Ubuntu installation on AMD / VIA S3G unichrome

[bsubbudu]

I have a desktop with AMD Sempron 3000+, 1.2GB RAM, VIA S3G Unichrome Pro IGP, VIA SATA RAID controller based disks, PS/2 mouse and keyboard running Windows XP.

Wanted to move to years ago favourite (linux based systems), I downloaded Ubuntu 10.04 for i386 and am trying to install both using CD as well as USB.

After the Ubuntu start-up menu for installation, I select install Ubuntu option, turn off 'quiet' so that I can see what happens. The screen goes blank dark with a flashing cursor at the top.

In the kernel messages, the see that it has detected the processor, set the clock, assigned the PS/2 keyboard to input3 and then says:

[ 1.911624] isapnp: no plug and play device found

After this, the system hangs. Keyboard doesn't work.

Any thoughts?

[S.R]

Did you try the alternate install download ... http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/alternative-download

[bsubbudu]

Not yet. Am downloading the same.

In the meanwhile, wanted to try out with any other possible kernel command changes...

[bsubbudu]

ok, I tried the alternate install. NO luck.

after vmlinuz and initrd loading, when it tries to check the devices, it reboots. NO messages too this time.

Need help!

[bsubbudu]

There's an error that flashes for a millionth of a second :( while booting that says:
unrecognized keyboard configuration in gfxboot. I cant find anything to do with keyboard in the gfxboot config file:

----------------------------------------------------------
foreground=0xFFFFFF
background=0x958490
screen-colour=0x270A1E
label normal=Normal
append normal=
label oem=OEM install (for manufacturers)
append oem=oem-config/enable=true
applies oem=install
label cli=Install a command-line system
replace cli=file=/cdrom/preseed/cli.seed
applies cli=install
label ltsp=Install an LTSP server
replace ltsp=file=/cdrom/preseed/ltsp.seed
applies ltsp=install
-----------------------------------------------
any guidance?

[S.R]

Try disabling USB Legacy Support in the BIOS.

[rivenathos]

This may sound odd, but it has worked in the past for me when installing to a system with Via Unichrome or Chrome9 chipsets.

Instead of burning the ISO to a CD, burn it to a DVD. This is the exact same ISO, but using a DVD instead of a CD.

From what I gather, the SquashFS errors that can occur when using a CD are not present when using a DVD. I am not an expert, but can only verify that this method has been known to work for installing Ubuntu 9.04, 9.10, and 10.04. Hopefully this helps.

[bsubbudu]

tried doing both, one at a time - disabling legacy USB as well as the DVD write. Same result. isapnp - no device found.

feeling stuck!

[bsubbudu]

Went into the text mode finally and was able to go past the isapnp - no plug and play device found error.

Now, it asks me to specify a root device. how do I do it in the cli. all that I see is a boot:

Looking for help to get past.

[S.R]

Beyond my level so I will give you a bump.

Don't know if it is feasible for you but have you thought about getting an USB wireless keyboard /mouse combo?

[bsubbudu]

This must be a very simple thing that I am missing. Need help:

Alternate CD install of 10.04.

I get the Ubuntu install menu. I choose the 'install Ubuntu' option. Switch tab and remove 'quiet --'

Output:

It scans 0 and adds 0 RAID devices

RAMDISk: gzip image found at block 0
usb 1-5: new high speed USB device using ehci_hcd and address 2
List of all partitions: <<<<<<nothing gets listed here>>>>>>>
No filesystem could mount root, tried: ext3 ext2 ext4 fuseblk

Post this, I see a kernel panic with the now famous, yet another scenario, message 'not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block(8,1)'

Wondering how to get this fixed.

Have tried switching BIOS config from RAID to IDE and back for SATA mode. Still no luck.

[bsubbudu]

What is the scenario when it detects raid arrays but detects 0 disks?

Could it be a problem that Ubuntu does not work well with RAID where Windows XP is previously installed in another partition?

Am still hoping one of those experts will come by and answer :)