I have downloaded the Ubuntu 12.10 i386 Desktop ISO both via HTTP & Torrent Download. I have attempted the install via CD & Bootable USB (created using YUMI from Pendrive Linux), each using a different ISO (to rule out corruption).
I can boot from CD & USB and use the live Ubuntu, but each time I try to Install it, Ubiquity hangs at the "Preparing to Install Ubuntu" screen. It doesn't matter if i check or uncheck the 'Download updates while installing' and/or 'Install this third party software' options.
I am attempting install on a Dell Inspiron 6000 Notebook (Pentium M 1.60GHz, 2.0GB RAM, 160GB HDD) with an existing Windows Partition. The install from CD worked without incident on my Triple Boot MacBook Pro.
Also, the System Log app will not open, unsure if this is related.
gnome-disks
to mount all partitions, including swap, and this made it proceed much faster. For 13.10, the installer asked if I want to "try to unmount", to which I said no. I then used the "something different" option and manually selected the installation partition which I had previously created.