Getting grub to boot on Compaq Deskpro

[electeng33]

Having got very interested in linux, I have downloaded SimplyMepis and burned the disk as per instructions, but it will not start without having priority at boot up.

Unfortunately, my Compaq Deskpro BIOS setup does not give me the option of setting the CD-Rom to have priority over the hard drive at boot up.

I am sure there must be a way round this, as there must be thousands with this PC but having searched for some time I have been unable to find an answer.

I will be most grateful if anyone out there will be able to help me by telling me of an alternative way (in simple terms) in which I may be able to get the CD to start.

Many thanks in anticipation.

[rokytnji]

You can make a Smart boot manager Floppy (if you have a floppy drive on said computer) using my instructions below.

Yet Another Technology Site: Damn Small Linux 4.0 install on Compaq 1540DM

[oz]

Welcome to the forums!

You could try installing using unetbootin if installing from the CD drive is not possible:

UNetbootin - Homepage and Downloads

I'm curious though, if you were to have to reinstall Windows, how would you go about doing so if the Windows installation CD can't be booted, either?

Either way, hope the Linux install goes well for you. Do let us know how it goes.