When doing a graphical install the screen goes black. Ctl-Alt-F1 shows a screen that ends with 1...2...3...4...5 X started, I would expect the graphical install window to load. There is only a blinking cursor. I've gone for coffee and returned to the same blinking cursor.

Are there commands I can give to the kernel to overcome this problem?

It sounds like maybe a driver problem that X is trying to load as it is launching your window manager but either can't find it or something else is wrong.

If you could show us what your /var/log/XFree86.0.log shows then we could probably start to pinpoint the problem(s).

rberry88

Hi, I had the same problem I have a monitor that is not on the list of monitors provided and it defalutted to 640x480 I think.
I over came the problem by using the text based install worked a treat had to juggle the monitor settings to the best veiw on screen but it works.

Or you could just select a generic monitor choice during the X setup and then manually edit the /etc/X11/XF86Config file to include your actual monitor settings (horiz, vert sync, video driver etc) and have it just the way you want.

rberry88

The problem was that my VIA chips on intergrated video M/B need this .... Option "NoUseBios" ... in the driver section of the config file. Using C-A-Backspace and C-A-F1, 2 etc didn't get me a login screen. I entered the keystrokes several times and finally got a login prompt. I did and used vi to modify my XF86Config. When I tried to save the file vi refused to accept :wq. Some kind soul told me to press esc first then :wq and that worked. When I restarted X, Voila!, I had my KDE desktop.

It seems easy enough in the telling, but there were a lot of Forums and newsgroups inquires and helpful responses not recieted.

So anyway, THANKS to all who participated.

So you were having trouble using vi to edit your XF86Config file to include the Option "NoUseBios"??

Hmm, and here I thought, from your initial post that you were having trouble getting your x server started, go figure.

rberry88

Using vi correctly came after finding out that my M/B needed the NoUseBios and how to correct the problem. Anyway done is done.