/bin/sh/: can't access tty: job control turned off

This error can be caused by many things. Usually it means some hardware incompatibility. I would risk to say that it's a problem with your cd-rom.

Take a look here: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=315787

Before trying with this netboot described there, which is quite complex, you'll probably will want to try the alternate cd.

There are also some other simpler possibilities, like using an usb stick, check under "installation without a cd here": https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation

hi guys even i am having the same prob.
my pc hangs up after booting. the last message shown there is

'tty was unable to access job control turned off'

i tried ubuntu in safe graphic mode but didnt help.

I USE
intel pentium D 2.8GH
HDD 80GB
RAM 512MB
ON BOAED GRAPHIC ATI RAEDON EXPRESS 200

PLEASE HELP ME OUT, I AM NEW TO LINUX

TANKS

Per Wrwrwr comments - I decided not to go through the complexities and pain of a netboot (being new to linux, the directions appeared too cryptic for me) and decided to wait until I can get around to an alternate cd method. I assumed it was a hardware compatibility issue with the PCMCIA connected cd drive (the Portege does not have a built-in cd).

However, I remembered an old USB connected cd drive I had laying around .... it seems to be working! (very slow) I will post the results in the morning if it works.

Try this maybe:

when you reach the first menu, instead of selecting the first option, type 'e' instead (for 'edit'). You will then see all the boot options. Move on the longest line, type 'e' again. You can now modify this line. Move to the end, delete "splash" and "quiet". Put "all_generic_ide" (without the quotes). Then type 'b' to boot this configuration.

If all this is not clear, I can explain better, maybe with some screen caps.

There are other options, but this one usually solve a lot of problems.

Success! .... Alternate CD in text mode is great/ easy ..... not sure why anybody would bother with the graphic mode for an install.

Rickford Grant's book "Ubuntu for non-geeks, 2nd edition" is a good intro, but should ship with the Alternate CD, not the graphical.

Because text mode is supposed to be for geek only and graphical interface are needed to look as good as Windows and Mac?
I know it doesn't make much sense, but that's just the way it is...

What is funny is that your problem does not seem to be related to the graphical display, so it should be the same on the alternate CD.

Anyway, great if you can install it now, have fun Scott!

IMHO, the issue is memory .... in any limited memory environment (< 1G) I would recommend the Alternate CD

I have tried to install for the first time on an old Sony Vaio PCG Z505LE with external DVD drive. Received the 'can't access tty - job control turned off' error. Sony has WIN 2000 installed, and hasn't been run in awhile.

Any help would be appreciated.

Looks that may not be trivial, maybe those can help: http://lnxg.ca/?Hardware:Linux_on_a_Sony_PCG-Z505LE, http://grok2.tripod.com/sonyvaio.html.

Won't hurt to try the alternate CD: http://releases.ubuntu.com/hardy/, often works where the other doesn't.

Some general installation help (including adding boot parameters etc.) is now here: https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/installation-guide/i386/index.html.

But, most important, please ask a new question instead of adding a comment to a solved one, definitely a higher chance for a good answer :)

If what I read that that laptop has 128 MB of operating memory (<384 MB), you'll surely have to use the alternate CD (ie text install), even if forget about the special CD drive.