T43 won't let me install a new OS

[toozie21b]

I have an older T43 that is in great shape (besides a shot battery). I tried to install Linux on it recently and I cannot for the life of me get it to work. I tried Lubuntu, but it hangs after I select the language everytime.

I know occasionally I see it complain about ACPI PCC errors, so I tried to turn ACPI=OFF on the install, but that doesn't help.

Is there something I am missing about getting a new OS onto this machine (I am fine to blow away XP on it)?

[RealBlackStuff]

Because T43 is already so old, you'll need a version of (L)ubuntu that uses a non-PAE kernel.

[ajkula66]

Pull out the dead battery, then try installing the OS again.

If you're not "married" to the *buntu derivatives, there are many other distros that run fine on a T43/p.

[Neil]

There shouldn't be any reason for a Lubuntu install to fail on a healthy T43. Before wasting any more time, it would be a good idea to test the RAM with Memtest86+, and scan the HDD for problems like bad sectors, to make sure that there are no hardware issues.

[toozie21b]

Thank you to all, you seem to be on top of your game. I managed to get Lubuntu installed last night, but it was a combination of things (and I am not 100% sure that I needed all of them).

First I attempted to install Lubuntu with PAE disabled and ACPI turned off, but that still didn't work. Next I attempted to do the same thing, but with the battery unplugged, that worked like a charm!!!! So I guess it get concerned about the battery being there, but dead? Seems odd that it doesn't throw a message to tell me that.

It seems to run so-so now, best I can expect for such an old machine. It is a shame since it is in such nice shape, but I don't think there is much more that it can be used to be more useful than occasionally putzing around on it in Linux.

I had checked the RAM before posting on here originally and that checked out OK.

Thanks again guys!

[Sudevan]

I have installed Linux Mint 17 on several T43 machines with no issues whatsoever, and they run very well. Mint 16 is useful especially for T40s and T41s, but should also run well with T43s. Both MATE and Cinnamon desktops can be used, and it is mostly a matter of preference. Even if you now have Lubuntu installed on your machine, you might still want to download and burn Mint 16 and Mint 17, and try them out in the optical drive to see if you like Mint. No cost, of course, and it's an experiment worth trying.

Best of luck,

Sudevan

[Hans Gruber]

I just installed Linux Mint 17.2 Cinnamon on my T43p. It runs flawlessly. Could you list your specs for your T43. I would suggest 2gb of ram. The T43p with Linux that I have is 2ghz Pentium M and has the 128MB ATI Mobility FIRE GL V3200 with 2GB of ram.

[Dekks]

Glad you got it fixed, Lubuntu should fly on a T43. I was given a T43 that was being scrapped off and after removing loads of cling film and about half a pound of grease from the case and innards it turned out to be a flexview 15in model [266884g]. It's chugging along happily undervolted with arch/openbox.