Loaded Vesa on Install, need to change to VIA
 

Hi,

I just installed Debian 3.1 by downloading the installer disk and getting the desktop online from a local FTP.

Needless to say, that took a long time and I don't want to break it ;)

I have been using FC4 for about a month, so I am reasonably familiar with "linux speak".

FC4 just got the "white screen of death" when I tried to put it on my current computer, which is why I went for Debian after much reading on other distros.

Since I can't "ghost" my installation, I don't want to break it to the extent I have to download everything again :eek:

When Debian was finalizing its install, it asked for my video driver. Not knowing off hand what it was, and knowing there are problems with onboard video and Linux - I played it safe and chose Vesa.

Of course now I can't use 1024 screen resolution. My actual video is VIA Tech VT8361/VT8601. It seems to be using Trident drivers in Windows and says type "PLE". My monitor is a Dell D1226H CRT.

I have read a lot of posts here on editing files to change the video settings, but I don't want to do anything that will permanently damage the installation.

What would be the safest and easiest way to change from Vesa to VIA?

Thanks in advance,

Graham

Hi,
Just run as root :
and you'll be able to change your video settings easily.
Just follow the instructions on screen.
cheers

Sorry Sam :(

I ran that and now I have a totally useless system that won't even boot to the login menu.

The PC starts in runlevel 2 and shuts down xserver and GDM.

I guess Linux is just too hard for me to use. Everything I do just makes things worse and asks questions I don't know the answer to.

Maybe I should just upgrade to XP and forget it.

Graham