I am extremely new to linux so i hope this isn't a stupid question. I currently run windows xp and am trying to install mandrake on another partition. Everything seemed to go fine; mandrake runs you through setting up the partitions for linux and then through the installation. When it was done installing it said to take out the boot disk and reboot which I did. It boots up to a screen where I choose to run linux or xp but when I choose linux it seems to load everything ok but right when one expects to see mandrake the screen just goes blank. No prompt, nothing changes unless the system is rebooted.
What do I do? Do I need to run one of the other cds? During install I ran the two install cds and the international cd. I have the 8 cd set that is currently for sale on ebay.
Please help

You mean the PowerPack?
The other cds have non-free software that you've paid for in the price of the pack, and those arent needed til after you get the install booting properly.
Do you mean you get a list of items all load [OK], but then no graphical login?

Try pressing Ctrl+Alt+F1 at this point, then log in as the user you added at install(not root this time) and then try the command startx.
If you can log in but that command causes an error, state it here, and try again but this time log in as root. Use exit to get the login prompt again.

What graphics card do you have?

Yes, I get a bunch of "ok"s and no graphical interface. Ctrl+Alt+F1 doesnt do anything; just a blank screen with no prompt.
Video card: GeForce4 MX440-SE
Thanks

i have experience this before. At times the installion fails to install properly. what i think you should is do a re-installation (not an upgrade) and if you are lucky it will work. during installation, when you get configuring of your VGA card make sure you run a test before completing your installation.

I think that's some good advice.
Did you mess with the Bash package selection at install, coz maybe you're not getting a shell? I'm not really sure though.

Can you make .iso files of the cds in windows, and checksum them to be sure they're good?