ok...im new linux kinda...i took a stab at it a few years ago...and i gave up, and i wana try again..so i installed it and everything, and when i boot up it goes threw all the stuff, and then where i would imagin i should get like a grapical logon screen or something i get this...

http://x9a.xanga.com/d41a1a2432d3356.../w38192054.jpg

did i do something wrong? or is this normal?

Did you create a regular user account during the installation (I don't use Mandriva, so don't know if it prompts you to do so)? If so, log in with that user and try running "startx" (without quotes). If you didn't create a normal user, log in as root (you must've been asked to set a root password during the installation) and create a new user with "useradd", then log out (use "exit") and log back in with that new user and then try "startx". Post any errors here.

Edit: why did you post another thread? Your other one was getting replies, not that not getting replies is an excuse for double posting.

Please do not post the same thread in more than one forum. Picking the most relevant forum and posting it once there makes it easier for other members to help you and keeps the discussion all in one place.

http://www.linuxquestions.org/rules.php