>How can I tell mandrake to keep using the old one after installation has been completed???
 
Dunno.
But since you've already installed a system, let's try to fix it. First you want to boot your
system with another kernel. Use the CD with the alt1 kernel to boot your computer.
My guess (it's been long time since I last installed mdk) is that somehow you will be
presented with an option to pick a kernel and add options to it. If not, try pressing Escape
or something. Load the kernel from the CD, but use the linux partition on tour hard disk
for the root file system in stead of the RAM image on the CD:
alt1 root=/dev/hda1
 
(replace /dev/hda1 with the partition on which you installed linux)
If all goes well, you will have a working OS now. Then you can install any kernel you wish, using
the normal package management tools (I prefer to use rpm on the command line, but use
whatever suits you.) From here you can do several things: install another kernel RPM from
your CD's (I'd start with the Linus kernel, given that the current Mandrake kernel doesn't
work for you).
 
Or you install the kernel source, and make your own kernel. Start by making a
small kernel, containing only what you really need.
 
Good luck. Let us know if there are more problems.
 
--- G

THanks for the detailed info!
As soon as I tried it, I'll let you know

Ok, booting from cd to access harddisk almost works..
except for this question;
 
Please enter the directory (iso or image file) containing
the Mandrake Linux Distribution.
 
what's the path????

>Please enter the directory (iso or image file) containing
>the Mandrake Linux Distribution.
 
Huh? When do you get this question?
Anyway, try /mnt/cdrom .
No guarantees that this will work, though.

It happens when I follow your instructuons. . .
MDK automatically mounts the cdrom and HD partition but can't find that image file.