I know it's a bootloader problem, but it seems (after two tries) to be directly related to the installer thinking the 2.6.x kernel is there--while in fact it isn't, so lilo (as in the config utility) doesn't properly write to the MBR.

I find that /etc/lilo.conf on the HD install includes reference to the missing kernel, and that if I edit that out and run lilo while chrooted to my install, it fixes it. But I also know the installer sets this up on the fly, because it will detect additional operating systems and add them.

So I'm trying to kill any reference to the missing kernel that the installer will find. (But I was hoping someone might know or have discovered the specific location that will work the needed magic.)

As far as my initial project--quickly getting a desktop OS onto some used computers--knowing what the problem is so I can fix it easily is enough. But ultimately I'd like to give the CD to some people who aren't necessarily very Linux-knowledgeable