, e-mail and play games. Both the cdrw and dvd work as cdroms, just can not burn cd's or play dvd's on it. This has been a learning experience and I will continue to use Ubuntu and gradually ween off MS systems. I am currently installing the upgrade to one of my machines. I went through the 7.04, updates and upgrade to be close to the same system as the first install, so that I have a better understanding of what I sent out for future questions/problems.

Thanks again.