Getting out of X to install nvidia drivers
 

How do I get out of X to install Nvidia drivers? init 3 does not seem to work and ctrl + alt + backspace only restarts it. Sorry for the newb question, but I really want to install the drivers, thanks.

init 3 as root will do it

you can always do a who -r to see what current run-level you're in.

You could even go so far as to do an init 2 or init 1.

Tried that, but iit does nothing...

I typed init 3 as root and waited for a while, but it just sits there.

well, what did who -r tell you?

*sigh* also, are you doing it from a pseudo terminal, or did you do the init 3 from the GUI?

In order for you to get out of Xwindow, all you need to do is to execute this command as root - go to a shell and type:

/etc/init.d/ "your xwindow" gdm or kdm stop

This should stop the xwindows and enable you to initiate the NVIDIA driver installer.

However, as you will see once you run that program, the NVIDIA installer will ask you for a pre-compiled kernel for your system - (since is very likely that you won't have one compiled kernel) the system will then try to download a package from the web site. If you don't have internet connection the program will try and find one in your system.

To sum up I think that the NVIDIA installer is designed to work with a kernel compiled as a bzImage format.

I have tried compiling on different occasions a normal Debian package as well as standard bzImage kernels and no luck.

The best thing is to go to the NVIDIA web site and get extra info on that.

Let us know how it goes.........

I still can't get out of X, while in kde gui..

I type init 3, who -r, yes I am init 3 now, but still in the gui.
I tried /etc/init.d/ kde stop, but it says its a directory.

Thanks anyway though.
Let me know if you have anymore suggestions

init 6 will get out of it ( just what I want to do ), but then it restarts. I am not sure why none of the other inits will just get me out of X.

Any other way to get out?

As root you can do a 'killall kdm' this will boot you to a text console. This of course is if your using KDE login manager.

You will have to login as root in the text console. Install the nvidia drivers as per the Nvidia instructions. You can then type 'kdm' to re-launch the graphical login window if all went well with your nvidia binary install and login as regular user.

GL,

LJ

You can always do a ctrl-alt-f2. That should dump you to a console login. Then do a ctrl-alt-f7 to get back into your x session.

hey cut the commotion, newbie do an apt-get install rcconf
as root, this will allow u to remove kdm from all run levels
when u restart (init 6, reboot, shutdown -r now, whateva, ...) you will be at the regular terminal login. The nvidia drivers are a piece of cake. Do an apt-get update then apt-get upgrade to make sure you have the latest compilers and stuff. Then sh /path/to/nvidia/driver and follow the instructions (just hit accept, the affirmative, or enter each time)

after the install, type startx or kdm to relogin...voila

then inside x or before run rcconf again...recheck or remark kdm
done
when u reboot again you will have your graphical login


another way would be to go into your run level and remove the link that looks something like SS099KDM or whateva, with kdm on it: rm -r ???kdm
afterwards recreate the link

another way would be (and I forgot) to edit the rc levels with a very simple command from debian's rc editor, try a search. rcconf a great one, also look into configure-debian as another tool that will allow you to go back to configurations you might have missed or screwed up without having to remember where they are...

I know this will help, for I have an Inspiron 8200 w/ nvidia chipset/driver. I do it at every kernel recompile/installation, however, a recompile breaks the driver and I only get as far as the terminal login...after another nvidia install...voila.

here's the link to do it the debian way without rcconf, easy!:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...hreadid=170345

Thanks. I can get out of X now.

and here's the easy way:

In X, fire up xterm.
log on as root.
enter /etc/rc2.d (assuming you're running runlevel 2 as deafult in debian).

In that dir you have a couple of files, named S99.... and perhaps K99...
files starting with an 'S' starts when you start the computer. rename the file of the desktop manager you're running. If you're running xdm then:

mv S99xdm K99xdm

If unsure, rename S99xdm, S99kdm and S99gdm so they all start with 'K'

then reboot.

Now, X does not start by auto, you get an console-based login (wich is what everyone whants). start x width the 'startx' command. Now you can exit you X session as you whant.

what is the purpose of renaming?

the directions at the above link which we all need to check out for "the debian way" is the sure fire...

rcconf for us a li'l slower at retention...hehehehe

i think the thanx was to me, hehehehe again, if it is then i have helped, yea, and if i hadn't i'll keep tryin...