Hi, I'm a complete newb using Debian, I managed to get everything installed and running (except my mouse - still working on that), but I seem to have done something wrong to the XF86Config file.

Luckily I have a backup of a working copy (good foresight there!) but X runs at start up, and crashes once it loads.

I know how to edit the /etc/inittab to remove xfm from startup, but the simple fact is, I can't get there to do it.

Is there any way to halt the boot process and do a windows like "F8 and choose command prompt" ?

I've tried running the rescue floppy I made, but it loads the kernel from the floppy, and then proceeds to load the settings and stuff from the HDD, resulting in the exact same error.

Please help?


Forever yours,

your humble student.



"Two big products came from the University of California: UNIX and LSD, and I don't think it's a coincidence."

type xf86config as root

Yeah I know that, the problem is, I can't log in as root.

xfm is starting as part of the startup routine and crashing because of my error.

I know to edit xf86config and run it, but I need root access, and I don't know how to stop the startup process before it launches X and thus crashing.

Thats why I want to know if there is a method of halting during the startup procedure, or doing a step by step confirmation of the startup procedure.


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"There is no substistute for good manners - except fast reflexes."

As part of the install did you make a rescue disk. If so, boot with it. Then edit the /etc/inittab file
Change the line
id:5:initdefault:
to
id:3:initdefault:
reboot