Okay I got the machine to boot from the DVD but now it wont install. Say's it can't find the media. I also have the image files in the top levels of my partitions. I"m a total newb to this and any help would be greatly appreciated. Anyone know how to resolve this?

I also had a similar problem with Dream Linux but I never could get an answer. Anyone...?

If two different distros will not boot properly maybe you should check your DVD buring perameters. Perhaps try slowing down the write speed to the disk. You should also verify the checksums on the download to make sure that they have not been tampered with.

Or burn the disc on a different machine then the one you are using.

the image files were burned several times on a fairly new machine and they're all fine. I don't know what else could be the problem. Will post more details/errors in the morning but my machine specs are:

intel core 2 duo E6300
stock mobo w/integrated x3000 graphics
dual double layer dvd burners
internal 250GB SATAll
external 500GB WD HD

in the interim all input is welcome. I'm here to learn. That's why (contrary to popular belief) we're all here.

You can also try using a different brand of disk. Sometimes that makes the difference.

Agreed with above; try a slow burning speed, and don't use NERO if you are on Windows. Get InfraRecorder, or burn it with cdrecord on Linux

She's right about Nero. I ended up d/ling that damn ISO 3 times on different computers and then the 4X burn did not take so burned again at 1X and here I am right now typing this with VL 5.8 Gold.

Plus using CD-RW and blanking/reburning did not work switched to CD-R. And later had to re-install VL after tweak screwup using same CD so I know CD-R at 1X burn is the way to go with my standard OEM hardware.

Vector Linux documentation includes most information you need including:
"Checking the integrity:md5sum -c vl-5.8.???.iso.md5.txt"

If you can make it all work you might like this OS as much as I do Good luck.