"invalid compression format"

[manic111]

I am trying to install Linux on my old Dell desktop (P4, 256mb RAM, old crappy mobo, 40bg 5400rpm HDD etc), but when I put the disk in i drive and boot, it gets partway through the bootup process and comes up with the message "invalid compression format. System halted".

Is this a problem with the HDD? It works fine normally.

Or is it a problem with the CD with the ISO on it?

I have tried Ubuntu, Mint and Puppy. I assumed that, as it didnt work with Puppy which doesnt touch the HDD it was a problem with the CD itself. What is the problem though? Am I burning it incorrectly? I am using a program called "active ISO burner" which I found free on the net. Is this the problem? If so, can anyone recommend me a free ISO burning program?

Thanks.

 

[manic111]

I havent been able to check the CD in another computer, and have tried multiple brands of CD. I have not checked the checksum, and the "check cd integrity" runs fine. I have been able to run the ISO through VMWare, so I am assuming that that works fine too...