10.04 install hangs hard on compaq nc4000

[emlinux]

Tried to do a full install from CD (drive connected via USB).
Starts to boot from CD but hangs in one of 2 failure modes,
needs power cycle to recover:
1. blank screen with 1 line:
Glib-Warning getpwid_r() failed due to unknown user (0)
2. Ubuntu logo comes up and the progress dots blink forever,
never gets past this, CDrom spins down.

Installing 9.10 CD now, seems to be working OK.
HP/Compaq nc4000 laptop.

[mikewhatever]

Have you checked the downloaded iso image for errors, and also, have you burnt the cd at low speed, x4 or so?

[Catharsis]

Try enabling "nomodeset".