The laptop is a Dell Inspiron 2200 with only a 45gb hard-drive. It had Windows XP but I chose to replace it with Ubuntu. I installed it from CD created by download and then by use of Infra Recorder to produce the bootable disc.
The install gave messages suggesting that the cd drive was faulty or dirty or that the cd needed to be created at a slower speed. Despite this the install produced a ubuntu desk top screen with icons including one for Firefox. I selected Firefox and successfully navigated the internet to the BBC Website.
I also looked around other components of the desktop.
I concluded that I had a successful install and so shut down the system and the laptop.
When I subsequently switched on the laptop again the first screen to appear was, as always, a message advising that Battery Recalibration was needed and that it would run for 3-5 hours. F1 to continue or ESC to cancel. As always, in response to this I pressed ESC but this time with no result. I cannot now get past this screen.
This is an oldish laptop recently inherited from my daughter and so of minimum value but I had seen it as my chance to try Ubuntu without impacting my regular desktop PC. Can the laptop be rescued for another go at Ubuntu? Any help would be much appreciated.
Thankyou.