fails to load up X, then the login screen keeps flashing?

csvke · 02-22-2004, 11:51 AM

I didn't shut down my Redhat 9 box cleanly the other day.... when I tried to switch it on today, it can't jump into the GUI login screen.... using ssh, i can connect to the machine without any problem, therefore i'd guess something's gone wrong with X..
the problem is, where should i start to do the diagnosis?

Cheers,
F

trickykid · 02-22-2004, 11:53 AM

Check your logs like always..

csvke · 02-22-2004, 12:02 PM

which log file may i ask?
cheers,
F

trickykid · 02-22-2004, 12:15 PM

I'd start in /var/log and most likely the messages log. And you might also have a XFree86 Log there as well..

csvke · 02-22-2004, 12:19 PM

gdm[2655]: gdm_slave_xioerror_handler: Fatal X error - Restarting :0

that's what i got from /var/log/message
hafnt got a clue of what it means, i only know that kernel keeps trying to do that...

I looked into /usr/bin/X11 but it doesn't seem to store any log file there, did i miss out anything?

trickykid · 02-22-2004, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by csvke
gdm[2655]: gdm_slave_xioerror_handler: Fatal X error - Restarting :0

that's what i got from /var/log/message
hafnt got a clue of what it means, i only know that kernel keeps trying to do that...

I looked into /usr/bin/X11 but it doesn't seem to store any log file there, did i miss out anything?

Should be in /var/log most likely if you do have a XFree86 log. Have you tried to boot into runlevel 3 and started X manually to see what it spits back out when it fails on you? Cause from your error, might be a GDM problem.. not sure though, never seen that error myself.

csvke · 02-22-2004, 12:25 PM

I tend to think it's not the problem of gdm, it's X couldnt start in the first place.... any clue?
I am so frustrated on this as an end user like me have screwed up one of the most stable OS... please somebody help me.

csvke · 02-22-2004, 12:29 PM

which configuration file should i edit to change the runlevel? I did it the other day but i haf already forgotten.... my memory doesnt serve me anymore, (not only my linux box)i am just 21.......

trickykid · 02-22-2004, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by csvke
which configuration file should i edit to change the runlevel? I did it the other day but i haf already forgotten.... my memory doesnt serve me anymore, (not only my linux box)i am just 21.......

You can edit your /etc/inittab file to change your runlevel.

csvke · 02-22-2004, 12:43 PM

got it.

Fatal server error:
could not open default font 'fixed'

i will look into
/etc/X11/XF86Config
and see where does it store the font...

perhaps i crroupted the font file or something?

btw do I just type
X
do load X? (it's a horribly stupid question somehow, i mean do I need to put some parameter or some sort)

csvke · 02-22-2004, 12:51 PM

looking into the log file of X, there's something like this:

Could not init font path element unix/:7100, removing from list!

Fatal server error:
could not open default font 'fixed'

what is your FontPath value?

mine is
FontPath "unix/:7100"

csvke · 02-22-2004, 02:49 PM

I suspect the 'Unix font server' is down or something that X cant read fonts from the default path.

comment out the default FontPath
then add

Code:

    FontPath   "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/local/"
    FontPath   "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/misc/"
    FontPath   "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/75dpi/:unscaled"
    FontPath   "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/100dpi/:unscaled"
    FontPath   "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/Type1/"
    FontPath   "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/Speedo/"
    FontPath   "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/75dpi/"
    FontPath   "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/100dpi/"

into /etc/X11/config

and the problem will be sorted out.

Cheers,
Frankie

p.s. I typed this here just to let ppl to search if they haf a similar problem. nonetheless, it'd be great if someone can explain why X defaults the FontPath "unix/:7000"?

stevo707 · 08-17-2004, 07:18 AM

Quote:

p.s. I typed this here just to let ppl to search if they haf a similar problem. nonetheless, it'd be great if someone can explain why X defaults the FontPath "unix/:7000"?

thanks for the tips I had the same problem, and am glad you took the time to document your solution

flgal3 · 02-24-2006, 01:19 PM

in case anyone is wondering - port 7000 is the default port used by the x font server.

ragiv · 04-03-2006, 10:59 PM

These things solve someone problems! But I tried in many ways but still problems ongoing.