x61 boots too quick for a linux boot disk to get going!

So i'm using a usb dvd drive (tried cd, sata and ide).
trying to boot with RIPLinux or ubuntu and it just won't boot.

I set usb to boot first... and i see the cursor blinking wanting to boot to usb but it doesnt wait long enough and just starts to load XP. While loading XP, i here the cd spinning away, 1 sec too late.

Has anybody had this problem? Thanks!

 

go into the bios, there should be an option somewhere to allow ONLY a usb boot. restrict the boot so it has no choice.

also, consider updating your bios. you can find more help on that process via the manufacturer or possibly here.

 

Another thing to check, if masterchef's idea doesn't work for you (it should), is whether your BIOS has a full POST option (rather than a quick-POST, which tends to be the standard setting). I'm not familiar with the BIOS that are in ThinKPads, so you may need to look around some.

 

hehehe.. A rare case where a speedy boot is a bad thing.

Just disable all the other boot options for the time being.

 

the usb is a bootable usb right?

 

Yep I think when you set it to boot usb you set it too boot a usb disk/flash drive first.... Look in the bios if the dvd doesn't appear in the optical drives category.

 

Yeah, it does that. There are a couple solutions. If you're like me and just bought a cheap, non-portable optical drive, it probably has external power and a switch. Just turn it on a couple seconds before the X61, and it will spin up in plenty of time. Or, if you're swimming in cash and can afford those sleek little USB powered drives , you can hit F12 during POST to get into a boot device list. It should probably show up in this list for the choosing. If it's still too quick, reboot from that menu and it should boot straight to it (if it's primary boot device). Or you can also just plug and load the drive from your OS, and then reboot. I think that should work as well.