I can't boot up properly

Sundance · 12-06-2003, 01:25 PM

I have successfully installed rehat 9 but i cannot boot into a gui. I went into linux rescue using my installation disk and opened a command shell. I typed "startx" which my instruction manual suggested and the following appeared:

Hostname lookup failure

Fatal server error
Cannot open log file "/var/log/XFree86.0.log"

giving up
xinit: No such file or directory (errno2): unable to connect to x server
xinit: No such process (errno3): Server error.

Please help.
Thankyou.

Tinkster · 12-06-2003, 01:55 PM

I'd suggest booting normally, and then
try the startx thing. Chances are that
the configuration of the rescue system
doesn't quite match the "real thing" :)

Let's tackle it from there.

Cheers,
Tink

Sundance · 12-06-2003, 02:07 PM

When i boot normally i get black screen with white writing as it performs checks etc, then the writing starts to scroll very fast. I have read that is what is supposed to happen but for me the scrolling never ends. I have tried reinstalling a few times.

Tinkster · 12-06-2003, 05:59 PM

What happens when you pass
single as a parameter to the kernel on
your boot loaders prompt?

Cheers,
Tink

Sundance · 12-06-2003, 06:18 PM

I am sorry Tink. I don't know what you mean by that last message. How do i do that?

Tinkster · 12-06-2003, 06:25 PM

Supposedly there's a boot-loader installed
that lets you select various kernels and / or
OSes ...

When that screen comes up, use the cursor
keys to highlight your default kernel using
the cursor keys, and then you should be
able to type stuff in. After the kernel's name,
type single and enter.

Cheers,
Tink

Sundance · 12-06-2003, 06:33 PM

Still no joy i'm afraid.