Waiting root error (Yes, already checked the AHCI)

newbmac · #1 07-30-2011, 09:38 PM

I am getting back into the osx86 scene after a couple years out. I have tried iBoot with 10.6.0 retail. I get "Still waiting for root device" error after I start the SnowLeopard install (just after swapping the iboot disk).

Details
Dell 540 Studio
Core2Quad 8200
Chipset G43/45
SATA - no switch in bios BUT PC Wizard confirms that SATA AHCI is enabled
Sata DVD Drive (sata port 0)
2 Sata Hard drives
Nvideo 9800GT

Attempts
Tried all the various flags, -v, -x, PCIRootUID=1 with various combos
Tried having DVD drive in sata port 1
Tried cpus=1 -f -x -v at boot, same error
Last try, Cpus=1 -x -v legacy GraphicsEnabler=no PCIRootUID=1 same error

I thought it was due to the AHCI not being enabled, but PC Wizard 2010 says it is enabled on the motherboard.

Any other ideas?

Unrealized · #2 07-31-2011, 07:46 PM

I think you could try installing from a usb stick (if any) or using a IDE dvd drive. It did the job for me on a almost similar computer.

newbmac · #3 07-31-2011, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unrealized

I think you could try installing from a usb stick (if any) or using a IDE dvd drive. It did the job for me on a almost similar computer.

Thanks for the response. What did you do specifically?
Did you put iboot on the USB stick, and then installed via sata DVD?
Or you put Snow Leopard retail on the USB stick?

newbmac · #4 07-31-2011, 10:17 PM

Thought I would share that while iBoot didn't work, I tried the ModCD-032311-151021 boot and it worked to get me to the Snow Leopard installer!

I can see why people say that booter is the easiest to use. Very clear instructions throughout the startup process, and even did a great hardware probe which then paused to report what hardware I specifically had etc.

Highly recommend if you can't get iBoot working! Here's the URL
http://blog.nawcom.com/?p=446