[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux won't load on a Compaq?

[Chris Cox]

Minh Duong wrote:
> 
> I'm trying to make an old AMD-266 Compaq Presario into
> a router.  The problem is that I'm having problems
> with Linux loading properly.  I've tried using the LRP
> 2.9.8 disk, Redhat 6.2, 7.0, 7.2, and SUSE 6.4.  They
> all seem to stall in the middle.  I think that all
> freeze in the same place.  Right after:
> 
> Checking 386/387 Coupling:  FPU Exception 16 . . .
> Checking 'hlt' instructions

Well it doesn't sound like a problem I've seen... but
you can always try disabling apic (option disableapic)
or disabling dma (option nodma ... or is it dma=no?).

> 
> Then it freezes.  Has anybody ever tried to install
> Linux on an old Compaq?  Is linux too advanced even
> for a Compaq?  Are they better served in target
> practice?   I got it for free because the previous
> owner couldn't use it for anything any more (Was that
> a hint?)  I just wanted to see if I could build a
> firewall/router for cheap.  I encourage comments but
> keep the snickering to a minimum.

Everytime (and I mean everytime) I've had to deal with
Compaq HW I've gotten burned.  I'm about to have to install
on yet another one and I'm already getting ready for the
problems.... sigh...

Compaq rates very low for me,
Chris