From: cummings@tiger1.prime.com (Kevin J. Cummings) Subject: Re: Linux won't boot Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1992 18:07:07 GMT
In article <snh1.716750278@crux1.cit.cornell.edu>, snh1@crux1.cit.cornell.edu (Sanjay Hiranandani) writes:
> Using version 0.97 .. just picked 'em up yesterday from tsx-11.mit.edu
What patchlevel? If its before pl2 or three, I'd say to upgrade. Linus removed
my VESA support (which while it worked on my Diamond Stealth, it was working around
an apparent bug in the Stealth VESA BIOS info (Diamond had text mode resolutions
listed as number of pixels instead of number of characters). This workaround
was in place for all VESA video cards, and corrupted the selections for those
cards which had the right information in place. I'll ask again:
Does it say anything about VESA just before it asks about modes?
If it does, you probably have the broken VESA support. Upgrade to the
latest patchlevel (pl5 right now, tho I think pl3 is sufficient).
If it does not, then you have a BAD video BIOS which is causing your machine to
reboot when it gets a video BIOS call it doesn't like. Since your BIOS would
not be compatible if it did that, I beleive that there must be another reason
for your machine to be rebooting.
> Doesn't matter whether I hit return or another key.. it reboots. In the
> case of hitting return, it gives me an oppurtunity to select a video
> mode, as soon as I hit a number, it reboots. :(
Are you getting a message that asks you to hit return to see the extended
VGA modes? If so, hit ANY other key at THIS point. If not, then you have
fallen into the VESA BIOS check code, but it should operate exactly like before
I made that change, and you should have the option of NOT selecting an extended
text mode!
> At first I thought maybe my image was bad, so I ftp'd it again, and
> rawrite'd it again. Tried using a 1.2 drive instead of 1.44.. nothing
> helped. The only thing left to try is another computer, which I'm
> going to do this evening.
Let me know how you fare with the same bootimage on another machine.
Send me mail at home (use the HOME address listed in my .signature).
I'm willing to talk you through every step of the boot process trying to
figure out where the code is going wrong. All I need from you is EXACTLY
what is on the screen (relating to the video selections) when you try and
make your selection. Thanx.
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Kevin J. Cummings PrimeService
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Framingham, Mass. 500 Old Connecticut Path
Framingham, Mass.
Work: cummings@primerd.Prime.COM
Home: cummings@kjc386.framingham.ma.us
Std. Disclaimer: "Mr. McKittrick, after careful consideration,
I've come to the conclusion that your new
defense system SUCKS..." -- War Games
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