Unable to install Ubuntu on my Inspiron 1501

So I thought it'll be cool to use my old slow as hell Laptop as my first Ubuntu toy.
I downloaded the file from Ubuntu website, installed it on both a CD and a USB device, yet I can't make it work on my old lappy!
The screen becomes all white with weird color lines..
I don't get where I go wrong..
MAybe if I could format my HDD before installing Ubuntu?

 

Heh...it's funny someone with a desktop(and heater) in the case of a notebook calls the 1501 slow...XD. Anyways, I have this PC, are you sure of these things:

The video card and/or motherboard are ok

The BIOS is up to date

You don't have a corrupted image?

It should work very well and everything is supported.

 

There's a bug ticket here that might be what you're talking about. Maybe try installing the latest fglrx-driver package from the command line.

 

I'm not so sure that applies. I have the same system without problems.

Besides, FGLRX doesn't support the 1501's card, so you have to use an ancient version.

 

Ah, right, I forgot about the spotty support for older cards in the proprietary ATi driver..

Anyway here's the stuff I thought was applicable from the bug ticket, with applicable fix:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/562843/comments/23

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/562843/comments/16

 

Err, well yeah I might have to update de bios, I havent realised how long it has been since I actually took care of it
I went through a bunch of failtempts today, and Im now running windows 7 on it But the war isnt over and Im gonna get it, thanks for your help, I ll see if it helps tomorrow when I have some time.

EDIT: The thing is, I really have one of the worst 1501! I have a semptron 3500+ and no gpu O_O

 

ONe of my failtempt was me, formating the HDD with my alienware, then installing Ubuntu on it! It worked great until I put the HDD back in the Inspiron, then I got the error, no BOOTMSR (or something) message..! The thing is, I don't want Windows on this laptop, the HDD is small enough already, I'd like to have Ubuntu ONLY.

 

So! Good new! I managed to install Kubuntu on my laptop. Though I have one hell of a problem, the wifi is not working..
I can only assume its a driver problem, but how can I find a driver compatible with Kubuntu? I'm noobing, please help

 

Go to Hardware Drivers in the menu, enable the drive of your choice there(STA is from Broadcom, and it's proprietary and the B43 driver needs proprietary firmware). In general the B43 has been more stable(though this is fixed by broadcom by now) but the STA has had more features, it's up to you, both work well.

 

Thanks I appreciate your help, thought it is not working, when I go into the hardware drivers section I got a message telling me this: Downloading Package indexes failed, please check your network status. Most drivers will not be available.

 

Connect to the Internet and try again? Use ethernet.

 

Yeah, you need to connect via ethernet.

 

Baw, I don't have an ethernet cable around!
Hehe, alright, I'm sorry it makes sense now. will update you on my situation asap!