Close call...

[alexpgp]

I don't know what gets into me, sometimes.

This morning, I decided to see what the Linux for Windows package had under the hood, so after reading the installation instructions carefully, I set about installing it on my Sony laptop.

Big mistake.

The install got to the point where it had to create a "loopback" file, and failed. The install routine calmly went back to its last checkpoint, namely, asking me where I wanted to install the program.

Well, the program wouldn't install, so...how do I exit the installation program?

Ctrl-Alt-Del doesn't work. Ctrl-C doesn't work, nor does Ctrl-Z.

Okay, hit the BRS (which is neither big, nor red on my Sony), and the machine is off. Wait a few seconds. Turn the machine back on.

Yikes! I'm back in the install program.

What gives? Just where is this program living?

Turn the machine off again. Think for a while.

Turn it back on.

The program is still active.

Try clicking on various parts of the screen. No joy.

Do the off/on thing again. Same result.

Ye gods. The RPE comes by and tells me he's got work for me.

Whoopee. I'm sitting here with a crippled laptop where all of my dictionaries are stored, useless to me at the moment.

Try one more thing...turn the machine on...then off before anything happens...then on again.

Did I mention I have my fingers crossed as I do this?

I see the Sony logo flash on the screen, which tells me I've exorcised the install program.

I see the BSOD. All things considered, I don't feel so bad; I've been here before.

Reboot into safe mode, where the machine checks the C: drive. Restart.

I'm back in Windows...and a little wiser for the experience, and feeling lucky.

Cheers...

Comments

[bsgi.livejournal.com]

I going to install MKLinux on one of my Macs in the next day or so. I hope that I do not have a repeat of your problems.

BTW, do you really read the manual? I don't think I have read a manual or installation instructions (other than to look for special quirks and incompatibilities in 10-12 years).

[alexpgp.livejournal.com]

Normally, I do not read installation manuals. I do, however, make two exceptions to this "rule."

1. When installing anything having to do with Linux. (I love the OS, but lots of install software is not intuitive, or clear.)

2. When installing anything that may threaten an installed partition or, by extension, an operating system (e.g., Partition Magic).

Lnx4Win hit on both counts.

Cheers...

Re:

[bsgi.livejournal.com]

LOL

[volkris.livejournal.com]

I installed one of the three or so Linux under Windows via loopback distros on a friend of mine's Windows computer so I could use it as an X Terminal. It worked perfectly for weeks before finally one day windows decided that it didn't want to return to the graphical stuff.

In the end it's a matter of Windows not wanting to stop going into dosmode and executing the Linux stuff over and over.

Stupid Windows :)

[alexpgp.livejournal.com]

Personally, I just think it's Windows tired of doing the same old thing <grin>.

If it is something deliberate on Windows part, it certainly is more subtle than what happened soon after the release of OS/2 v. 2 by IBM back in...'92. At the time, OS/2 would run DOS, Windows, and native OS/2 apps. Scant weeks after the release, MS revved 3.1 to 3.11. This added peer-to-peer networking...and any apps written for 3.11 would, um, no longer run under OS/2.

Ah, the good old days, when things were so straightforward.

I'm just wondering if it's not something associated with it being a laptop I'm installing onto. Linux has a reputation for being particularly picky about the hardware it runs on, especially laptops.

Cheers...

[bandicoot.livejournal.com]

The devil made you do it?

[alexpgp.livejournal.com]

More like the penguin.

Cheers...