[SOLVED on 8.10] sata disk not identified during 8.04.1 install (sis m672)

[ricardo0y]

First of all, I am not sure if this is the correct forum to ask my question. If it's not, a clue on where can I find the answer would be very much appreciated.

I am a newbie on Linux installation, but on work I use terminals on Linux servers. I can at least copy a file, run a command as root, mount a cdrom and edit a file using vi

I am trying to install Kubuntu on my brand new laptop but I understood it fails on detecting the SATA hard disk.
This laptop came with a pre-installed Linux. It's a local distribution that says is based on Debian Etch called Satux. It seems work ok with SATA and chipset SIS.

Support from Satux (where by the way people ask why they can't install other linux distributions) claims that they did some changes on compilation time in order to get everything work. They also suggest to compile the preferred distribution from the source using same config. But it's far from my experience. I am a C programmer and compile some programs using gcc, but I really don't expect compiling the kernel is so easy. Attached is the config file from Satux; I am not able or experienced to find something useful on this file).

I also attach lspci and few other command outputs that I hope could be useful.
I found many problem descriptions on the internet but the solutions I tried didn't work for me. Suggestions include be sure C3 is disabled on BIOS (it is enabled), change setting of SATA (my BIOS doesn't have any option on this), disabling ACPI, I think is power management, and using 'noapic nolapic' on install line. 'pci=nomsi' is a common suggestion.


My laptop:
Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T2370 @1.7GHz
Chipset: SIS M672 http://www.sis.com/products/sism672.htm
Memory: 2GB DDR2 Bus: 533MHz
HD: 120GB WD1200BEVS SATA http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?DriveID=200
DVD-RW Video: Mirage 3+ graphic
No direct internet connection, but I can download things on other machine and burn a CD/DVD or write on a memory stick.
Phoenix BIOS, manufacturer does not release updates.
SIS doesn't provide Linux driver for m672. My laptop came with a DVD containing drivers for windows and for Satux, but none is for m672.
I must avoid as far as possible to open the memory or hard disk cases in order to not lose hardware warranty.


Maybe could those be related?
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+s...ols/+bug/47768
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+s...ler/+bug/32357
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/190492
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+s....17/+bug/75055

I tried for 2 weeks many ways. Below you can see the part of tests I documented for comparison.


1) ubuntu-8.04.1-desktop-amd64.iso
1.1) 'Check CD for defects' -> 'Check finished: no errors found' (I then assume CD is ok)
1.2) 'Try Ubuntu without any change to your computer' -> BusyBox
-> I can NOT see sda1, 2 and 3 on /dev
1.3) F4 > 'Safe graphics mode' + 'Try Ubuntu without any change to your computer' ->
-> Applications (games, terminal, …) work
-> GParted = 'No devices detected'
-> Install = stops on Prepare partitions (no partitions detected)
-> 'sudo fdisk -l' shows nothing

For tests below, I always use the safe graphics mode…
1.4) 'Install Ubuntu' -> BusyBox
1.5) F6 -> delete 'quiet' + 'Install Ubuntu' -> BusyBox
-> Among other messages:

  ata1: SATA link up 1.5 Gbps (SStatus 113 SControl 300)
  ata1.00: qc timeout (cmd 0xec)
  ata1.00: failed to IDENTIFY (I/O error, err_mask=0x4)
  ata1: failed to recover some devices, retrying in 5 seconds
  ata1: SATA link up 1.5 Gbps (SStatus 113 SControl 300)
  ata2: SATA link down (SStatus 0 SControl 300)
  …
  ACPI: PCI interrupt for device 0000:00:02.5 [A] -> GSI 16 (level, low) -> IRQ16

1.6) F6 -> delete 'quiet', add 'acpi=off' + 'Install Ubuntu' -> BusyBox
-> Among other messages, same 'qc timeout' to 'link up' sequence in ata1
1.7) F6 -> delete 'quiet', add 'root=/dev/sda1' + 'Install Ubuntu' -> stops on Prepare partitions (no partitions detected)



2) kubuntu-8.10-beta-desktop-amd64.iso
2.1) 'Check CD for defects' -> BusyBox
-> I can see sda1, 2 and 3 on /dev
=> on other machine I tested the media by testing on cygwin the md5 on the iso token back from CD using dd. And CD was recorded using speed 4x.
2.2) 'Try Kubuntu without any change to your computer' -> BusyBox
-> I can see sda1, 2 and 3 on /dev
2.3) F4 > 'Safe graphics mode' + 'Try Kubuntu without any change to your computer' -> BusyBox
-> I can see sda1, 2 and 3 on /dev

For tests below, I always use the safe graphics mode…
2.4) F6 -> delete 'quiet' + 'Install Kubuntu' -> BusyBox just after 'Begin: Mouting root file system… …'
2.5) F6 -> delete 'quiet', add 'vga=771' + 'Try Kubuntu without any change to your computer' -> blank screen with blinking cursor on top left
2.6) F6 -> delete 'quiet', add 'root=/dev/sda1' + 'Install Kubuntu' -> BusyBox just after 'Begin: Mouting root file system… …'
2.7) F6 -> delete 'quiet', add 'acpi=off' + 'Install Kubuntu' -> BusyBox
2.8 ) F6 -> delete 'quiet', add 'pci=nomsi' after '--' + 'Install Kubuntu' -> BusyBox
-> I can see sda1, 2 and 3 on /dev
-> I can mount /dev/sda1 and see its contents
2.9 ) F6 -> delete 'quiet', add 'pci=nomsi root=/dev/sda1' after '--' + 'Install Kubuntu' -> BusyBox
-> mounted /dev/sda1 to /root and 'exit'
-> I got an ubuntu@ubuntu terminal
-> I got some outputs to text files



3) kubuntu-8.04.1-desktop-i386.iso
3.1) 'Check CD for defects' -> BusyBox
-> I can NOT see sda1, 2 and 3 on /dev
-> Entering 'exit', it goes to live session, where applications work, but installation stops on 'Prepare partitions' since no drive was found.
=> on other machine I tested the media by testing on cygwin the md5 on the iso token back from CD using dd. And CD was recorded using speed 4x.
3.2) F6 -> delete 'quiet' + 'Install Kubuntu' -> BusyBox
-> Among other messages, same 'qc timeout' to 'link up' sequence than #1.5 in ata1
3.3) F6 -> delete 'quiet', add 'acpi=off generic.all_generic_ide=1 noapic nolapic' + 'Install Kubuntu' -> BusyBox
-> Among other messages, same 'qc timeout' to 'link up' sequence, BUT now for ata3
3.4) F6 -> delete 'quiet', add 'root=/dev/sda1 hd=14593,255,63' + 'Install Kubuntu' -> Installation stops on 'Prepare partitions' since no drive was found.
3.5) F6 -> delete 'quiet', add 'pci=nomsi' + 'Install Kubuntu' -> BusyBox
-> I can NOT see sda1, 2 and 3 or hda on /dev
3.6) F6 -> delete 'quiet', add 'pci=nomsi' after '--' + 'Install Kubuntu' -> BusyBox
-> I can NOT see sda1, 2 and 3 or hda on /dev


Now my question(s):
1) I just realize I was putting all options before '--', on the place 'quiet' was. Should I made all tests again putting options after '--'?
2) Is there any other distribution older or newer I should test? It seems 8.10 beta goes further than 8.04. I will test 8.10 final when released anyway.
3) Could any configuration on Satux be looked to help Kubuntu install?
4) Could I do something on the ubuntu terminal from test #2.9 in order to install by command line? (apt-get?)


I can get more info if needed. I can copy a file using memory stick or take a picture of the screen.

Thank you in advance. Any help will be appreciated.

Still hoping I will use Kubuntu,
Ricardo

[Snowhog]

Re: sata disk not identified during 8.04.1 install (sis m672)

Wow! Really, wow. This is probably the most detailed (read: complete) post of a problem I've seen. Oh, and welcome to Kubuntu Forums.

With what you have posted, I am confident that you will receive the help you are looking for. One thing I didn't see in your post is the graphics card/chip that your laptop is using.

[ricardo0y]

Re: sata disk not identified during 8.04.1 install (sis m672)

Yeah, you got me I don't know how to see this! My PC knowledge was good on the time I had a 486, 16MB ram and ISA was the most of peripheral boards! After Pentium I really got lost.

The only reference I have is that the card is onboard, 'Video: Mirage 3+ graphic' from manufacturer info. Also people that have the same laptop wrote on the web that SIS controller does not have yet a 3D good driver. So I assume SIS also do some for graphics.

If someone tells me a command, I can execute here - and learn a bit too!

Thanks for your reply,
Ricardo

[toad]

Re: sata disk not identified during 8.04.1 install (sis m672)

Hm, I'm stumped for the mo.

I've got one SATA and one IDE drive on my system - you appear to have two drives as well - is that correct?

The following command will tell you about attached devices:

cat /proc/scsi/scsi

Prolly won't do much good and it'll only list your optical + IDE drives...

Here is some basic troubleshooting stuff I can think of:

1. Have you tried knoppix? If that recognises it, then fault lies with kubuntu - your satux works well, you say?
2. What is the output of

dmesg | grep ata |less

in Satux/kubuntu?

[dibl]

Re: sata disk not identified during 8.04.1 install (sis m672)

Go into the BIOS and change the "mode" on the SATA bus to AHCI, if you can.

[ricardo0y]

Re: sata disk not identified during 8.04.1 install (sis m672)

Sorry for delay.


Hi toad,

No, I don't have 2 drives, only one SATA.

cat /proc/scsi/scsi
Attached devices:
Host: scsi1 Channel: 00 Id: 00 Lun: 00
 Vendor: ATA   Model: WDC WD1200BEVS-2 Rev: 01.0 [my hard drive]
 Type:  Direct-Access          ANSI SCSI revision: 05
Host: scsi0 Channel: 00 Id: 00 Lun: 00
 Vendor: Generic- Model: Multi-Card    Rev: 1.00 [my dvd, I guess]
 Type:  Direct-Access          ANSI SCSI revision: 00
Host: scsi3 Channel: 00 Id: 00 Lun: 00
 Vendor: Kingston Model: DataTraveler 2.0 Rev: PMAP [my memory stick]
 Type:  Direct-Access          ANSI SCSI revision: 00

1) I didn't tried Knoppix. I will download an ISO and test it. I started download of KNOPPIX_V5.1.1CD-2007-01-04-EN.iso
Satux goes well, installed on HD or on live DVD.

2)

 dmesg | grep ata |less

shows nothing except my memory stick "D[ata]Traveler"
I attached dmesg output without grep, just if you got curious. I deleted many repeated messages I think is for Ethernet, that I did not connect.

Both command outputs are for Satux only.
Unfortunately I could not get ubuntu terminal again. I tried 3 times. 2 gone to Satux login (not 100% functional) after 'exit' on BusyBox and 1 got kernel panic after 'exit' (this time I typed before all messages from script are showed).
I will try some more times. I am not sure about this different behavior but I guess I made that test that lead to ubuntu terminal just after testing to delete all partitions and creating them blank again (using Satux live DVD).
Then I post Kubuntu outputs.

Thank you for your reply.


Hi dibl,

This is a solution for some people with similar problems.
But sadly my BIOS doesn't have this option, in the case of SATA just read-only fields are displayed. It doesn't have too many options for anything!
Someone posted in a forum some photos of a Phoenix BIOS screen with this option. But it was some versions earlier that one I have.

Thank you for your reply.

[toad]

Re: sata disk not identified during 8.04.1 install (sis m672)

Hm, I'm stumped. Satux obviously recognises it correctly.

I'm no expert and if I were you at this stage I'd try a number of different live CDs (including Sidux), check whether the gparted live CD recognises, perhaps wait for the new kubuntu to come out and definitely file a bug!

Sorry I cannot be of more help

[ricardo0y]

Re: sata disk not identified during 8.04.1 install (sis m672)

Hello toad,

Knoppix recognized my hard drive with default boot command!
On the root@tty1 shell I can see /dev/sda1,2,3.

Based on this I will wait 8.10 final release next week. If it fails I will open an error report, as suggested.
I guess Knoppix is a good comparison point if further troubleshooting is needed. I will not do more tests with beta or other distributions meanwhile, EXCEPT of course you tell me it is important. Please advise me in this case.
I will let you know when (and how) Kubuntu starts to work on my laptop.

THANK YOU ALL so much for all your help.

Just a comment: 'Video is [SiS] Unknown device 6351' is showed by Knoppix, then I understand that SiS really does the video job too.

[ricardo0y]

[SOLVED on 8.10] sata disk not identified during 8.04.1 install (sis m67

Very good news to me!
I tried with kubuntu-8.10-desktop-amd64.iso and everything works! No changes on installation command line was needed.

Enjoying Kubuntu,
Ricardo

[Snowhog]

Re: [SOLVED on 8.10] sata disk not identified during 8.04.1 install (sis m672)

Excellent! Happy Kubuntuing!!