Hi, I'm having a problem installing Linux. I wonder whether anyone can help me. (I’m a newbie, I need help desperately!)
While trying to install Linux, I get this error:

“Attempt to read sectors 0-7 outside of partition on dev/hda”

I press ignore a few times, I get further in installing Linux, but then I get a much bigger error:

" An error occurred while trying to initialize swap on device hda4 this problem is serious and the installation cannot continue, press enter to reboot you're system "

So what's wrong with my computer? ( I have done everything needed , I've deleted a partition to free some space , it has 13 GB free space , by the way I'm installing on a desktop .) I hope I've given the information needed ... I'm waiting for replies anxiously, please help me.

Well, you don't have to double post. All new posts are automatically highlighted when we log in.

I haven't used Fedora so I don't know if my knowledge pertains to this problem. Which actually brings up a good question: have you tried a different Linux distro? Another one may have better luck.

Most Linux distros will give you an option of where you want to install it; some will want to take up free space and others will look for an empty partion. Do you only have one HD installed?

Since you deleted a partion, Linux should just try to install into it, which I'm assuming it's trying to do. However, you may want to use Windows to "take over" that partion (format it and make it a logical drive) then use the Linux installer to use that partion.

The errors sound like you may have a physical problem w/ your drive. You may try to do a physical check first (Windows should be able to do it) and see if there's anything wrong.

Also, make sure you check the Fedora site and discussion board to see if your problem has been answered by someone else. It may be an easy fix or you may have to delve deeper into the workings of your computer.

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Hi kai85. Welcome to GIDForums™. I haven't used Redhat so I don't know if my comments will do you any good or not..

Have you established a partition in which to install Linux? What partition number is it? Have you established a swap partition for Linux? Is it set to /dev/hda4? If not, what is /dev/hda4 suppossed to be? Does Redhat (ie Fedora) come with an fdisk utility?

If these questions don't make sense post back and I will try to clarify what I mean.

Good luck!

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Hi, thanks for replying, here's some more info:

1) I have one HD installed.
2)What do you mean have I established a partition? (I've deleted the last partition in my hard to free some space, so I think linux will be installed in that partition ...)
3) It is set to /dev/hda4.
4) Yes, Redhat comes with an fdisk utility but why do you ask such a question ( I'm a newbie ... clarify what you mean ... please!)

These errors show before it reaches the point where I establish a swap partition, I recieve these errors right after I select the keyboard language, I keep on pressing ignore, which I know I shoudn't, and then ...
It starts installing linux, but after a few minutes I get the other error ...
By the way sorry for double posting, I assure you it won't happen again ... ;-)

It's been a while since I've done this, so this may not be accurate. Hopefully dsmith can help me out.

It sounds like you just have some free space hanging out; if you just deleted the partition, it may not be associated with anything and isn't recognizable to the computer (that's not exactly true, but something similar happened on my first Linux install). Using fdisk will let Linux establish it has a bona-fide partition, otherwise it may not identify it as truly available space. Normally the install process will let you manually tell Linux where the install location will be, but if you use the fdisk utility you can manually force it. If you've done it before in Windows or DOS, then it shouldn't be too difficult. Big thing to remember is to back up your data before you start; you can never be too careful.

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Hi kai85. Crystallatice is following my thinking. Note that I have not used Fedora core, so it may be all automagic (it shouldn't be, but it may be ). Anyway, what I always do when I install linux is create a linux partition and a linux swap partition. A rule of thumb I have always heard is that the swap partition should be about 10% of the linux partition.

Using fdisk, you can set a partitions type. Under windows/dos fdisk there is only a small handful of types that you have available. Under linux you can create any partition type under the sun. I believe that 82 is for a linux swap partition and 83 is for a linux partition, but I could be wrong. I would atleast run fdisk in your case and verify that I have both of these partitions with the types set correctly.

Hope this clears it up...

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hey guys...sorry for the long delay...
but i have a confession to make.. the problem i sent wasn't actually my problem,
it was a friends problem, but since her english wasn't so good i started this thread on her behalf.
Anyway , i haven't heard from her for ages so i actually dunno if she finally installed fc or not.
but i installed it and i have 2 questions !how do i get the os to recognize the sound card i have? and how do i connect to the internet through fc?
i think kds721 started a thread on this subject too...

Hi. First of all, do you know what kind of sound card you have? Using lspci will most likely identify it as most sound cards are on mobos these days and are on the pci bus. Once you know the chipset, I would go to alsa to make sure that your sound card is supported. This will also give you help and tips to get your particular card working.

Connecting to the internet is another thing. How are you trying to connect? Lan, USB, dialup, etc.? Lan is by far the easiest, esp. if your router/modem is running dhcp. As long as your ethernet card is recognized (which most are), you can type in dhcpcd and it should set up your connection for you.

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hi again, first let me just say i feel like a dummie right now(which i am...), cause i only understand a few terms u used...u've got me searching in google!(dhcp,spci,..)
my sound card is realtek AC 97, i don't think linux supports it...i couldn't find it in the list!

Don't worry about feeling dumb. Just because you haven't been taught something doesn't make you stupid. Linux still isn't the friendliest OS to mess with.

I looke at the Redhat Hardware Compatibility List and didn't see your sound card listed. I think it's an integrated audio chip, which may mean some changes need to be made.

Regarding 'net connection, as long as Linux sees your network card or modem, it should be fairly simple to connect; every version I've used has automatically setup the network card drivers. All I had to do was tell it to use DHCP for connecting to the ISP computers.

FWIW, I wouldn't recommend Fedora Core to a Linux newbie. I personally haven't used it, but I've heard it's not the easiest distro to learn on. I did setup a Redhat box w/ a friend and the install wasn't the best experience I've had w/ Linux. IMO, if you just want to test the Linux waters, I'd recommend Xandros or Linspire (if you want something similar to Windows) or SuSE, Libranet, Knoppix, or Mepis for a more "technical" version. You can find good information and reviews at www.distrowatch.com.

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