MAJOR 3.9 Installation trouble

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Hi guys,

Well, I've finally got my A1200 up to a level I thought capable of running 3.9, but now I can't get the darn software to install!  This shouldn't be rocket science, but all I was getting at first were gurus trying to install, and floppy disk error 20s (whatever that is) or disk invalid errors when trying to create the "Emergency disk".  So just for giggles I tried installing it from the CD to an empty directory in my storage partition, it promptly guru'd, and now it's invalidated my hard drive!

Aaaargh!!!

So I can boot without startup, but how am I supposed to fix this mess and even get my system running again, when both DiskSalv and HDToolbox guru out just trying to validate?

This system feels as rickety as a tin can, as patched & hacked as it is, but stats are as follows:

A1200, CBM mobo (1D4, something like that)
Busted-arse keyboard that doesn't seem to want to type the middle row of keys 50% of the time
3.1 Roms & software
M-TEC 1230LC, 33MHz 030/882, w/4mb fast ram
Elbox 4xEIDE interface
Western Digital Cavier 20gb hard drive hooked up as master on the primary IDE channel (5 partitions)
52x CD-ROM hooked up as master on the secondary IDE channel
Scan Magic (internal deinterlacer)
Linksys EC2T (PCMCIA networking card)
Extra floppy drives & more junk, all hooked up with cables hanging out of the sides of the case :-o

Thanks, Mike

[QuikSanz]

Hmm sounds like dejavu. 1) install OS3.1 on boot partition. 2)install cdrom software. 3) run OS3.9 install (Install over empty HD or 3.1, I forget pick the one thats there. 4) check WorkBench for missing or uncolored icons, if none, skip to 4) if so, then repeat 3) Now add all other stuff important, ie Cybergraphics, reinstall favorite CdRom package etc. 5) Now make boot disk.
should be ready now for everything else. Give her the once over for the last time your done, enjoy

Chris

[tony23]

Hi Oldsmobile_Mike,
If DiskSalv isn't helping then...
I think your gonna have to start over and I'de start by replacing that flakey keyboard first, then remove all the "junk" that you don't need.Then I would install Amiga OS 3.1 to a freshly prep'd HD, then once I had that all working without any added "junk"(software or hardware that is not necessary). Then once I knew that all is good, then I'd install 3.9 . Otherwise I think you'll continue to have problems. I'm sure someone here will be able to shed more light on what caused your problems. I just think your best off to cleanup your computer and start fresh, this way when something doesn't work it maybe the last thing added. Just my thoughts on it, I ain't no expert. Good luck with it, I'm sure your really gonna love 3.9 when you get it going. :-)

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Hi guys,

Thanks for your help.   :-)  After several passes with Disksalv set to repair, my hd was ready for a fresh install of 3.1.  From here the 3.9 software loaded straight away (although I did have to run it a second time to get all the icons, as another poster mentioned), and I'm thinking pretty hard about that keyboard that was advertised here on A.org.:-D

Now can anybody recommend any essential" 3.9 downloads?  BoingBags?  (where can I get it?)  What else?

Thanks,
Mike

[tony23]

Hi Oldsmobile_Mike, I'm glad to hear DiskSalv worked it out for you. :-) The BoingBags 1&2 were on the AmigaActive CD's and I think you can also download them from the Haage&partner and Amiga inc. websites. As for other ad on progs. I like ToolsDaemon with the patch 2.1b and I also like MagicMenu. I'm sure someone else running 3.9 on a A1200 will be able to give you some more pointers as my A3000 /OS3.9  is a slightly different beast.
And again, I'm glad you got it going. :-)
Have Fun  :-)