Partitioning problems when installing Ubuntu 8.04

[NGKEIB]

Hi all,

I've been trying to install Ubuntu for most of the day, using the official Ubuntu CD. Don't have Windows, so I just want to put the disc in, and have Ubuntu as my sole OS (no dual-boot etc.). The normal installation always freezes, so I run it in safe graphics mode, and it works fine up until a point.

I get to the step in the installation process that is about partitioning, and as I'm fairly new to this, I initially selected the guided method, and finished the rest of the steps. When it tried to partition, it would get to 5% and then I would get this message:

"Failed to create a file system

The ext3 file system creation in partition #1 of SCSI1 (0,0,0)(sda) failed." (or something about the swap file etc.)

I tried again repeatedly, but always with the same result. Tried to do it manually, and would create a new partition tree (or whatever it's called), create a 20 GB ext3 file system for the /, and also create a 2GB swap one, and leave the rest unfilled, and try to proceed, but I would get the exact same message, also at 5%. I'm getting a bit frustrated, and would be eternally grateful for any advice.

[Debian Linux Geek]

Ok first thing I would do is reburn the disk at the slowest speed if that doesn't work report back and we can think of something else.

[NGKEIB]

I'm pretty sure it's not the disc as it's one I ordered, so I'm guessing the problem should be elsewhere. One person advised me to use Gparted to create the partitions, so I might try that.

For the partitions, I was thinking one for / that would be 20GB, a 2GB swap and putting the rest as a /home. But for /home and / what file system would you recommend? Ext3?

[Debian Linux Geek]

I would use ext3.

[NGKEIB]

GParted did the trick for the partitioning, but at around 66% of the install, this flashed up:

"The installer encountered an error copying files to the hard disk:

[Errno 5] Input/output error

This particular error is often due to a faulty CD/DVD disk or drive, or a faulty hard disk. It may help to clean the CD/DVD, to burn the CD/DVD at a lower speed, to clean the CD/DVD drive lens (cleaning kits are often available from electronics suppliers), to check whether the hard disk is old and in need of replacement, or to move the system to a cooler environment."

I doubt it's the actual CD, so I guess this tells me where the problem is. My laptop isn't that old (got it in September 2006), but you never know. I'll try installing again later, and if I get the same problem I'll take it into the shop. Thanks a lot for your time!

[Debian Linux Geek]

I go back to my original statement saying you have a bad disk.

[NGKEIB]

I'll burn a new one at the slowest speed and see how that works. Thanks again.

[curve]

Im having the same problem, except I have no way of burning a new disc...it was a disc sent from ubuntu direct. now I have a half installed ubuntu pc. Any ideas?

Thanks

[devils casper]

Im having the same problem,

Did installer slow exactly same error? Boot up from Ubuntu CD and execute this in Terminal :

sudo fdisk -l

Post output here.