Boot Problems

[James Takac]

Hi Kip

On Monday 04 May 2009 13:21:44 Kipton Moravec wrote:
> I have an old 400 MHz computer with 256MB RAM and 8GB Disk. I wanted to
> install Ubuntu on it because I am building a router with multiple
> Ethernet ports and need to check connections from one port to another.
> So I am not going to be doing much with it for now. This is computer #4
> connected to the router for testing. I wanted to stay with Ubuntu
> because I knew it. I did not want to have to learn a bunch of new tools.
>
> I used the alternate CD to install Ubuntu. It took awhile but it
> installed.
>
> When it said it was done, it rebooted, the splash screen came up, the
> bar started going back and forth, then the screen went black. It has
> been sitting like that for more than 15 minutes. I rebooted and it did
> the same thing.
>
> Now what do I do?
>
> A friend wondered if it was something with the screen resolution? (I did
> not set it in the installation, I was not offered a choice.)
>
> I do not understand how to interrupt the boot to get to a command line.
> Or once there what to do.
>
> Someone tell me what I need to look for.
>
> Thanks,
> Kip
> --
>
>

Can you at least use CTRL ALT F1 to get to a terminal screen? If so that might 
help in the long run as you'll be able to apply changes via the terminal in 
hopes of getting the gui going. I also noticed the rather low specs of the 
system involved which might be contributing to your problems. There are linux 
derivatives better suited to low end systems than Ubuntu. Puppy Linux and 
Damn Small Linux come to mind but are by no means the whole lot. There are 
also a series of live cd's you could try to see what works to  your specs at

http://www.livecdlist.com/

Just a start

James