Thread: Installing Linux

  1. #1
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    Installing Linux

    Alright, does anyone know why Linux will not work on my Dell Inspiron 8100. Well not linux but the graphical version of Linux. I am running a nVidia Geforce 2 GO DDR it recognizes that but I think it has something to do with my screen setting?? Any help is great thank you.

    Ryan

  2. #2
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    I am not a Linux guru but I had something similar happen to me awhile ago. I went back and changed my screen resolution. I went to the command promt(or what ever you call it in Linux)
    typed in 'setup'. I then got a menu. I selected the bottom option(I think) something about XConfigure. Changed settings and it was all working fine.

  3. #3
    The Artful Lurker Deckard's Avatar
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    I also use a GeForce in my Linux box. I got it to work fine by downloading the nVidia Linux drivers from their website (www.nvidia.com, I believe). Sorry I don't have a more specific, but the drivers are available.
    Jason Deckard

  4. #4
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    Send me your /etc/XF86Config-4 file and I will take a look at it. If that file doesn't exist, send the /etc/XF86Config file.
    I doubt, therefore I might not be

  5. #5
    A Banana Yoshi's Avatar
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    What's the distribution? I have a GeForce 2 TI on Mandrake 8.2 and it works fine.
    Yoshi

  6. #6
    Comment your source code! Lynux-Penguin's Avatar
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    Well, I know a lot about Linux and I can tell you one thing. You obviously need to configure your system to run X
    make sure you have it configured, check the configs or if you have Xconfig...
    run
    Xconfigurator as root and set up your machine
    what I would do if I were you is set up X and set up a server to run your X server and export the X to your workstation if it wont work because of some settings, because sometimes you can trick your computer into working right. But for every trick you pull that is one more complexity you will not understand.

    Bleh
    just remember to configure it
    most likely something about your hardware is not supported but updates are always there!

    Google!!!!
    Asking the right question is sometimes more important than knowing the answer.
    Please read the FAQ
    C Reference Card (A MUST!)
    Pointers and Memory
    The Essentials
    CString lib

  7. #7
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    If using Mandrake, try the command:

    XFdrake

  8. #8
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    Try the video card first, by installing it again, getting new drivers etc. If these fail check the horizontal and vertical sych settings of your monitor, this can cause problems in a GUI environment.

    kwigibo

  9. #9
    Comment your source code! Lynux-Penguin's Avatar
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    Asking the right question is sometimes more important than knowing the answer.
    Please read the FAQ
    C Reference Card (A MUST!)
    Pointers and Memory
    The Essentials
    CString lib

  10. #10
    Microsoft. Who? MethodMan's Avatar
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    I had a similar problem, when I installed Mandrake 8.1. The installation went fine, but my graphical interface wouldnt work, and the screen just flashed, until it was suspened for 5 minutes.

    After that login as root
    type init 3, which will stop it from flashing, after 5 minutes
    XFdrake --expert,
    under expert you can setup the video card, resoultion, refresh rate, and run tests. For some reason when I tested my settings it didnt work, but I didnt get any errors related to the video card, so it worked out fine

    Hope this helps..

  11. #11
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    I actually know someone who had this problem, with the same computer. We had to install a newer kernel to get the driver to work properly. Give that a shot, and see if anything happens.

    BTW, we did this after spending a few days monkeying around with drivers and display settings.


    starX
    www.axisoftime.com

  12. #12
    Comment your source code! Lynux-Penguin's Avatar
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    try this:
    Uninstall or whatever (format)
    reinstall mandrake or redhat without X as default
    compile X yourself and answer all of the hardware questions etc.
    Configure it this way then install GNOME and KDE etc.
    Asking the right question is sometimes more important than knowing the answer.
    Please read the FAQ
    C Reference Card (A MUST!)
    Pointers and Memory
    The Essentials
    CString lib

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