Hi,

I just changed some config files while I was in GNOME. But when I restarted I couldn't logon to the machine (REDHAT8.0). I thought if ican logon as root in the command mode using vi editor I can change the file back to the original format. Is there a way I can go back to the command level from GNOME (eg:- Ctrl+Alt+X)

Please help

Thanks,

Not sure *exactly* what you mean, but you can usually specify a run level at the lilo prompt. Holding ALT early on in system boot will cause lilo to come up and let you type in something, if it doesn't already by default, and you can type in


Linux 1

in most cases, to get a single user (and non-graphical) boot up going on.


You may have a different kernel label, and can hit the TAB key at that prompt to see what your options are.



If this doesn't cover it, let me know, and I'll see if I can provide some more information.

Hi Wolven,

Thanks for the help.

What I did is changed the profile file and I added some wrong PATH statements. now the system is back on with normal logon screen, but after I typed the password it just hanging there.

Please help

Alt-F2, should work it deos in KDE.

You should be able to use "ctrl-alt-F2" to get to a new console window. At that point, you can login as root and undo whatever you did. There are eight "virtual terminals" available in Linux. There are six that have mgettys running for logins and you normally only see the first one and the one that X (by default is 7) runs on. Normally, to go from one vt to another, "alt-Fn" (n is vt number) is sufficient, but most xdms and window managers use these keys as shortcuts and map "ctrl-alt-Fn" to the console switching functions.

EDIT: I guess I should restate "some" xdms and window managers instead of "most". Like Edward78 says, Kde works with "alt-Fn". Gnome and Fluxbox both use "alt-Fn" to switch between workspaces and both requre "ctrl-alt-Fn" to go to another vt. The standard xdm (login screen) lets "alt-Fn" go to another vt, gdm (Gnome login) forces "ctrl-alt-Fn". Try "alt-Fn", if it doesn't work, try "ctrl-alt-Fn".

Great help guyes, Thanks

They beat me to it. :_)

Also wanted to add that in some distributions (debian, for example) when you are the command line (or console, or whatever you want to call it) you can hold the left ALT key and press LEFT and RIGHT on the arrow keys. This will push you through the available virtual terminals. Once you are in X windows (terminal 7) however, you may have to use one of the other shortcut keys to get out of it.


I don't use X that much, and use multiple terminals as my multitasking environment.

Also wanted to say that I am really enjoying the forums here, guys. It feels nice to be able to help the community a bit, and to see so many helpful people.