[ubuntu-za] Kernel panic - 12.10 on Dell GX520

[Robin Bownes]

On 10/29/2012 12:17 PM, Wesley Werner wrote:
> Hi Robin,
>
> I'd like to suggest you do a firmware update on that machine, start at
> http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/za/en/zadhs1/Product/optiplex-gx520
>
> The last update was in 2006/12/05 version A11, see if you can
> determine if yours needs updating.
>
> Good luck!
>
> On Mon, Oct 29, 2012 at 12:09 PM, Robin Bownes <robin at bownes.co.za> wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I'm close to my wit's end with this problem, I hope someone can help.
>>
>> I am trying to install Ubuntu 12.10 (64 bit) on a recently acquired,
>> small-form-factor Dell GX520 (Dual-core Intel, 1GB RAM). I have been unable
>> to even get the installation to run through completely before being kicked
>> out to a screen full of text (looks like considerably more than one screen's
>> worth), the last lines of which, mention "kernel panic".
>>
>> I've Googled this and have seen a few others that have experienced similar
>> problems, but have seen no solutions.
>>
>> Help please - simple as possible please, preferably with explanation. (for
>> my learning curve)
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Robin
>>
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>> ubuntu-za mailing list
>> ubuntu-za at lists.ubuntu.com
>> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-za
Thanks Wesley,

Not something I've ever done before, but I'll give it a shot. I've 
downloaded the BIOS file from Dell (the latest version), but see that it 
is an exe file. Am I therefore assume that I have to somehow get Windows 
loaded on this PC before I can do the firmware upgrade, or is there 
another way? If you have any further info on the firmware update 
procedure, I'd appreciate that too. Thanks.
Robin