DD Install as workaround for IDE-DVD?

[tkefauver]

I've been struggling to install iDeneb v1.3 10.5.5 on a GA-EP35-DS3R because I have an IDE dvd drive w/ an IDE HDD and a SATA HDD. Despite what I've read the DVD booted fine with my IDE drive and installed to the IDE HDD but then halted with a Still Waiting For Root Device. I thought the only problem with IDE DVD drives was simply booting the install up with them?

 

I got this setup working a while ago using I believe to be Kalyway 10.5.1 but this time I am stuck...Would my best option be setup 2 partitions on my SATA HDD where the first is a DD of the install cd? and then install to the second partition? Another factor is I have a nvidia 9600GT and have been installing with no graphics drivers selected and am then booting with -s -f so I can go in and do the aquamac fix from the command line. Any help would be great, thanks!