[ltp] Redhat 8.0 install on X60s -- hard drive invisible

[Richard Neill]

>>
>>  I have removed the Vista hard drive, and replaced it with a new internal
>> drive that is identical, but presumably blank, or minimally formatted.
>>
>>  Now, I'm trying to install RedHat 8.0 Linux from CDs, using a USB external
>> CD drive.
>>
>>  The first few screens are OK, but then the install process stops, saying
>> that it cannot find the hard drive.
>>

The X60 uses an SATA hard disk (/dev/sdX). Linux has supported SATA for 
quite some time (although perhaps RH8 predates even that).

However, about 3 years ago, weird things happened with libata, causing 
all sorts of muddling with /dev/sdX vs /dev/hdX in the distributions. A 
typical bug was that you could boot from a hard disk, but could not 
mount the filesystem ("/sbin/init not found"). That was fixed about 1 
year later; now, even some IDE devices appear as /dev/sdX.

If you really want to run an old distro, see if the BIOS will let you 
switch the SATA controller into Legacy ("IDE") mode, rather than AHCI 
("Native") mode.

Seriously though, RH8 is about 5 years old now. The new software is 
vastly better, has better hardware compatibility, drivers, and current 
security updates. If you're a GNOME fan, try out Ubuntu Gutsy, with 
Compiz - it's *amazing*.

If there's some particular reason you need RH8, ask another question 
here, because there may be a better way, such as a virtual machine.

Best wishes,

Richard