[SOLVED] Installer won't install GUI, how do you install GUI from a CDR?

[kcredden]

Folks: I've got the latest Debian 5.09, and Debian 6.03. Both installers will not work consistently. I want to install either OS, but I do NOT want it to spend 6+ hours downloading files. If you don't let it do that, it just installs the basic command line, even X isn't installed. It sounds like I just need the basic netinstalller CD and forget the full 700 meg CDs.

Is there a way of installing KDE (or any WM) after this basic install, from the CD? Currently I have:
(all are the 650+ CDs)

Debian 6.03 XFCE/LXDE
Debian 5.09 KDE
Debian 6.03 KDE

I've tried the text, and GUI installer, also the expert one too. Nothing works correctly. Sometimes it will install everything correctly, but you have to turn off the modem at the right step, which I can't remember which. I think it's just before it asks about the mirror.

I'm familiar with the command line, just need to know how to make it install a WM from a CD/DVD.

[Randicus]

I cannot comment on 5.09, other than say it is an old version.

As for Debian 6, CD1 with Gnome, KDE or XFCE/LXDE will install the DE unless you tell it not to.The DVD has all four DEs. It should be a simple operation of pushing the Enter button at each step. Xorg should be installed, because the default settings include Desktop Utilities. Make sure there is an asterisk beside that entry.

Net install is not good if you have a slow internet connection. If you do not want to wait 6+ hours for files to down-load, use CD1 or the DVD. You can also avoid down-loading files during installation by choosing "No" when the installer asks if you want to use the network during installation. If "Yes" is chosen, up-dates will be down-loaded during installation.

On the chance your disc is flawed, it is always a good idea to burn ISO images at slow speed, because they are easily corrupted if burned at high speed. You could try burning another disc at slower speed.

[kcredden]

Randicus:

Hmm, I'm not recalling some of the things you metioned below, but I'll try this again tonite when I get home from work. I think now, I may be telling it not to download a bit /late/ in the process. I remember seeing the 'do you want to use a mirror' and when I tell it no, that's when it only installs the command line, and even X isn't installed.

If I get the same results, I'll reburn a CD, but nevertheless I'll be right back.

- Kc

As for Debian 6, CD1 with Gnome, KDE or XFCE/LXDE will install the DE unless you tell it not to.The DVD has all four DEs. It should be a simple operation of pushing the Enter button at each step. Xorg should be installed, because the default settings include Desktop Utilities. Make sure there is an asterisk beside that entry.

Net install is not good if you have a slow internet connection. If you do not want to wait 6+ hours for files to down-load, use CD1 or the DVD. You can also avoid down-loading files during installation by choosing "No" when the installer asks if you want to use the network during installation. If "Yes" is chosen, up-dates will be down-loaded during installation.

On the chance your disc is flawed, it is always a good idea to burn ISO images at slow speed, because they are easily corrupted if burned at high speed. You could try burning another disc at slower speed.

[Randicus]

I forget if the installer asks about connecting to a mirror before or after installing the base system, but after installing the base system, it will ask about the types of applications desired: desktop utilities, server, mail client; then it instals the rest; then the boot loader.

[kcredden]

Randicus:

I think I finally have worked out the solution, so I'll mark this as 'solved'

Basically it seems, that If you turn the modem off (or disconnect it) during or right before where you partition the drive, it'll work just fine. It'll install from the CDR/DVDR only, then from there, you can update it. After that, you run the risk of a bad install. I've seen bizzaare errors then.

I tested it on Debian 5.04, 5.09, 6.03, and 6.04.

I normally keep an image from partimage, but this time the image must have been corrupted. It wouldn't work even after a complete HD wipe and re-partition.

Thanks for the help.

I forget if the installer asks about connecting to a mirror before or after installing the base system, but after installing the base system, it will ask about the types of applications desired: desktop utilities, server, mail client; then it instals the rest; then the boot loader.