SuSE-setup: "no harddisks found for install"

[PatrickHolvoet]

Dear,

Just started with Linux (SuSE).
Bought 3 books of autor Sander Van Vugt
1. “Een Linux-server inrichten” (= configuration of a Linux Server), 728 pag.,
ISBN : 978-90-5940-275-1
2. “Leerboek Linux: deel 1 – Systeembeheer” (= Managing the System), 622 pag.,
ISBN : 90-395-2310-X
3. “Basiscursus SuSE Linux 10” (= Schoolbook), 219 pag.,
ISBN : 90-395-2464-5
Each of these books, with CD or CD’s

In first book, I found the most recent (or less obsolete) version SuSE 10.2,
what I tried to install

Surprise, surprise…during install :
Install SuSE : ERROR
– No Harddisks found for this installation.
Please verify your hardware

I’m trying this Linux installation on a PC with already WinXP & Win2003Server
installed on it, but with still free space for Linux.

Using NortonPartionMagic(8.0) to split my 320GB HD in multiple partitions:
Partition Type Size Status Primary/Logical
BOOT_XP(C NTFS 154.610MB Active Primary contains WinXP
Win2003(H NTFS 20.003MB None Primary contains Win2003Server
(*) Extended 40.006MB None Primary
Backup(D NTFS 20.003MB None Logical empty
LINUX(*.) Ext3 65.005MB None Primary empty
(*) Unallocated 25.619MB None Primary unused

The 3 books I bought, are handling each a part of the installation-possibilities of Linux,
but do not mention the problem I have.

Plenty of space on HD, also no need to defragmentate HD

Who can help ?
Why can the installation of Linux not find an usable harddisk ?
Do I have to change the type of the Linux-partition(s) ?

Thanks in advance, Patrick

[devils casper]

Hi and Welcome !

How old is your machine? It looks like SuSe installer is not reading HD details from BIOS.
Upgrade BIOS, if possible. Check your MoBo's manufacturer website for BIOS version and instructions to upgrade it.

[PatrickHolvoet]

Devils_Casper,
My PC is "rather new" (january 2007), with Intel Core 2 CPU E6300
Difficult to beleive that the BIOS is to be upgraded (??)
but to avoid that possibility, I'll check how upgrade BIOS should be done
thank for your reaction, Patrick