Hello Linux community:
I cannot switch to the GUI KDE interrface after successful login with using ""kde" at the command prompt. I still have Mandrake 8.2 installed and upon boot it would go to the GUI. Now, I must login and and the "kde" command does not work. Please advise how I can shift from graphic to text. Thank you very much
(Very) greenlinux

Try "startx" instead of "kde".

If it works, we can work on getting it to go straight to KDE from the boot, if you really want.

If it doesn't work, tell us what error messages it gives.

Sometimes they won't boot X if you startx from a command prompt. Try typing this as root:

vi /etc/inittab

In vi, find the line with the default init (probably at 3 right now) and change it to a 5.

Hit the : key and type wq to save. Now reboot and see if it boots into X. If not, what message does it give? ie "failed to find screens" etc...

ranger_nemo and Frank_Drebin:
I appreciate your assistance and will give up an update. Thanks
Greenlinux

if you don't want to change the default init, then run:
init 5
if X crashes you can run:
kdm
--or--
startkde

To th Linux community, especially mmc, ranger_nemo, and Frank_Drebin:
The startx command worked perfectly to get me back to X from the command line. I would, however, like to learn how I can boot directly to KDE because I was doing this before. Once I enter X, I can easily call up a window with a command line, but it does not shift fully. I can flip flop (somewhat), but would like to know the correct process. Also, what is the correct command to copy the VIM tutorial to your home so I can teach myself vi? thank you so much. You guys and gals have been a great help.

Glad you got in, and thanks for the "props".


I refer you back to my post as to "How do I boot in to KDE?" question. Change the /etc/inittab to the x11 default. It is listed above the actual parameter. Change it to "4" in Slackware and "5" in Mandrake.

Good Luck.