"invalid compression format"

manic111 · 18 Dec 2007 at 17:16

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.

eXor · 18 Dec 2007 at 21:04

That sounds like the kernel image on the CD is corrupt.

Did you verify the burn? Did you try the CD in another computer?

1. Download the md5sum for the iso you downloaded and make sure it matches.
2. Burn at minimum speed.
3. Verify the md5sum of the burned CD. ( See link below )

http://www.brunolinux.com/01-First_Things_To_Know/Md5sum_of_Burned_CDs.html

GarethDW · 19 Dec 2007 at 11:35

When you boot up from the installation CD you should have the option to "Check the CD for integrity" (or something along those lines)... have you tried this?

likwid · 19 Dec 2007 at 11:44

A quick google suggests the problem may be with your cd medium/drive. If you have another cd drive try that, or another brand of cd, or both.

Bes · 19 Dec 2007 at 12:08

Did you get the checksum for the installation media? Does it line up?

manic111 · 19 Dec 2007 at 13:09

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...