reformatted, now what?

[evilmuffinman23]

I have windows 98 on an "emachine". my goal was to reformat, and not have anything to do with windows. before I reformatted I could run regular dsl (damn small linux) off a cd rom(iso) with no problems. after I reformatted I tried off a cd dsl(iso), dsl-n(bootable), dsl-n(iso), Ubuntu(bootable) and mandrake(bootable). to no prevaile all it comes up with is "invalid system disk
replace the disk, and then press any key"

I have been studying up on linux but havent made much progress, its depressing

please help me

[valemon]

Is your cd the first boot device? Just make a check

[devils casper]

i am sure that you have set Harddisk as First Boot Device in BIOS. set it to CD Drive.

[evilmuffinman23]

I expected it would check that since I have no OP.
how do I check and, if not, change to first boot device?

[devils casper]

you have to check it in BIOS. press Del, F8 or Esc key ( depends on your BIOS ) at startup to enter in BIOS.

[evilmuffinman23]

I set cd drive as first boot n BIOS and I see no change

[evilmuffinman23]

I got dsl on here from ashipped cd, but its not as satisfying

[WhelkMaster]

Hi!

Did you solve your problem of being unable to boot from the CD?

Cheers.

[jan1024188]

I'ts nothing wrong. When the disk on my lappy was reformated, I got same "error" after inserting the disk.

All you have to do, is going into a boot menu and selecting CD/DVD. Try pressing F8, F9, F10, F11 or F12 keys for entering boot menu. Also pay attention if you see any like where would mention boot menu (usually when you power on).

I hope that helps

[Solvision]

The Ultimate Boot CD was big help for me.

I had problems installing linux at first. After changing the computer to boot to the CD from either the BIOS or a boot menu (which my computer has) i formatted the whole hard disc.

Then restarted with the Linux install discs (FC6), booted to the CD and it was home sweet home from there. This disc is also very handy if you want/need/have to switch back to Windows.

Hope it all works out for you.