Debian Install Kernel Panic

[archerxn]

Hi all, hope I'm posting this in the right place!

When trying to install Debian 5.0.4 on my HP DV6-3030tx laptop [i5-540M processor, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 graphics] I get the error

kernel panic - not syncing - attempting to kill init

after selecting to "install" from the first menu presented, but before getting to the menu that governs the installation.

Could anyone advise me as to how to proceed?

[dabl]

Is this a bootable Debian installation CD? Is the error happening when you boot the CD, or when you attempt some action with it?

[archerxn]

It is a bootable Debian installation DVD. The CD seems to boot, I am presented with a menu of "install, graphical install, help" and a few other options. When I select to install I get the kernel panic error.

[dabl]

Possibly there is a defect on the DVD (media quality problem or bad burn). Did you burn it at the slowest possible speed?

[archerxn]

I burned the disk at the slowest possible speed. I don't think the media is defective; I have tried it on another computer and I can get past where my laptop gets the error.