Debian not recognizing keyboard

[tommo]

Hi

I downloaded and burned the following iso images for the Debian install:

debian-31r4-i386-binary-1.iso
debian-31r4-i386-binary-2.iso

I put the first CD in the drive, booted from it, and the Debian install seemed to go more or less smoothly. It was now time to reboot to set up my environment etc.

So it reboots. However, this wasn't so smooth. It failed to recognize my USB Keyboard which was strange as it worked when installing. I remember seeing lots of USB related errors. Is there anyway to retrieve these errors so I could show you? I am working from XP at the moment.

My computer is a Dell Dimension 3100. My keyboard is a RT7D50.

Another thing, why is the default kernel 2.4? It's a bit outdated now isn't it? I know you can pass in linux26 as a boot parameter but still.

Any help much appreciated.

[antidrugue]

Another thing, why is the default kernel 2.4? It's a bit outdated now isn't it? I know you can pass in linux26 as a boot parameter but still.

Exactly, install using

linux26

at boot prompt (F3 for the different installation options). USB support in kernel 2.4 is not so good.

Your keyboard should work with Sarge's 2.6.8-3 kernel.

If you want really nice support for modern hardware, use Debian Etch instead (now at Release Candidate 1, due for december).

You can use the netinstaller (so only one minimal CD is needed it will download the rest during installation) :
http://cdimage.debian.org/cdimage/et...86-netinst.iso

[tommo]

Thanks for the reply.

I tried linux26 at the boot prompt. It failed to recognize my keyboard. This is strange.

I then tried linux26 noapic noalpic. Same again. The latter two parameters are for buggy hardware or something so I thought I might as well try.

What do you think is wrong? The install works fine with default(2.4), but it doesnt for 2.6. I don't understand.

Any more help would be great, thanks.

ps. I am downloading the Debian Etch netistall iso right now.

[tommo]

OK, it worked with the Etch install. Thanks for the help

[antidrugue]

OK, it worked with the Etch install.

Glad it worked for you. You'll find Etch much more suited for a desktop system anyway.