I set the monitor resolution to higher than what it supports. When it boots and starts the x server, the monitor blanks out. How do I either disable the x login or put it at a low resolution like SVGA.

- Ian

I think "/sbin/init 3" will switch the runlevel to 3 so it won't startx automatically.
And to make runlevel 3 the default you can edit /etc/inittab and change
id:5:initdefault:
to
id:3:initdefault:

-Tuxlover

I recommend you add "3" to your kernel arguments in your bootloader settings. This will disable booting into runlevel 5.

Ex:

Disabling X Server
Edit the following lines to /boot/grub/grub.conf where it says:

Replace it with (NOTE: You can put the "3" wherever you want):
Save the config file and reboot linux.

Of course, to do any of the editing, you need to be able to see the screen.

Can you boot from you install CD or DVD? You should be able to mount and edit /boot/gru/grub.conf from there.

In order to change the run level from the command

boot from the cd. You might have to configure your bios to boot from the cd first.

when you get the 'boot:' prompt
type linux rescue
answer the startup questions.
when you get the '#' prompt
type 'chroot /mnt/sysimage'
now type 'vi /etc/inittab' (I think, you might have to use 'find' to find the actual location of inittab)
down arrow to the line where it says something like default run level. change vi to insert mode by typing 'i'. Change the number from 5 to 3. hit <escape>, then type ':wq!'.

When you restart it will default to the command line if you have done everthing correctly.

Cheers,
Barry

Won't Crtl/Alt/f5 still work?