Installing from CD-ROM

To install Red Hat Linux from a CD-ROM, choose the CD-ROM option from the boot loader screen and select OK. When prompted, insert the Red Hat Linux CD into your CD-ROM drive (if you did not boot from the CD-ROM). When the CD is in the CD-ROM drive, select OK and press Enter.

Note

If you already have another operating system installed and want to create a dual boot system so that you can use both Red Hat Linux and the other operating system, read Appendix C for details.

The installation program will then probe your system and attempt to identify your CD-ROM drive. It will start by looking for an IDE (also known as an ATAPI) CD-ROM drive. If this is found, you will continue to the next stage of the installation process (see the “Welcome to Red Hat Linux” section later in this chapter).

Note

To abort the installation process at this time, reboot your machine and then eject the boot diskette or CD-ROM. You can safely cancel the installation at any point before the About to Install screen. See the “Preparing to Install” section later in this chapter for more information.

If your CD-ROM drive is not detected, and it is a SCSI CD-ROM, you can manually select the SCSI CD-ROM type when prompted. Select SCSI if your CD-ROM drive is attached to a supported SCSI adapter; the installation program will then ask you to choose a SCSI driver. Choose the driver that most closely resembles your adapter.

You may specify options for the driver if necessary; however, most drivers will detect your SCSI adapter automatically.

What If the IDE CD-ROM Was Not Found?

If you have an IDE (ATAPI) CD-ROM, but the installation program fails to find your IDE (ATAPI) CD-ROM and asks you what type of CD-ROM drive you have, restart the installation and at the boot: prompt enter linux hdx=cdrom. Replace the x with one of the following letters, depending on the interface the unit is connected to, and whether it is configured as master or slave (also known as primary and secondary):

a — First IDE controller, master

b — First IDE controller, slave

c — Second IDE controller, master

d — Second IDE controller, slave

If you have a third and/or fourth controller, continue assigning letters in alphabetical order going from controller to controller and master to slave.