I installed the Linux nvidia driver for mandrake 9.2 as the root, on that black screen that shows up when you first boot linux If you dont go through the graphical interface first.
Now, when I try to go into Mandrake using the cmd, startx, the desktop will start to load for a split second, then die and go back to the black screen! I cannot get into the desktop! Here is the error messege on the black screen, the Warning part displays lots of times:

"WARNING: Symbol map for key (SPCE) Redefined using last definition for conflicting Fields

Errors from xkbcomp are not fatal to the X server"

All of it started right after I installed the Nvidia driver

Please help, thanks

Hi Fear58!!!

Did you edit your /etc/X11/XF86Config as nvidia suggests? If you put here your XF86Config we can take a look and see if we find the problem...

Nope, didnt edit it, and Don't know how. = me,
How do I get the file to show you guys?

Well, how do you get in here? Windows? Copy the file /etc/X11/XF86Config to a disk or to the windows partition, then open it copy and paste it here . that would be something like:

cp /etc/X11/XF86Config /mnt/floppy

Anyway, try editing it first. Open the file XF86Config with a text editor and locate Section "Devices". There edit the line:

Driver "nv" (it could also be vesa)

to

Driver "nvidia"

Attention that it's all with lowercases. Then type startx again

Yeah, I got here using my windows partition. Anyway, I dont have any blank floppies, is there a way around this? Im such a noob at this, and some other dude on another forum is telling me I have to reinstall mandrake.

Well, you never have to reinstall the hole OS because of one little problem . It's better to work out and learn a lot with the problem.

There're many ways of getting that file . If you can write to a Windows partition from Mandrake command line, us cp command:

cp /etc/X11/XF86Config /<your windows partition>

If you have a command line browser, as lynks, you could put it here as well, or if you have an e-mail command line client as pine you could send the file to yourself, and open it with Windows. But if I was you, I'd try to edit the nvidia file as I told you... if that does not work, I'd get an empty floppy. They look archaic, but they are very handy in cases like this

Wait, wait. Got it on floppy, here ya go, Ill highlight Device section:


# File generated by XFdrake.

# **********************************************************************
# Refer to the XF86Config man page for details about the format of
# this file.
# **********************************************************************

Section "Files"
# Multiple FontPath entries are allowed (they are concatenated together)
# By default, Mandrake 6.0 and later now use a font server independent of
# the X server to render fonts.
FontPath "unix/:-1"
EndSection

Section "ServerFlags"
AllowMouseOpenFail # allows the server to start up even if the mouse doesn't work
#DontZap # disable <Crtl><Alt><BS> (server abort)
#DontZoom # disable <Crtl><Alt><KP_+>/<KP_-> (resolution switching)
EndSection

Section "Keyboard"
Protocol "Standard"
XkbModel "pc105"
XkbLayout "en_US"
XkbOptions ""
EndSection

Section "Pointer"
Protocol "PS/2"
Device "/dev/psaux"
Emulate3Buttons
Emulate3Timeout 50
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "monitor1"
VendorName "Plug'n Play"
ModelName "ViewSonic E771-2"
HorizSync 30-70
VertRefresh 50-120

# Sony Vaio C1(X,XS,VE,VN)?
# 1024x480 @ 85.6 Hz, 48 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x480" 65.00 1024 1032 1176 1344 480 488 494 563 -hsync -vsync

# TV fullscreen mode or DVD fullscreen output.
# 768x576 @ 79 Hz, 50 kHz hsync
ModeLine "768x576" 50.00 768 832 846 1000 576 590 595 630

# 768x576 @ 100 Hz, 61.6 kHz hsync
ModeLine "768x576" 63.07 768 800 960 1024 576 578 590 616

# This is a set of standard mode timings. Modes that are out of monitor spec
# are automatically deleted by the server (provided the HorizSync and
# VertRefresh lines are correct), so there's no immediate need to
# delete mode timings (unless particular mode timings don't work on your
# monitor). With these modes, the best standard mode that your monitor
# and video card can support for a given resolution is automatically
# used.

# 640x400 @ 70 Hz, 31.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x400" 25.175 640 664 760 800 400 409 411 450

# 640x480 @ 60 Hz, 31.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x480" 25.175 640 664 760 800 480 491 493 525

# 800x600 @ 56 Hz, 35.15 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 36 800 824 896 1024 600 601 603 625

# 1024x768 @ 87 Hz interlaced, 35.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 44.9 1024 1048 1208 1264 768 776 784 817 Interlace

# 640x400 @ 85 Hz, 37.86 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x400" 31.5 640 672 736 832 400 401 404 445 -HSync +VSync

# 640x480 @ 75 Hz, 37.50 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x480" 31.5 640 656 720 840 480 481 484 500 -HSync -VSync

# 800x600 @ 60 Hz, 37.8 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 40 800 840 968 1056 600 601 605 628 +hsync +vsync

# 640x480 @ 85 Hz, 43.27 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x480" 36 640 696 752 832 480 481 484 509 -HSync -VSync

# 1152x864 @ 89 Hz interlaced, 44 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 65 1152 1168 1384 1480 864 865 875 985 Interlace

# 800x600 @ 72 Hz, 48.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 50 800 856 976 1040 600 637 643 666 +hsync +vsync

# 1024x768 @ 60 Hz, 48.4 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 65 1024 1032 1176 1344 768 771 777 806 -hsync -vsync

# 640x480 @ 100 Hz, 53.01 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x480" 45.8 640 672 768 864 480 488 494 530 -HSync -VSync

# 1152x864 @ 60 Hz, 53.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 89.9 1152 1216 1472 1680 864 868 876 892 -HSync -VSync

# 800x600 @ 85 Hz, 55.84 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 60.75 800 864 928 1088 600 616 621 657 -HSync -VSync

# 1024x768 @ 70 Hz, 56.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 75 1024 1048 1184 1328 768 771 777 806 -hsync -vsync

# 1280x1024 @ 87 Hz interlaced, 51 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 80 1280 1296 1512 1568 1024 1025 1037 1165 Interlace

# 800x600 @ 100 Hz, 64.02 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 69.65 800 864 928 1088 600 604 610 640 -HSync -VSync

# 1024x768 @ 76 Hz, 62.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 85 1024 1032 1152 1360 768 784 787 823

# 1152x864 @ 70 Hz, 62.4 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 92 1152 1208 1368 1474 864 865 875 895

# 1280x1024 @ 61 Hz, 64.2 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 110 1280 1328 1512 1712 1024 1025 1028 1054

# 1400x1050 @ 60 Hz, 65.5 kHz
ModeLine "1400x1050" 122.0 1400 1488 1640 1880 1050 1052 1064 1082 +HSync +VSync

# 1024x768 @ 85 Hz, 70.24 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 98.9 1024 1056 1216 1408 768 782 788 822 -HSync -VSync

# 1152x864 @ 78 Hz, 70.8 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 110 1152 1240 1324 1552 864 864 876 908

# 1280x1024 @ 70 Hz, 74.59 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 126.5 1280 1312 1472 1696 1024 1032 1040 1068 -HSync -VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 60Hz, 75.00 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 162 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 +HSync +VSync

# 1152x864 @ 84 Hz, 76.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 135 1152 1464 1592 1776 864 864 876 908

# 1280x1024 @ 75 Hz, 79.98 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 135 1280 1296 1440 1688 1024 1025 1028 1066 +HSync +VSync

# 1024x768 @ 100Hz, 80.21 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 115.5 1024 1056 1248 1440 768 771 781 802 -HSync -VSync

# 1400x1050 @ 75 Hz, 82.2 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1400x1050" 155.8 1400 1464 1784 1912 1050 1052 1064 1090 +HSync +VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 70 Hz, 87.50 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 189 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 -HSync -VSync

# 1152x864 @ 100 Hz, 89.62 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 137.65 1152 1184 1312 1536 864 866 885 902 -HSync -VSync

# 1280x1024 @ 85 Hz, 91.15 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 157.5 1280 1344 1504 1728 1024 1025 1028 1072 +HSync +VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 75 Hz, 93.75 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 202.5 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 +HSync +VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 85 Hz, 105.77 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 220 1600 1616 1808 2080 1200 1204 1207 1244 +HSync +VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 85 Hz, 106.3 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 229.5 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 +HSync +VSync

# 1280x1024 @ 100 Hz, 107.16 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 181.75 1280 1312 1440 1696 1024 1031 1046 1072 -HSync -VSync

# 1800x1440 @ 64Hz, 96.15 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1800X1440" 230 1800 1896 2088 2392 1440 1441 1444 1490 +HSync +VSync

# 1800x1440 @ 70Hz, 104.52 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1800X1440" 250 1800 1896 2088 2392 1440 1441 1444 1490 +HSync +VSync

# 1920x1440 @ 60 Hz, 90.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1920x1440" 234.0 1920 2048 2256 2600 1440 1441 1444 1500 -HSync +VSync

# 1920x1440 @ 75 Hz, 112.5kHz hsync
ModeLine "1920x1440" 297.0 1920 2064 2288 2640 1440 1441 1444 1500 -HSync +VSync

# 512x384 @ 78 Hz, 31.50 kHz hsync
ModeLine "512x384" 20.160 512 528 592 640 384 385 388 404 -HSync -VSync

# 512x384 @ 85 Hz, 34.38 kHz hsync
ModeLine "512x384" 22 512 528 592 640 384 385 388 404 -HSync -VSync

# Low-res Doublescan modes
# If your chipset does not support doublescan, you get a 'squashed'
# resolution like 320x400.

# 320x200 @ 70 Hz, 31.5 kHz hsync, 8:5 aspect ratio
ModeLine "320x200" 12.588 320 336 384 400 200 204 205 225 Doublescan

# 320x240 @ 60 Hz, 31.5 kHz hsync, 4:3 aspect ratio
ModeLine "320x240" 12.588 320 336 384 400 240 245 246 262 Doublescan

# 320x240 @ 72 Hz, 36.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "320x240" 15.750 320 336 384 400 240 244 246 262 Doublescan

# 400x300 @ 56 Hz, 35.2 kHz hsync, 4:3 aspect ratio
ModeLine "400x300" 18 400 416 448 512 300 301 302 312 Doublescan

# 400x300 @ 60 Hz, 37.8 kHz hsync
ModeLine "400x300" 20 400 416 480 528 300 301 303 314 Doublescan

# 400x300 @ 72 Hz, 48.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "400x300" 25 400 424 488 520 300 319 322 333 Doublescan

# 480x300 @ 56 Hz, 35.2 kHz hsync, 8:5 aspect ratio
ModeLine "480x300" 21.656 480 496 536 616 300 301 302 312 Doublescan

# 480x300 @ 60 Hz, 37.8 kHz hsync
ModeLine "480x300" 23.890 480 496 576 632 300 301 303 314 Doublescan

# 480x300 @ 63 Hz, 39.6 kHz hsync
ModeLine "480x300" 25 480 496 576 632 300 301 303 314 Doublescan

# 480x300 @ 72 Hz, 48.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "480x300" 29.952 480 504 584 624 300 319 322 333 Doublescan
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "device1"
VendorName "nVidia Corporation"
BoardName "NVIDIA GeForce2 DDR (generic)"
Chipset "GeForce DDR"
Option "power_saver"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Driver "svga"
Device "device1"
Monitor "monitor1"
DefaultColorDepth 24

Subsection "Display"
Depth 8
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection

Subsection "Display"
Depth 15
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection

Subsection "Display"
Depth 16
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection

Subsection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection

Subsection "Display"
Depth 32
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection
EndSection


How can we edit this? And once it does get edited, how do we uplod it back into the OS? Thanks

cool mate! I will highlight what you have to change . To put it back to the OS, use the same command:

cp /mnt/floppy /etc/X11/XF86Config

or you could try to use a text editor as pico or vim to edit the file. Example:

pico /etc/X11/XF86Config

Take a look at the file, you were pretty close actually

# File generated by XFdrake.

# **********************************************************************
# Refer to the XF86Config man page for details about the format of
# this file.
# **********************************************************************

Section "Files"
# Multiple FontPath entries are allowed (they are concatenated together)
# By default, Mandrake 6.0 and later now use a font server independent of
# the X server to render fonts.
FontPath "unix/:-1"
EndSection

Section "ServerFlags"
AllowMouseOpenFail # allows the server to start up even if the mouse doesn't work
#DontZap # disable <Crtl><Alt><BS> (server abort)
#DontZoom # disable <Crtl><Alt><KP_+>/<KP_-> (resolution switching)
EndSection

Section "Keyboard"
Protocol "Standard"
XkbModel "pc105"
XkbLayout "en_US"
XkbOptions ""
EndSection

Section "Pointer"
Protocol "PS/2"
Device "/dev/psaux"
Emulate3Buttons
Emulate3Timeout 50
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "monitor1"
VendorName "Plug'n Play"
ModelName "ViewSonic E771-2"
HorizSync 30-70
VertRefresh 50-120

# Sony Vaio C1(X,XS,VE,VN)?
# 1024x480 @ 85.6 Hz, 48 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x480" 65.00 1024 1032 1176 1344 480 488 494 563 -hsync -vsync

# TV fullscreen mode or DVD fullscreen output.
# 768x576 @ 79 Hz, 50 kHz hsync
ModeLine "768x576" 50.00 768 832 846 1000 576 590 595 630

# 768x576 @ 100 Hz, 61.6 kHz hsync
ModeLine "768x576" 63.07 768 800 960 1024 576 578 590 616

# This is a set of standard mode timings. Modes that are out of monitor spec
# are automatically deleted by the server (provided the HorizSync and
# VertRefresh lines are correct), so there's no immediate need to
# delete mode timings (unless particular mode timings don't work on your
# monitor). With these modes, the best standard mode that your monitor
# and video card can support for a given resolution is automatically
# used.

# 640x400 @ 70 Hz, 31.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x400" 25.175 640 664 760 800 400 409 411 450

# 640x480 @ 60 Hz, 31.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x480" 25.175 640 664 760 800 480 491 493 525

# 800x600 @ 56 Hz, 35.15 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 36 800 824 896 1024 600 601 603 625

# 1024x768 @ 87 Hz interlaced, 35.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 44.9 1024 1048 1208 1264 768 776 784 817 Interlace

# 640x400 @ 85 Hz, 37.86 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x400" 31.5 640 672 736 832 400 401 404 445 -HSync +VSync

# 640x480 @ 75 Hz, 37.50 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x480" 31.5 640 656 720 840 480 481 484 500 -HSync -VSync

# 800x600 @ 60 Hz, 37.8 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 40 800 840 968 1056 600 601 605 628 +hsync +vsync

# 640x480 @ 85 Hz, 43.27 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x480" 36 640 696 752 832 480 481 484 509 -HSync -VSync

# 1152x864 @ 89 Hz interlaced, 44 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 65 1152 1168 1384 1480 864 865 875 985 Interlace

# 800x600 @ 72 Hz, 48.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 50 800 856 976 1040 600 637 643 666 +hsync +vsync

# 1024x768 @ 60 Hz, 48.4 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 65 1024 1032 1176 1344 768 771 777 806 -hsync -vsync

# 640x480 @ 100 Hz, 53.01 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x480" 45.8 640 672 768 864 480 488 494 530 -HSync -VSync

# 1152x864 @ 60 Hz, 53.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 89.9 1152 1216 1472 1680 864 868 876 892 -HSync -VSync

# 800x600 @ 85 Hz, 55.84 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 60.75 800 864 928 1088 600 616 621 657 -HSync -VSync

# 1024x768 @ 70 Hz, 56.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 75 1024 1048 1184 1328 768 771 777 806 -hsync -vsync

# 1280x1024 @ 87 Hz interlaced, 51 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 80 1280 1296 1512 1568 1024 1025 1037 1165 Interlace

# 800x600 @ 100 Hz, 64.02 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 69.65 800 864 928 1088 600 604 610 640 -HSync -VSync

# 1024x768 @ 76 Hz, 62.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 85 1024 1032 1152 1360 768 784 787 823

# 1152x864 @ 70 Hz, 62.4 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 92 1152 1208 1368 1474 864 865 875 895

# 1280x1024 @ 61 Hz, 64.2 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 110 1280 1328 1512 1712 1024 1025 1028 1054

# 1400x1050 @ 60 Hz, 65.5 kHz
ModeLine "1400x1050" 122.0 1400 1488 1640 1880 1050 1052 1064 1082 +HSync +VSync

# 1024x768 @ 85 Hz, 70.24 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 98.9 1024 1056 1216 1408 768 782 788 822 -HSync -VSync

# 1152x864 @ 78 Hz, 70.8 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 110 1152 1240 1324 1552 864 864 876 908

# 1280x1024 @ 70 Hz, 74.59 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 126.5 1280 1312 1472 1696 1024 1032 1040 1068 -HSync -VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 60Hz, 75.00 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 162 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 +HSync +VSync

# 1152x864 @ 84 Hz, 76.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 135 1152 1464 1592 1776 864 864 876 908

# 1280x1024 @ 75 Hz, 79.98 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 135 1280 1296 1440 1688 1024 1025 1028 1066 +HSync +VSync

# 1024x768 @ 100Hz, 80.21 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 115.5 1024 1056 1248 1440 768 771 781 802 -HSync -VSync

# 1400x1050 @ 75 Hz, 82.2 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1400x1050" 155.8 1400 1464 1784 1912 1050 1052 1064 1090 +HSync +VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 70 Hz, 87.50 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 189 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 -HSync -VSync

# 1152x864 @ 100 Hz, 89.62 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 137.65 1152 1184 1312 1536 864 866 885 902 -HSync -VSync

# 1280x1024 @ 85 Hz, 91.15 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 157.5 1280 1344 1504 1728 1024 1025 1028 1072 +HSync +VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 75 Hz, 93.75 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 202.5 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 +HSync +VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 85 Hz, 105.77 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 220 1600 1616 1808 2080 1200 1204 1207 1244 +HSync +VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 85 Hz, 106.3 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 229.5 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 +HSync +VSync

# 1280x1024 @ 100 Hz, 107.16 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 181.75 1280 1312 1440 1696 1024 1031 1046 1072 -HSync -VSync

# 1800x1440 @ 64Hz, 96.15 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1800X1440" 230 1800 1896 2088 2392 1440 1441 1444 1490 +HSync +VSync

# 1800x1440 @ 70Hz, 104.52 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1800X1440" 250 1800 1896 2088 2392 1440 1441 1444 1490 +HSync +VSync

# 1920x1440 @ 60 Hz, 90.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1920x1440" 234.0 1920 2048 2256 2600 1440 1441 1444 1500 -HSync +VSync

# 1920x1440 @ 75 Hz, 112.5kHz hsync
ModeLine "1920x1440" 297.0 1920 2064 2288 2640 1440 1441 1444 1500 -HSync +VSync

# 512x384 @ 78 Hz, 31.50 kHz hsync
ModeLine "512x384" 20.160 512 528 592 640 384 385 388 404 -HSync -VSync

# 512x384 @ 85 Hz, 34.38 kHz hsync
ModeLine "512x384" 22 512 528 592 640 384 385 388 404 -HSync -VSync

# Low-res Doublescan modes
# If your chipset does not support doublescan, you get a 'squashed'
# resolution like 320x400.

# 320x200 @ 70 Hz, 31.5 kHz hsync, 8:5 aspect ratio
ModeLine "320x200" 12.588 320 336 384 400 200 204 205 225 Doublescan

# 320x240 @ 60 Hz, 31.5 kHz hsync, 4:3 aspect ratio
ModeLine "320x240" 12.588 320 336 384 400 240 245 246 262 Doublescan

# 320x240 @ 72 Hz, 36.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "320x240" 15.750 320 336 384 400 240 244 246 262 Doublescan

# 400x300 @ 56 Hz, 35.2 kHz hsync, 4:3 aspect ratio
ModeLine "400x300" 18 400 416 448 512 300 301 302 312 Doublescan

# 400x300 @ 60 Hz, 37.8 kHz hsync
ModeLine "400x300" 20 400 416 480 528 300 301 303 314 Doublescan

# 400x300 @ 72 Hz, 48.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "400x300" 25 400 424 488 520 300 319 322 333 Doublescan

# 480x300 @ 56 Hz, 35.2 kHz hsync, 8:5 aspect ratio
ModeLine "480x300" 21.656 480 496 536 616 300 301 302 312 Doublescan

# 480x300 @ 60 Hz, 37.8 kHz hsync
ModeLine "480x300" 23.890 480 496 576 632 300 301 303 314 Doublescan

# 480x300 @ 63 Hz, 39.6 kHz hsync
ModeLine "480x300" 25 480 496 576 632 300 301 303 314 Doublescan

# 480x300 @ 72 Hz, 48.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "480x300" 29.952 480 504 584 624 300 319 322 333 Doublescan
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "device1"
VendorName "nVidia Corporation"
BoardName "NVIDIA GeForce2 DDR (generic)"
Chipset "GeForce DDR"
Option "power_saver"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Driver "nvidia"
Device "device1"
Monitor "monitor1"
DefaultColorDepth 24

Subsection "Display"
Depth 8
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection

Subsection "Display"
Depth 15
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection

Subsection "Display"
Depth 16
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection

Subsection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection

Subsection "Display"
Depth 32
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection
EndSection

Ok, I dual booted back into mandrake. black screen came up. Popped in floppy. used the command you gave me: cp /mnt/floppy /etc/X11/XF86Config
Nothing happened.

Tryed the first way you gave me..:

cp /etc/X11/XF86Config /mnt/floppy

It asks me if I want to overwrite the file already on the floppy (the one I edited), Of course I Dont.
Hmm, anything Im not doing right?

it's:

cp /mnt/floppy/XF86Config /etc/X11/XF86Config

that would be cp <what you want to copy> <to where you want to copy>

That is assuming that you have a file called XF86Config at your floppy disk and that the disk is mounted (if not, type mount /mnt/floppy) it will ask to overwrite, so you say yes . Then try to startx again...

I hope it helps mate. I know how terrible it is to boot in a system, then another, then another again... :S

If it works, try learning a good command line text editor. pico is very easy to use, Midnight Commander is a great file manager which has a command line text editor(mcedit as well (it's exactly as Norton/Windows Commander, type mc to call it, I think Mandrake installs it by default, otherwise it's shipped with your Mandrake disks). Vim is the best text editor in my opinion, but requires a lot of practice and reading... It's essential to master one command line text editor within Linux to fix problems like this easily

Ok, Used that new command you gave me, and it seemed to overwright it. But still, no go. But this time, get this, I logged in as root to do it and when I tried to get into the desktop using startx, the background was red and a window told me that I shouldnt login to the interface as Root, or I could really screw up my machine and Nothing would stop me. It gave me the option to turn around , or if I knew what I was doing (which I didnt). So I went back. Should I keep going in the system as root and try to change something? Like to start up the graphic interface instead of that black screen to put in commands?

Sorry, But thanks for all the help! Im learning a lot and I think I'm almost there.

My pleasure, I just hope it works. And of course you are. And you are doing something not easy to do for a newcomer. It took me quite a long time before I messed up with the graphics driver . You'd be proud of yourself .

Well, root == administrator on Windows. Except that root in Linux is the only user who can install/remove/modify programs and files outside the /home/user directory. You should not really startx as root. Instead of it, you should login as a normal user. The normal user can only write to the files located at /home/<user name>. For security reasons, some applications won't start while you are logged as root. If you ever need to install remove or edit something while logged as a normal user, open a terminal and type su. You will be asked for the root password. Then you are root, and can install/remove/edit anything outside /home/user location.

Mandrake provides a couple of tools for adding/removing users. If you have not yet created a user, do this when logged as root:

useradd Fear58

A home directory will be created at /home/Fear58

You can change the password of any user by typing:

passwd <name of the user>

When done adding an user, log out from root (type exit). At the logon screen, type Fear58, then your password, then startx.

If everything was ok with the file editing, you should get a nvidia splash screen (meaning that you have now 3D acceleration) and the X will start. If everything is working fine now, including the Internet connection, try to fix Linux problems under Linux. It's more fun and you will learn a lot more . You also need to learn a command line text editor, don't forget it .

I already have a user, and that is my problem. Can't login with startx as my user (even with that modification to the XF86Config). I can only login with startx as root, and that gives me that error box saying Im gonna screw up, blah blah, lol. Should I continue when that box comes up, or something?

Found this in the Readme of the driver I dloaded:

"If you already have an XF86Config file working with a different driver
(such as the 'nv' or 'vesa' driver), then all you need to do is find
the relevant Device section and replace the line:

Driver "nv"
(or Driver "vesa")

with

Driver "nvidia"

In the Module section, make sure you have:

Load "glx"

You should also remove the following lines:

Load "dri"
Load "GLcore"

if they exist. There are also numerous options that can be added to
the XF86Config file to fine-tune the NVIDIA XFree86 driver. Please see
Appendix D for a complete list of these options."

I don't have the Module section, could this be a problem?