I give up...
This isn't worth my time, seriously.
"The most advanced operating system on the planet" can't even install on a machine that's had almost every other popular x86 Operating System installed/running on it (Linux, Windows 2k/XP, FreeBSD). I cannot remember the last time that I felt like I've had to fiddle with the BIOS to install an operating system, but I've just finished about 8 hours of changing switches (there aren't that many) trying to get Solaris 10 to boot. This is the second time that I decided to [waste?] my time trying to get this Operating System installed.
The first time I thought that the DVD I downloaded and burnt was corrupted, so I waited 3 months for a media kit (which was supposed to be here in 10 days, that should have been a clue) and it exhibits the same behavior. I was almost ready to shell out cash for a media kit, luckily I didn't. Won't feel like I'm throwing my money in the trash can.
I won't even bother with OpenSolaris, the whole point of using Solaris was to move away from a OS with dozens of variants that changed at the whim of a "community" (oh whatever) and to a more stable/controlled environment. Solaris on x86 is a big joke/fluke. For a system that been in development for decades (and there was an x86 version available earlier that was discontinued IIRC), it really fails at installing on generic consumer PCs from reputable hardware vendors (I've tried a Dell and 2 HP computers, so far - it fails miserably).
I can't believe I wasted so much time on this crap. Have a nice day.
# 1
Most operating systems have their place, in this case just not on your computer(s)
HvRa at 2007-7-10 2:10:30 >
# 2
I would strongly suggest you give OpenSolaris a try. Frankly OpenSolaris has a number of enhancements many of which are not being back ported Solaris 10. These enhancements make laptop experience much better. As a starter try the Solaris Express Developer Edition. This version includes Sun Studio 11, NetBeans and other tools.The install experience too has been improved.
# 3
HvR:
That's awesome, but 4 systems covers alot of hardware - especially when every other OS runs on them. This one, however, just sucks in comparison to the rest.
nebulous@best:
"Frankly OpenSolaris has a number of enhancements many of which are not being back ported Solaris 10."
And then I will have to depend on unofficial OpenSolaris enhancements for production-level application development/deployment issues. This is the issue with Linux that I'm trying to get away from (a gazillion distros all with their own nuances) - the reason I want to run an "Official" Solaris Operating System. Not some bastardized wannabe OSS derivative.
Same thing goes with Solaris Express Developer Edition - it's Beta-ware. Mind as well run Fedora Core - it installs (along with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3/4 that I used to run on that machine). The media kit they sent me came with a DVD that includes all the developer tools.
What's the use of opening the system up? Choice is never good if it lacks stability (in many definitions of the word).
# 4
Please post the model numbers of the HP machines you tired.I presume you are using desktops? Where I work is a full on HP shop and chances are that I might have the same HW laying around to see what you are having a problem with.Also what are the releases of Sol that you
HvRa at 2007-7-10 2:10:30 >
# 5
Let me just add a couple of things here, if I may. I understand your issue, but this is not your everyday run of the mill workstation OS. End-user workstations, in my belief, is not the intention at this time. Although more and more people are looking and using it for that purpose. Solaris is the work horse of the internet and computing power. It is very reliable, very stable, very secure, very scalible & conforms to Sun/Enterprise/Industry's strict standards.
The installation issue is not Solaris, it is the ever fast growing electronics industry not keeping to a ridged standards. Everyday x86 components are shipped with the flavor of the day firmware, configurations and chipsets.
OpenSolaris is not the answer either. The OpenSolaris community was started to allow "developers" to add input to the ridged standard set by Sun/Enterprise/Industry. This in turn will benefit users in the long run when the "FINAL" release is set forth as a "Solaris" product.
Try to find that in you LINUX/Windoze world. Support for LINUX changes on a daily/monthly basis. And in a year were does your support come from...Someone that you can't point a finger at that is sitting in their basement hacking code. Cross your fingers...Can you find them the next year for support? Maybe?
Windoze now I am not even going to start that debate :0
I also don't see IBM and HP out to support the Enterprise/Industry. They just try to ride the LINUX coat tail for now.
I am not going to say Solaris is making a come back, because it never left!!!! SUN just elected to not get into the maylay. Sun instead elected to dig in deep, develope greater hardware, OS and partners.
Enjoy your Linux, Windows 2k/XP/VistDAHA, FreeBSD "Workstation". I will still be a SUN Solaris "Server" Administrator for many years to come.
# 6
Pavilion models are:a310na450ya1419hSolaris 10 11/06 (Sun-supplied Media)
# 7
Lee, Lol. Whatever...
Seriously, every x86 Operating System that I have tried OTHER THAN SOLARIS has accepted and adopted the the fact that the x86 harware market is a bit more open than that of other architectures (SPARC, PowerPC, or whatever - speaking of the number of different peripherals and vendors for the hardware, not code). There are alot more hardware configurations available, it's cheaper and more accessible.
I know what commercial UNIX OSes are like, I've worked with them for years (military, university, etc.). Everything ranging from HP-UX, to Solaris, to Red Hat Enterprise Linux, to FreeBSD, to whatever.
All those other operating systems handle numerous hardware combinations flawlessly (Windows, Linux, etc.). Everything just works, I've even build systems from scratch and got the WinModems to work in Linux. Linux changes a lot, but if you go with a distro like Red Hat you suddenly realize that backwards compatibility does exist, and it can be as stable as anything else.
My reasons for wanting to run Solaris aren't personal, they're professional. I want to run it for a purpose - else I definitely wouldn't have dedicated a fraction of the amount of time I've dedicated to trying to get it to get to the first install menu (and it never does, just hangs). I don't see how Solaris is supposed to make a comback - unless Sun starts shipping out free systems to everyone who gains interest in it (and have you seen their prices?).
# 8
Can you please elaborate what issues you have run into ?
# 9
System Boots DVD
Grub Boot Menu - I choose "Solaris"
License Message comes up, cursor moves and jumps around a bit then it just sits there.
I have let it sit there for over 12 hours, can only assume it has frozen.
Same thing happens when I try to boot the Sun Solaris 10 11/06 Installation check CD (supposed to tell you if your system can run S10).
# 10
Sorry I was hoping that you were trying to use their business class Desktop model range. We only make use of their 揷orporate models?
We run Solaris on a number of newer HP server models and driver support from HP in that aspect is good.
Do not underestimate the sticker on the front of your Pavilion:
揇esigned for Microsoft Windows XP?br>
Sure Linux run on your desktop, probably because most of the development was done on that very same model. Like I said most operating systems have their place and Sun抯 main priority is clearly not the desktop range designed for XP.
We make use of Red Hat AS4 and Solaris 10 on the same HP HW for our ERP env. Solaris is more stable and also does not require to be patched as often (depending on your base package install, both our RH and Sol nodes only run what we need, yet RH require more patching).
Kernel rev updates require us to check with 4 different vendors if the new release is supported. (Oracle, Emulex, EMC & EMC PowerPath software to name a few) Many times the Linux gurus here broke a driver or 3rd party software package by upgrading to a newer kernel rev.
Linux also have a number of different kernels, use this one if you have more that 搙?amount of memory and so on. Solaris ships with one.
I am not happy about the switch made by my superiors from SPARC since that was as simple as it gets, but it is what it is. Yes I am lazy.
Bottom line you like what you like and it is a shame that Solaris not being able to install on a desktop cloaks your perception of Sol on the x86 platform.
HvRa at 2007-7-10 2:10:30 >
# 11
One more thing, if you know of a model i.e. DC close to one of the Pavilions you are trying to use, I will still be more than happy to try and run the install if I have similar HW
HvRa at 2007-7-10 2:10:30 >
# 12
> My reasons for wanting to run Solaris aren't personal, they're professional. I want to run >it for a purpose
why not get an ultra sparc workstation/server from ebay for under $700 ?. Sun hardware(including third-party certified hardware) guaranties very very stable environment and the pride of owing one :)
>have you seen their prices?).
Recently the prices have come down, unless you want 32core opteron server. Sparc ultra 45 dual proc starts@3695 US$ and opteron based ultra 40 @ 4995 us$.
or simply check out ebay for cheap ultra sparc iii servers under $700.
# 13
Hmmm,
I had to install Red Hat AS 4 U4 on 2 fairly new HP DL360 G4 servers (G5 is out now), hanged on both during post install configuration.
So it let me install all the way to the end and then failed. If I install the GA release of RH AS 4 it works without any problems.
According to redhat support site:
Solution:
The installation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 Update 3/4 is known to have an issue with ATI Rage XL (mach64) graphics controller on various systems
So I guess Solaris x86 is not the only OS with HW support issues.
I can use the text install, but then I lose the ability to select exactly the packages I want, the custom install in text is limited.
Solaris installs without any problems on the same model, so did RH until U3 apparently.
HvRa at 2007-7-10 2:10:30 >
# 14
Macwhizard:
$700 Dollars for a used Sun System when I have 4 computers sitting around (including a second one on this desk that doesn't even have an OS installed) is alot of money to spend. I don't need a dual processor server, or a server at all, I need a functioning workstation.
Of course, the only way to make sure the system will install is to buy Sun equipment - so I get you point. I'm sorry, but 700 bucks is not the kinda of money I just go out and ebay equipment with (esp since I can buy a new computer with warranty, etc. with that amount of cash).
HvR:
That's disheartening to hear. Red Hat has much better hardware support for their Linux operating system than Sun does for Solaris. I don't have any server, but on the workstations that I've installed RHEL 3/4 WS they have always detected every piece of hardware in the system - unlike, for example, SuSE.
BTW - I just found out that the Ubuntu 6.06 Live CD won't even boot on one of my systems - so perhaps same type of problem. Pity since the other 5 linux distros I have here boot on all of them.
# 15
I recommend CD that checks if Solaris 10 can be installed of the current machine.
It can be downloaded in Solaris 10 section.
Some systems have unsupported hardware, I had such problem with one of my computers, the solution was to put Solaris 10 campatable display adapter.
Maybe in your case you have some hardware that is not supported, but the worst case if it is your motherboard.
I only can tell that on X86 systems, best supported are Intel chipsets, especially not from the last generation.
# 16
> I recommend CD that checks if Solaris 10 can be
> installed of the current machine.
> It can be downloaded in Solaris 10 section.
> Some systems have unsupported hardware, I had such
> problem with one of my computers, the solution was to
> put Solaris 10 campatable display adapter.
>
> Maybe in your case you have some hardware that is not
> supported, but the worst case if it is your
> motherboard.
> I only can tell that on X86 systems, best supported
> are Intel chipsets, especially not from the last
> generation.
The CD that checks if Solaris can be install exhibits the same behavior (I believe I stated it in a recent post in this thread - install_check1.2.iso - or whatever it is).
Also, my chipset is an Intel chipset in this computer (the one I wanted S10 on) and I have tried pulling the ATI Radeon 9200 SE and enabling the onboard Graphics card (Intel) and it gives the same result.
I just installed RHEL4WS back on the machine. I doubt I will try installing any other OS on this system (other than upgrading to RHEL5WS when it's released) because I need to be productive and am not the type that just fiddles around with every distro/OS in existence just for fun.
# 17
> Macwhizard:
>
> $700 Dollars for a used Sun System when I have 4
> computers sitting around (including a second one on
> this desk that doesn't even have an OS installed) is
> alot of money to spend. I don't need a dual
> processor server, or a server at all, I need a
> functioning workstation.
>
> Of course, the only way to make sure the system will
> install is to buy Sun equipment - so I get you point.
> I'm sorry, but 700 bucks is not the kinda of money I
> just go out and ebay equipment with (esp since I can
> buy a new computer with warranty, etc. with that
> amount of cash).
>
While that is a reasonable assumption, I don't think that is necessarily a
good idea. On the flip side support on a very large and diverse set of systems is also very hard.
> HvR:
>
> That's disheartening to hear. Red Hat has much
> better hardware support for their Linux operating
> system than Sun does for Solaris. I don't have any
> server, but on the workstations that I've installed
> RHEL 3/4 WS they have always detected every piece of
> hardware in the system - unlike, for example, SuSE.
>
> BTW - I just found out that the Ubuntu 6.06 Live CD
> won't even boot on one of my systems - so perhaps
> same type of problem. Pity since the other 5 linux
> distros I have here boot on all of them.
# 18
i had solaris 10 update 1 install and it worked fine. this version i downloaded on cdrom. i liked it and ordered the dvd media kit. which at the time was the only thing available. when i got it i tried to install it and i had the same problem everyone else seems seems to be having, the install starts with grub, gets to the solaris copyright screen and then dies. i did a little bit of googling and found that this is not a problem isolated to desktops or to intel processors. i have found threads with people complaining it will not install on sun workstations and some servers as well. i'm not sure how well this new marketing ploy will work for sun when their own operating system will not install on the machines they themselves designed. why does solaris use grub anyway? why are they resorting to using gnu software to boot their system? seems a bit linux-ish to me. i suppose i will after all have to go find that guy in the basement hacking code if i have a problem getting my solaris os to boot. sun if you actually read your forums maybe it's time to get it together.
# 19
The problem is the ATI Radeon 9200 SE PCI video card. Just responded to another thread which made me try something. I went into BIOS and changed it to use onboard graphics (Intel) and plugged the monitor in and then rebooted the machine in verbose mode. The installation booted.
I'm stomped on why it's freezing on that video card - the installtion starts on another machine with the same video card - but the AGP 8x version. What I will do is install using the onboard graphics card and then see if I can switch it and get it to boot (maybe change the X server after installation, etc.). Using the onboard graphics will eat up a significant chunk of RAM...
# 20
Solaris 10 does not support most of integrated Intel graphics, including the old 815.
As I know it does not support latest and even a bit old graphics adapters.
In Solaris, Xorg has a small list of drivers supported, Xsun can work in generic modes with more adapters, but it works terrible.
Check what exactly hardware is supported, and use only that kind of hardware.
By the way, can you list us your hardware configuration?
