How to run lshw when not able to run Ubuntu

[ThomasDenmark]

I am trying to install Ubuntu on a laptop, but have some problems. I would like to run lshw and save output to help me understand what could be the problem. But I can not install Ubuntu, and I can not run the live version.

So how can I run the lshw. Is it possible to to to a shell from a Ubuntu cd, or do I need some special cd?

Thomas

[AlexZaim]

yes, the liveCD must have a option to let you at a cmd line. Seach for some options at the bottom of the screen when starting the livecd, or take an alternate version of ubuntu: THAT SHOULD HAVE SUCH. I remembered i did it one... don't remember when. If your PC is a new one then it's most probably that you need to try the newest kernel. try 10.10 beta.

[ThomasDenmark]

I would also believe that you could enter a shell from the Ubuntu installation cd but I just can not find it.

I ended up doing this with vmlinuz on SystemRescueCD, which is basically a "tool" live cd for fixing or inspecting problems! But I would still like to know how to enter a shell from the Ubuntu installation cd.

[AlexZaim]

Try the alternate version of ISO. get it from http://releases.ubuntu.com/lucid/

the alternate installer has a "rescue a broken system" in it's primary/first menu.

[ThomasDenmark]

Great. Thanks for the advice.

Btw. Why did they not just put these extra capabilities on the "standard" ISO instead of having to offer two versions?