I am completely new to Linux and got a copy of Mandrake 9.0. Installed it on my Dell Optiplex GX270 (Intel 865g chipset) w/ Samsung 912n flatscreen. I can get a bash prompt, but can't get graphics to work. I've looked through this forum & mandrakeusers.org, but can't find a solution. I followed suggestions at one forum to update the BIOS to A06 from Dell, and entered BIOS setup to reset video buffer to 8 mB. I couldn't find xorgconfigure, so used XF86Config to edit XF86Config, which appears to be the video configuration file in Mandrake 9.0. I used the Intel i810 chipset for the video device and set up the monitor sync range, etc to Samsung's specs.
When I run startx, I get (EE) VESA(0): no matching modes & (EE) screen(s) found but none have usable configuration, and it says it's using the /etc/X11/XF86Config-4 file.
If I have to buy and install Mandrake 10 to get this running, I'll do it. But I hate to upgrade w/o some assurance I can run Mandrake on this hw.
Appreciate any help.

I have the same chipset on my toshiba laptop. At the commandline and log in as root, run xf86config if you are running xfree86 or xorgconfig if you are running xorg. When you get to the part where is asks you to select your agp card, pick the intel i810 card. that should get X running.

You would be better off to switch to the 2.6.X kernel and use the built in drivers. But since you are new to linux, you might want to play with it more before installing a new kernel.

Thanks, but no joy. When I follow the steps you suggested, I get an error that includes the following info: Kernel 2.4.19, XFree86 vers 4.2.1.
Using VT7
No devices detected
Fatal server error:
no screens found

XIO:Fatal error 104

Any other suggestions much appreciated. If I need to the 2.6.x kernel, do I need to buy that as a new Mandrake version or can I d/l it? If so, can you tell me how to d/l it? I'm used to accessing the internet from Windows but don't know how to do so w/ Linux. (Using a Windows computer for this communication).

i have just configured it
download drivers fom intel
(any search in google like intel 865G linux driver will show you the page)

install driver

then in xorg.con that is located in /etc/X11/xorg.conf modify the devide section

disable the predefined section that is in the beginning

then, in the driver section that is predefined as "vga", replace it for "i810"

default depth mode should be 8 bits

it starts x with an ugly aspect but i will work
hope this help

konrad