Suse 10.2 install can't detect IDE HDD

[Chris Bell]

Hi all,
I'm trying to install Suse Linux Enterprise Ed. Desktop on a new machine with the hardrives from my old system. These drives have SuSe and Windows installed but I wan't to use the partions on them and overwrite the old OS's with fresh installs.

The install DVD boots up fine but when It gets to the stage of detecting my hardrives - it can't - and I get this error msg.

"Error
No hard disks were found for the installation.
Please check your hardware!"

The disks are visible in the BIOS and if I leave the machine to boot by itself the old SuSe version tries to boot up, but can't because of the totally different system.

Any help would be appreciated...

Thanks!

-- Machine --

Mobo: gigabyte 965P-ds3P http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/...ProductID=2455
DVD drive: Pioneer DVD-RW on IDE channel 0 Master (SATA connection)
HDD 0: Seagate Barracuda ST3320620A on IDE channel 4 Master (PATA connection)
HDD 1: Samsung sp4002H on IDE channel 4 Slave (PATA connection)
Memory: OCZ platinum 2 GB matched pair
GPU: Sapphire x1950 Pro
CPU: Core 2 duo E6400
PSU: Cooler Master iGreen 600w
Case: Lian Li PC B20

[devils casper]

Hi Chris Bell,

Welcome to the LinuxForums.

SuSe installer is not recognizing your Hardware. upgrade BIOS if possible.







Casper

[Chris Bell]

Just flashed BIOS - no change...

[devils casper]

does installer drop you at Manual Installation mode after throwing that error?

[Chris Bell]

Sorry for not responding quicker... I had to go out and walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and then drink lots of alcohol

In reply to your question..no. It just continues on regardless to the "Installation Mode", then the "Clock and Time Zone" screen then to the "Installation Settings" where in the Partitioning sub-section it says "No automatic proposal possible. Specify mount points manually in the 'Partitioner' dialogue."

Can't actually see a 'Partioner' dialogue, when I click the "Change" button and choose Partitioning from the pop-up list it says "no disks found.Try using the update CD, if available, for installation.

Also...I've tried G-parted partioner and it can't pick up the drives either. Maybe I have to change a setting in the BIOS?

[devils casper]

if GParted is not recognizing Harddisk, something is wrong in BIOS only. boot up from Windows Installation CD and check if it recognizes harddisk.

[Chris Bell]

Hello again,

I've loaded up Windows 2000 setup and it can see both hard drives. though oddly enough it can only see 131070 MB of my larger 300G drive.

I've had a quick look at the BIOS but can't see anything out of the ordinary.

I hope this doesn't mean I have to have a Windows only box I'd rather buy a Mac!

[oldcpu]

It could be your SATA controller (interaction with the IDE) for your DVD drive is causing a problem. You could try an installation off of your hard drive with the DVD drive disconnected (copy the appropriate installation files there first), or try a network install, .... or borrow a portable DVD drive that is recognized by Linux.

Is there a legacy mode for your SATA in your BIOS? You could try that, and then try again to install off of your DVD drive.

[Chris Bell]

Hi and thanks Old CPU,
I suspect you may be right, I have an IDE to SATA converter on the back of the DVD (due to lack of IDE connectors on the Motherboard).

I'll have a go at the BIOS and if that doesn't work - I have a Windows laptop from work and a router so I'll look-up a "how to" for a network install.