I im trying to load Slackware 8.1 Linux onto my computer and when I try to make the ROOT disk, after formating in dos, it follows up the command with an error that reads "1 bad sector found" I havent yet partitioned the hard drive and for linux and I'm not sure if I have to format the 1.4M floppy with some kind of linux program first. So far I've tried to use the "color.gz" and "text.gz" and a few different computers and floppy disks. I've even downloaded the file from a few different ftp sites to see if it was a bad file. I have the .iso CD made if it matters at all... PLEASE HELP!!

I don't really understand what you are saying,but I assume you are trying to create boot disk in oder to install slack. You don't really need to create boot disk if your motherboard supports CD-rom boot(usually does). just go to bios menu and change boot sequence to boot from cd-rom. Then you can install slack directly from cd. I'm sorry if my assumption that you are just trying to install slack is wrong.

I was trying to install Slackware. I also have the cd-rom set as 1st in the boot order in my bios. Still, it doesnt work. I didnt burn the iso disk the lame way with only the .iso file on it. Its a full archive. This problem seems a little hopeless.

I suggest burning one the "lame" way so that you have a proper bootable disk. Just burn the iso, install what you want, and then if there's something that you have on your "full archive" disk that isnt included on the normal Slackware Install cd, install it.