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Still waiting for root device!

Krishna21

By Krishna21,
in OSx86 10.5 (Leopard)

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vilpostus
vilpostus
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I see... I have a SATA HDD and two IDE CD/DVD drives. And everything loads and works.

 

It's more cable+jumper feature then the BIOS feature. Connect the SATA disk to the first SATA channel. Then connect IDE DVD drive to the first channel of the IDE bus. Also check the jumper settings on the IDE DVD drive. Set it to Master.

 

Also try other options listed in the link.

MacNutty
MacNutty
Posted
Posted

Waiting for root device error occurs when OSX installer is unable to find the root (installation) disk. As you have IDE drive and Kalyway installer does not support IDE by default, therefore you are getting this error. To solve this error either use a SATA or external DVD ROM or get iDeneb 10.5.4 distro it supports installation through IDE drives. You can also try booting OSX through USB (google it).

Krishna21
Krishna21
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Waiting for root device error occurs when OSX installer is unable to find the root (installation) disk. As you have IDE drive and Kalyway installer does not support IDE by default, therefore you are getting this error. To solve this error either use a SATA or external DVD ROM or get iDeneb 10.5.4 distro it supports installation through IDE drives. You can also try booting OSX through USB (google it).

 

I would use another distro but on the HCL, I looked at each 10.5.X HCL, and .2 was most compatible, it didn't have my exact mobo, I'm using Intel D915GSN with 915G Chipset, and the HCL had D915GAG with the same chipset.

 

So I don't know if 10.5.4 (iDeneb) is compatible with my computer.

 

I can't do USB unless I have like a 8GB Flash Drive right? Then I can't purchase a SATA Drive. Any more ideas? Please help, thanks!

vilpostus
vilpostus
Posted
Posted
Kalyway installer does not support IDE by default
I don't think so. I have installed Kalyway(10.5.1, 10.5.2) numerous times. Each time from an IDE DVD drive. It is better to say that Kalyway doesn't support the particular IDE disk controller.
I can't do USB unless I have like a 8GB Flash Drive right? Then I can't purchase a SATA Drive. Any more ideas? Please help, thanks!
Yes, you need some 8Gb or more. Though pleas try all the suggested solutions in the link I've provided.

 

You can always try another distro though. My MB is an Intel too. So could recommend Kalyway 10.5.1

Krishna21
Krishna21
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I don't think so. I have installed Kalyway(10.5.1, 10.5.2) numerous times. Each time from an IDE DVD drive. It is better to say that Kalyway doesn't support the particular IDE disk controller.

Yes, you need some 8Gb or more. Though pleas try all the suggested solutions in the link I've provided.

 

You can always try another distro though. My MB is an Intel too. So could recommend Kalyway 10.5.1

 

Kalyway 10.5.1 looks pretty compatible, in fact it is more compatible (Records: HCL) then 10.5.2.

(Only in audio, I'm using ALC880 and it comes with it, and .2 needs a kext fix)

 

I might try .1

 

But the only thing I'm concerned about is why I can't even set my primary and master slave. It shows what they are, but I can't scroll down and set them..it shows my primary slave as my iHAP DVD Drive. Any ideas why I can't set? I'll upload pics if I can :)

 

*Facepalm* Why didn't I see this. It won't let me adjust primary master and slave because..

..

I have no primary slave?

 

Help? In case it's needed, for my HDD it says

"SATA 0: WD3200AAJS (my hard disk)

SATA 1:

SATA 2:

SATA 3:

SATA 4:

SATA 5: "

 

Alrighty, how do I make it so I can get a primary master?

 

 

P.S. Das_Human I used the extra options, setting SMART, SATA Mode for AHCI, ATA/IDE: Native.

 

So I saw:

 

ATA/IDE: Enhanced (Which is native)

 

SMART: No such thing.

 

SATA as AHCI: I couldn't find it in my BIOS

 

Setting slaves and masters: Can't , no slave >.>

vilpostus
vilpostus
Posted
Posted
SATA as AHCI: I couldn't find it in my BIOS
Myne BIOS doesn't has this feature ether. So skip it.

 

About master/slave, primary secondary. It's not the main point.The main point is that you should make the DVD drive the first boot device and the SATA HDD to be the second. So do this settings in the BIOS. No have a look how the DVD drive is connected to the MB. Connect it to the socket that is closer to PC case (or closer to the outter border of the MB). Then on the other end of the wire you would notice two connectors. Connect the DVD drive with the connector that is on the end of the wire (not the one that is bit lower). Also check the jumper settings on the DVD drive itself. Set it to master.

 

Now have a look to BIOS. Locate some section about IDE devices. Your DVD should be displayed as a secondary/primary master.

 

Try installing. Also try rd=disk1s2 boot flag. "rd"stands for "root device". "Disk1s2" stands for root device name. So, by using this flag, you force the Darwin to load the disk specified. It may help to avoid the "still waiting for root device" issue. You can determine the name needed (disk1s2) by looking to the message in Darwin prompt (it is when you type -v flag). There should be hd1,2 or something similar written. Concentrate on the digits specified e.g. 1,2. Replace the "," with "s" and you'll get the info needed.

Krishna21
Krishna21
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Myne BIOS doesn't has this feature ether. So skip it.

 

About master/slave, primary secondary. It's not the main point.The main point is that you should make the DVD drive the first boot device and the SATA HDD to be the second. So do this settings in the BIOS. No have a look how the DVD drive is connected to the MB. Connect it to the socket that is closer to PC case (or closer to the outter border of the MB). Then on the other end of the wire you would notice two connectors. Connect the DVD drive with the connector that is on the end of the wire (not the one that is bit lower). Also check the jumper settings on the DVD drive itself. Set it to master.

 

Now have a look to BIOS. Locate some section about IDE devices. Your DVD should be displayed as a secondary/primary master.

 

Try installing. Also try rd=disk1s2 boot flag. "rd"stands for "root device". "Disk1s2" stands for root device name. So, by using this flag, you force the Darwin to load the disk specified. It may help to avoid the "still waiting for root device" issue. You can determine the name needed (disk1s2) by looking to the message in Darwin prompt (it is when you type -v flag). There should be hd1,2 or something similar written. Concentrate on the digits specified e.g. 1,2. Replace the "," with "s" and you'll get the info needed.

 

The parts I bolded are the ones that confuse me 100 %.

I'll just take some pics (Front of my tower, inside the computer, and the back of the drive + connector) and upload so you can help me?

 

Underlined:

 

My DVD is already displayed as Primary master..

Krishna21
Krishna21
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I see. Sorry, didn't meant to confuse you. Then just ignore the confusing part. Your setup is OK.

 

Go to the next step e.g. rd=dis1s2

 

 

My DVD shows up as primary master..but nothing shows up for primary slave? Is my setup still ok?

 

If it is, will I type -v rd=dis1s2 or just rd=dis1s2 without the -v?

 

And do I have to replace dis1s2 with anything? Sorry so many questions.

vilpostus
vilpostus
Posted
Posted

I have my BIOS set up like this:

 

I have no primary master/slave displayed as I have PCI RAID card and two HDD connected to it. This card is a primary master/slave, but as long it is not an build-in device, it is not displayed in BIOS. Also I have two IDE DVD drives. They are secondary master/slave. The third IDE master is the disk I have OS X installed to.

 

So, as long as you have no PCI RAID card installed, your setup should look like this:

Primary IDE Master - DVD drive

Primary IDE Slave - NOTHING

Secondary IDE master - SATA HDD (note that although it is a SATA drive, in my case it is controlled via IDE/ATA/PATA controller; therefore it is displayed as IDE).

 

Set it like this and try to install. If "still waiting..." error, proceed to rd=...

Check this picture:

mac-inst-00-preliminary.jpg

See the hd(111,0) ? So in if it were your screen, you would have to type (exactly as it is displayed):

-v rd=disk111s0

Or if it'd be hd(0,1) type:

-v rd=disk0s1

Get it? -v is needed for troubleshooting.

Krishna21
Krishna21
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I have my BIOS set up like this:

 

I have no primary master/slave displayed as I have PCI RAID card and two HDD connected to it. This card is a primary master/slave, but as long it is not an build-in device, it is not displayed in BIOS. Also I have two IDE DVD drives. They are secondary master/slave. The third IDE master is the disk I have OS X installed to.

 

So, as long as you have no PCI RAID card installed, your setup should look like this:

Primary IDE Master - DVD drive

Primary IDE Slave - NOTHING

Secondary IDE master - SATA HDD (note that although it is a SATA drive, in my case it is controlled via IDE/ATA/PATA controller; therefore it is displayed as IDE).

 

Set it like this and try to install. If "still waiting..." error, proceed to rd=...

Check this picture:

mac-inst-00-preliminary.jpg

See the hd(111,0) ? So in if it were your screen, you would have to type (exactly as it is displayed):

-v rd=disk111s0

Or if it'd be hd(0,1) type:

-v rd=disk0s1

Get it? -v is needed for troubleshooting.

 

Bold text:

 

It doesn't say Primary IDE Master or primary IDE slave, it simply says Primary master or slave. then for "Secondary IDE Master" (Or Secondary Master) I don't have such. Only primary master and slave, and master is set as DVD Drive, and nothing else for primary slave.

 

It only displays my hard disk at SATA 0: WD3200AAJS (One I'm trying to install OS X on)

 

But I understand the rd=disk part, so I'll try that. Thanks a million. If i have any problems ill tell u.

Krishna21
Krishna21
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Bold text:

 

It doesn't say Primary IDE Master or primary IDE slave, it simply says Primary master or slave. then for "Secondary IDE Master" (Or Secondary Master) I don't have such. Only primary master and slave, and master is set as DVD Drive, and nothing else for primary slave.

 

It only displays my hard disk at SATA 0: WD3200AAJS (One I'm trying to install OS X on)

 

But I understand the rd=disk part, so I'll try that. Thanks a million. If i have any problems ill tell u.

 

 

I got the rdisk info..but..still waiting for root device!

vilpostus
vilpostus
Posted
Posted
It doesn't say Primary IDE Master or primary IDE slave, it simply says Primary master or slave. then for "Secondary IDE Master" (Or Secondary Master) I don't have such. Only primary master and slave, and master is set as DVD Drive, and nothing else for primary slave.

 

It only displays my hard disk at SATA 0: WD3200AAJS (One I'm trying to install OS X on)

OK. Try connecting your SATA drive to any other SATA port on the MB. Also try connecting the DVD drive as a slave.

 

Krishna21
Krishna21
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OK. Try connecting your SATA drive to any other SATA port on the MB. Also try connecting the DVD drive as a slave.

 

 

 

Alright, I'll watch the video and try, I'll report back tonight.

 

OK. Try connecting your SATA drive to any other SATA port on the MB. Also try connecting the DVD drive as a slave.

 

 

 

So you want me to put my SATA HDD to another port, then use the video to set my DVD as Primary Slave? Or set my SATA HDD as Primary Slave?

vilpostus
vilpostus
Posted
Posted

I mean set the DVD as Primary Slave. Try booting. If no luck. Set it back to Primary master. Then connect the SATA HDD to another port. Try booting. If no luck, don't touch the SATA HDD, and set the DVD as Primary Slave again. Try booting. One step at a time.

 

In the mean time try downloading some other Install disk. Or reburn the DVD on the slowest speed possible.

Krishna21
Krishna21
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I mean set the DVD as Primary Slave. Try booting. If no luck. Set it back to Primary master. Then connect the SATA HDD to another port. Try booting. If no luck, don't touch the SATA HDD, and set the DVD as Primary Slave again. Try booting. One step at a time.

 

In the mean time try downloading some other Install disk. Or reburn the DVD on the slowest speed possible.

 

 

Bold:

 

You mean set it as primary MASTER again, because I'm trying to set it as Primary Slave. Then I'll put my SATA HDD in another port, then if none of that works, I'll try Kalyway 10.5.1 (I'm trying 5.2 right now)

Krishna21
Krishna21
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I mean set the DVD as Primary Slave. Try booting. If no luck. Set it back to Primary master. Then connect the SATA HDD to another port. Try booting. If no luck, don't touch the SATA HDD, and set the DVD as Primary Slave again. Try booting. One step at a time.

 

In the mean time try downloading some other Install disk. Or reburn the DVD on the slowest speed possible.

 

Ok..what the heck. In my BIOS it displays my DVD Drive as Primary Master and my HDD as SATA 0.

 

So I opened my PC, looked at the DVD Drive connection slot, and the white block (or jumper i think) was under SLAVE..yet it shows up as master? So I set the jumper to master and booted my PC..now it says no hard disk was found. So I got scared cause this wasn't a spare, and money was tight for my dad. So I opened it up again, and remembered to move the HDD to a different spot. Now I didn't really know what you meant, but hey I couldn't get back on and ask, so I took the Red Power Cable for my SATA HDD and put it in a different port on the mobo and tried to boot..still no luck..

 

Now my status:

 

No hard disk found :)

I can't even boot to my regular computer!

 

(On my dads computer while hes at work)

 

HELP! PLEASE! This is really freaking me out cause I don't want to tell my dad my HDD broke, cause my previous one broke and he wasn't very comfortable spending $50! (I told him not to buy a new one, but he did :P)

 

Should I try setting the jumper back to where it was originally on my DVD Drive? (Slave)

vilpostus
vilpostus
Posted
Posted

Don't panic!

Check what are boot devices settings e.g. what is set to boot first. Then check if all SATA ports are enabled.

 

Try to remember how and what was connected to MB. Restore thouse settings. In the worst case try resetting the BIOS to default values (there should be such option in the BIOS).

Krishna21
Krishna21
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  • Author
Posted
Don't panic!

Check what are boot devices settings e.g. what is set to boot first. Then check if all SATA ports are enabled.

 

Try to remember how and what was connected to MB. Restore thouse settings. In the worst case try resetting the BIOS to default values (there should be such option in the BIOS).

 

Really hard not to panic! I'll go into the BIOS and check, thanks!

Krishna21
Krishna21
Posted
  • Author
Posted
Don't panic!

Check what are boot devices settings e.g. what is set to boot first. Then check if all SATA ports are enabled.

 

Try to remember how and what was connected to MB. Restore thouse settings. In the worst case try resetting the BIOS to default values (there should be such option in the BIOS).

 

Ok..I checked my BIOS and found everything as it was before, when my pc was working. The only change is when I go to Drive Configuration (Where it displays things like primary master or slave) it says no hard disk! I checked through out the BIOS to see anything else, found nothing, and then pushed F9 for factory defaults..nothing! Zomg help!!

  • 3 weeks later...
TechXero
TechXero
Posted
Posted

I'm Kinda havin the same issue here : (Usinf iDeneb 1.6 - OS 10.5.8)

 

1. SATA Port-1 : Maxtor HDD (iDenebOS) HFS+

2. PATA Primary Master : Hitashi HDD

3. PATA Primary Slave : Samsung HDD

4. PATA Secondary Master : DVD Drive

5. PATA Secondary Slave : Western Digital HDD

 

What can I do to fix the Waiting for root device error ?

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