🚀 go-pugleaf

When you tried installing from the CDROM of system 2, were you using the
aztech.i boot disk?  If not then this explains why this attempt did not
work.

As for what happens when you try the NFS installation:

The "net" bootdisk has support for EVERY net card that Linux supports. 
Consequently, things may go a little wonky during boot up; i.e the probe
for "brand x" net card sees your net card and registers itself,
preventing the GE2000II probe from getting a chance.  If this is what is
happening, you should see some messages (implying successful detection)
about some other net-card.

If this checks out, and you must do a NFS installation, you will have to
use system 1 to compile a kernel that has support for only the GE2000II
net card, then use it as the bootdisk on system 2.  I have forgotten the
details of the procedure for getting a custom kernel onto a bootdisk,
but I know it is straight-forward (I THINK - you compile the kernel as
usual, then set the ROOTDEV of it to /dev/fd0, then dd it to floppy. 
Gzipping of it may also be necessary, but I can't remember whether this
applies to the rootdisk or the bootdisk).  Anyway, good luck and feel
free to email me if you are still unsuccessful and think I may be able
to help further.

tom@tyco.net.au