Mandrake Linux 9.2 destroys CD-ROM drives

BANGALORE: The latest Linux distribution of Mandrake has been found to be incompatible with some LG CD-ROM drives. In addition, Mandrake Linux 9.2 destroys them during the installation process. Mandrake has posted a warning on their website.

The company has said that some users, while installing 9.2, get an error message that said "unable to install the base system" with a subsequent reboot revealing that the CD-ROM drive was physically dead.

"According to LG Electronics, their ODD (Optical Disc Drive) products do not support Linux nor do they test with Linux. Unfortunately, many Dell computers (possibly others) come with these CD-ROM drives," the advisory said.

"Currently there is no solution or workaround for this issue; it is still under investigation. Damage occurs even when doing a network install. At this point, please do not install Mandrake Linux 9.2 on any computer containing a LG-based CD-ROM drive or it will damage your CD-ROM drive! We are actively looking for a solution to this problem," it said.

A list of compatible and non-compatible LG CD-ROM drives can be found here.