Same problem here, all Knoppix ISO images post-March 2003 bomb on my system, can't seem to make them boot successfully.

The last thing I see on screen is:

Code:
Scanning for harddisk partitions and creating /etc/fstab...
- The cursor freezes right there & whole system locks...

- The problem occurs even if I use cheat-codes:

knoppix noswap nohw noapic nosmp noapm 2
knoppix dma
knoppix failsafe

..Looks like I am down to the motherboard now, - Tyan S2460 dual-proc. systemboard with all optional PCI cards pulled.. I have also tried a different video card, but no change..

Actually this systemboard failed and has been replaced, so it's definitely good (in that respect) but can't run knoppix ?!