ubuntu did not work, xubuntu 12.04 will not instal, no disk message

[mörgæs]

Your best option is a minimal Lubuntu , if you want to use the computer at all.

[fantab]

You have only 256MB of RAM, which means you have to use 'Alternate install method' from CD/DVD/USB.

Both XFCE (xubuntu) and LXDE (Lubuntu) are light weight, but LXDE is recommended for your machine specs as it is relatively lighter than XFCE.
You say you have only 20GB HDD, in that case you have to partition it, for instance:

19GB - Primary - EXT4 - / (root)
1GB - Linux SWAP

Without SWAP you will have memory issues... 1GB is minimum, if you can, then make it 2GB.
Delete your existing partitons, recreate them accordingly and format as ext4. When you install GRUB install it on /dev/sda and not in a partition like /dev/sda1.

Good Luck...

[verymadpip]

Hi there.

I'd be super tempted to try a minimal install plus bits & pieces eg: file manager, window manager & panel.
That's how I revived a Compaq TC1000 tablet PC, which also uses a Crusoe (1000MHz) CPU & not enough RAM

[sully101]

@fantab +1

[yellowmans]

hello moarges
of course i want to use the computer. it had windows, then ubuntu 11.10, then i tried ubuntu 12.04 and xubuntu 12.04 and finally xubuntu 12.04 alteranate. this seems to install but like at said not really. is lubuntu the "lightest"

[yellowmans]

hey fantab
please bare with me. im a rockie. ok when memtest86+ checked for errors i noticed it said 512MB ram so maybe it was upgraded. i did tried the alternate install disk, once the original xubuntu 12.04 did not work. i will get an lubuntu iso and try it. since i am an absolute beginer i do not know how to partition. if you would be so kind.. please explain. i will research how to partition.
when i tried to install again it aske me about grub and gives me options
/dev/sda1
/dev/sda2...
again i dont know how to delete existing partitions but i will continue to reseach, thanks so much, any other info will be greatly appreciated

[yellowmans]

hello verymadpip
hey im willing to do that. but dont know how. how can i go about it?

[mörgæs]

Too much advice is being given in this thread.

Yellowmans, you need one test:

Burn the minimal 12.10 ISO from my link to a CD. It should be around 20 MB of size.
Install using wired internet connection.
Erase everything on the drive in the process.
Accept the default partition suggestion.

The aim is to get a command-line system running where you can do login and shutdown, nothing more.
Please report back when you have tried this, then we go to next step.

[yellowmans]

hello moarges
thank you for your reply i will follow your advice. i will burn the cd, and use a wired contection altough the laptop detects and uses the wireles contection previously during instalation. mm i think everything has been erased during instalation previously. i will accept the default sugestions. you are correct i get the grub rescue> comand line but cannot boot or shut down. i press ctr+alt+dlte to restart. i will report later on today, i thank you for your help.

[yellowmans]

hello moarges
i have another problem, i should start another thread. i created a new partition (i think). xubuntu 12.04 was reinstalled and this time when the laptop start i have 8 options 2 memtest86 one of them recovery, 3 ubuntus 12.04 and 3 ubuntu 12.04 recovery mode. i tried the first one and could barely see the screen so restarted. one of them let me load xubuntu 12.04 (i believe) i get the blue screen with bird, the cursor but mouse does not work?