Newbie Install - No Graphics Output

[swtmike]

Hello,

I would like to install CentOS 7 on an old NEC Versa S950 laptop (my choice for learning Linux, via edX). I'm trying various iso downloads but after booting to 'install/test and install' options I receive no further output (display is blank).

The laptop will boot to XP and Xubuntu Live desktops so the basics appear to be fine. I'd be grateful for any advice on how best to proceed. I've not tried an older version.

[TrevorH]

Try pressing tab on the first screen where you choose "test and install" and append a space followed by the word nomodeset to the end of the line.

[swtmike]

Try pressing tab on the first screen where you choose "test and install" and append a space followed by the word nomodeset to the end of the line.

Thank you for the quick reply. No joy I'm afraid, getting the same result. To go back a step - I've also tried the Troubleshooting/Basic Graphics option.

[swtmike]

Thought I would try CentOS 6. Getting beyond the install option but kernel does not support the cpu. Would you know which version, if any, will run on i686 or is there somewhere I can check?

Thanks

[TrevorH]

CentOS 7 is 64 bit only but 6 should be 32 bit if you download the right version.

[AlanBartlett]

. . . assuming that old 32-bit processor is PAE capable.

[swtmike]

I tried 6.6 i386 which, combined with the nomodeset tip from TrevorH, has given me a basic installation. I've added a gui and am online so that's good progress - many thanks.

Mike

[AlanBartlett]

That is good to know. Clearly the processor isn't as old as I feared.

Thank you for posting your update.