Helping a friend: Dell dimension 2400 Linux troubles

[Bradenreed]

I am tuning up an old dimension 2400 for a friend. Before I get any comments saying "get a new computer" I will say that I did tell him that but the computer is only used for emails and other basic tasks so he doesn't want to. I am attempting to put Zorin OS 9 on it via CD. I am not an expert and I am having trouble loading it, when I go into the boot menu, I select the cd-rom thing and then it just tells me to strike F1 to retry or F2 to go to setup. (Something like that, I don't remember exactly). It doesn't work. Is there a something I need to change or do differently? It boots to XP flawlessly. I am lost. Please help, I would appreciate it!
System Specs:
Celeron 2.4 ghz
1 GB RAM
80 GB Hard drive
Windows XP SP1
BIOS: AO5
*** I am also going to put in a pentium 4 2.66 ghz and 2 gigs of ram***

 

[turkey3_scratch]

Is it properly burned to the disc?

 

[Bradenreed]

I'm pretty sure it is as it is an official cd, it was put on an other pc.

 

[delaro]

Because of the system and graphics you would want to install a lite OS, Zorin Lite, Linux Lite, Peppermint and Lubuntu all work well. I prefer Linux lite myself for older systems I put it on old Dells all the time for a basic Web Browsing daily use. As far as your CD install is concerned I'm guessing it is stuck on a loop, this is why I avoid CD installations on OS and try to do them from USB, you get less errors and it is faster to install. This option also gives you the Live mode which allows OS testing before install a try before you commit option.

The less stressful way to install Linux.

Grab a Thumbdrive, 4 gb will work.
Download the following.

Linux Live
http://www.linuxliveusb.com/

OS image of your choosing.

Linux Lite
https://www.linuxliteos.com/download.html

Zorin 9
http://zorin-os.com/free.html

Peppermint 5
http://peppermintos.com/

Lubuntu
http://lubuntu.net/


1.Install Linux Live then run it
2.Insert your flash drive
3.Format and allow Linux Live to install the OS onto your Thumb drive.
4.Turn target PC off, insert the Thumb drive and reboot while tapping F8 until the boot options come up.
5.Install OS pick how you want to install, Along side Windows or Replacing Windows.

 

[alienworkshop]

okay, did you try to hit f1? sometimes it will bypass and work if you do that...

other then that, sounds like the cd drive might be broken, i have an old dell dimension that does that, it just says to strike key over and over again. i changed the cd drive with another one and it works again. might want to try another drive to see if that works. just make sure it's put as your first drive again.

 

[Bradenreed]

Because of the system and graphics you would want to install a lite OS, Zorin Lite, Linux Lite, Peppermint and Lubuntu all work well. I prefer Linux lite myself for older systems I put it on old Dells all the time for a basic Web Browsing daily use. As far as your CD install is concerned I'm guessing it is stuck on a loop, this is why I avoid CD installations on OS and try to do them from USB, you get less errors and it is faster to install. This option also gives you the Live mode which allows OS testing before install a try before you commit option.

The less stressful way to install Linux.

Grab a Thumbdrive, 4 gb will work.
Download the following.

Linux Live
http://www.linuxliveusb.com/

OS image of your choosing.

Linux Lite
https://www.linuxliteos.com/download.html

Zorin 9
http://zorin-os.com/free.html

Peppermint 5
http://peppermintos.com/

Lubuntu
http://lubuntu.net/


1.Install Linux Live then run it
2.Insert your flash drive
3.Format and allow Linux Live to install the OS onto your Thumb drive.
4.Turn target PC off, insert the Thumb drive and reboot while tapping F8 until the boot options come up.
5.Install OS pick how you want to install, Along side Windows or Replacing Windows.

Well, I have tried Linux mint 17.1 usb the way you just said and it tells me no OS found. I tried the cd because that didn't work. Maybe I can still do the usb instead?

 

[Bradenreed]

okay, did you try to hit f1? sometimes it will bypass and work if you do that...

other then that, sounds like the cd drive might be broken, i have an old dell dimension that does that, it just says to strike key over and over again. i changed the cd drive with another one and it works again. might want to try another drive to see if that works. just make sure it's put as your first drive again.

Seems legit

 

[delaro]

Because of the system and graphics you would want to install a lite OS, Zorin Lite, Linux Lite, Peppermint and Lubuntu all work well. I prefer Linux lite myself for older systems I put it on old Dells all the time for a basic Web Browsing daily use. As far as your CD install is concerned I'm guessing it is stuck on a loop, this is why I avoid CD installations on OS and try to do them from USB, you get less errors and it is faster to install. This option also gives you the Live mode which allows OS testing before install a try before you commit option.

The less stressful way to install Linux.

Grab a Thumbdrive, 4 gb will work.
Download the following.

Linux Live
http://www.linuxliveusb.com/

OS image of your choosing.

Linux Lite
https://www.linuxliteos.com/download.html

Zorin 9
http://zorin-os.com/free.html

Peppermint 5
http://peppermintos.com/

Lubuntu
http://lubuntu.net/


1.Install Linux Live then run it
2.Insert your flash drive
3.Format and allow Linux Live to install the OS onto your Thumb drive.
4.Turn target PC off, insert the Thumb drive and reboot while tapping F8 until the boot options come up.
5.Install OS pick how you want to install, Along side Windows or Replacing Windows.

Well, I have tried Linux mint 17.1 usb the way you just said and it tells me no OS found. I tried the cd because that didn't work. Maybe I can still do the usb instead?

Did you set up the Thumb Drive right with Linux Live or Rufus? Do you have a Grub loaded yet? If the Thumb drive boots up your in the OS that is installing so no "Can't find OS issue"

If you do it right it works 100% of the time, I have used it for years on well over 500 older PC's I have even installed Win 7 the same way.

 

[Bradenreed]

Ok, so I haven't got the time to mess with the OS change lately but what would be a decent used video card that is compatible with this computer, I was thinking maybe a Jaton GeForce 6200, it's $30 and new on eBay. I know a 300W PSU is required too but what do y'all think? Again I will update with any success I have.
Thanks all who have contributed!