Recently we had a job where it required us to install and configure an Ubuntu Server version 8.04 LTS (Customer's requirements). We manage to install and upgrade all the packages within the system and added a GUI for the machine to be managed over the Internet.

Basically, the server was an Acer machine with a Core 2 Duo processor, 1 GB DDR 2 RAM, and a 160GB Sata Drive. During installation we had bumped into an issue, that it stops half way during partition HDD after configuring the disk to be installed using the Guided - Use Entire Disk. The option show on the below image.

Right after this option, the wizard will prompt to start installation by performing the partitioning of the HDD. Once you hit the "YES" to proceed to the partitioning the HDD, it will go up to 33% and stop... forever. Thinking that its doing its job at the background, a mystery really because you cant identify any activity except by looking at the screen percentage bar or  at the HDD LED on the server / machine casing.(back to basics). Not much help.

This is due to 1 of the 2 ram modules being faulty. Yes, prior to installation always perform the MEMTEST provided by the Ubuntu Server disk. Found out that 1 out of the 2.. 512MB memory sticks is the causing the issue. Error message appears as such once you run the MEMTEST, check it out.

Image above taken from www.divideandconquer.se/.../

Remove faulty RAM and installed Ubuntu Server on the good 512MB Ram, and it had perform the partitioning as quick as you can grab something from the fridge. Other troubleshooting that was undergone was swapping of the HDD, using higher version Ubuntu Server, the version 9.04 LTS and also performing on a different machines. So basically, the partitioning of the HDD would not continue unless the RAM of the machine is in perfect condition without and errors or faults.

Other than that small bump, the server installation was successfull and we're set it up along with all the basic necessities of the Ubuntu Server packages such as MySQL, Samba, LAMP, Mail and OpenSSH. The powerfull APTITUDE service allowed us to fully upgrade the package database and we can safely say this server is good to go.

Another happy customer with a powerfull and reliable Ubuntu Server installed by the folks in Mega Computers.