SuSE install - set_multmode error

[exit]

I am trying to install SuSE on a new laptop but am getting the following kernel message:

hda: set_multmode: status=0x51 { DriveReady SeekComplete Error }
hda: set_multmode: error=0x04

I see there is a way to configure the kernel of a running system by setting the CONFIG_IDEDISK_MULTI_MODE or something like that. But what about a system install. I need to set the option at boot. Anyone know what to enter exactly? Or have any other ideas of what I could do?

Thanks

[exit]

I should have said that SuSE install detected no harddrive.

The solution was as easy as loading generic ide drivers at the boot prompt, ie: insmod=ide-generic

I tend to assume the worst before trying the easiest solutions. Anyway, I wanted to post this solution for anyone who has the same problem and does a search here.

[paj12]

I had the same problem on my laptop when trying out Debian. It occured when the hard disk tried to set to a dma mode it didn't support (ATA-133 for a 100 drive). My guess is that when you loaded the generic ide drivers, it disabled dma altogether. You could stay with the generic drivers or play around with hdparm and see what your drive will do. It's up to you. Glad to see you got it sorted out, though.

[leonpmu]

Once it is installed, you can always force the DMA from YaST (the lazy,easy way) :p