Ok, I have an IBM THinkpad R30. Fedora Core 1 installs and runs no problemo but I decided to upgrade to version 4 as I wanted the newer kernel and Gnome 2.

However, when the Fedora Core 4 disk (im booting from it) gets into the graphical bit (after checking the disk - which i did!) all i get is a white screen and nothing else.

It doesnt detect my monitor but it does correctly detect my graphics card. I have tried using the options for NOFB, SKIPDDC etc.... but to no avail.

I believe this is becaude eitehr it uses a different x server from Fedora Core 1 or that it relies on monitor probing rather than user selection, as in Version 1.

Can I tell it that I have just got a generic LCD 1024X768 when im at the boot: screen or should I install it by text mode then configure the X server using a text editor.

You can't pass options to X from the boot prompt. As you suggest, booting to text mode and doing it manually is usually the easiest way.

I have Fedora core 5 running on a T-30 that I use every day as my standard system. (The docking station is way cool) but the USB ports don't work. The diskette drive in the docking station does work however.
Any way I had no problem loading Fedora Core 5 on my system. It was a pretty much load and go thing. I think I had to tell it my video graphics adapter was a ATI mobility 8500 though.