Disclaimer: Mr. Goodrich’s report has not been verified by
Linux Today. It is provided for the information of our readers and
to generate more extensive investigation into the ‘single processor
but multi-processor capable’ issue.
[ Linux Today reader Gerald Goodrich writes: ]
Both Corel and RedHat 6.1 install diskettes or CD crash on many
motherboards with a single processor but a multi-processor capable
chipset such as an Intel HX. A Specific example is a Tyan
S1563S.
The problem is that the install diskette (or CD) assumes
multiple processors if it sees such a chipset. They crash
attempting to init the APIC which doesn’t exist.
This appears to be a needless fatal bug. If the install assumed
a single processor it would work on all systems and SMP could be
turned on later. I know of no work around for Corel but with
Redhat, “linux updates noapic” solves the startup problem but,
unfortunately, games must be played to get the hard disk config
corrected.
A warning to such users might be in order. I’ve noticed many
posts in the Corel newsgroups which appear to be this problem but
unrecognized.
Better yet, I boot floppy that disn’t make the rash
multi-processor assumption would make the problem go away!
Gerald Goodrich