ok, just installed the redhat default workstation packages, now trying to boot for the first time. It runs through the boot ok, starting this that and the other thing, all ...........[ok]. The only thing it doesn't do is eth0, which is b/c it's not connected to a network right now. It then gets to the end and displays "starting firstboot: ", then the screen goes blank, the HD light goes for a little, then nothing happens. I can get back to the terminal with ctl alt f1, and type stuff in, but nothing seems to register. I can get to another screen with a blinking cursor by ctl alt f2, but there the keyboard doesn't echo to the screen. I'm running a p2, 350 mhz, 256 mb ram, 6 gb hd. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks

Well, the first thing needed to fix the computer is most obvoiusly the versions of software your trying to put on it. DId you try to put on Redhat 9? 8? 6.1? 7.3? Definately need to know this for any help to happen.

If indeed you tried to install Redhat 9, perhaps you should locate a version of redhat more appropriately aged to your computer. Anyhting between Redhat 5.0 and 7 should do it. The only reason I'm suggesting this is the features might be more compatible with your older computer.

If you must stick with the version you have, do a clean install, and do not just click "Standard Workstation" Go and pick what software you want, on your own, and dont take anything extra that you might not use. Sometimes is something extra that gets thrown in that makes a mess of it all.

yeah, sorry, redhat 9.0.
as for the install of specific packages, any information on the web as to what I do and don't need? this is my first linux install, so i really don't know what's essential or not

I am having the same problem as kmang, and i am installing rh 9.0, the only thing that i can think of that rh does not like to the new vid card, put in a nvidia 5200FX card, my geforce2 card works fine with linux of most distros, so if there is any ideas about this one it would make me happy to hear. Thanks

Anyone get this fixed? I am having the same error. I can switch out of the screen with a CTRL/ALT F1 or F2 and the mouse is responding. I would prefer not doing a reinstall that seems like a fix for something made by Microsoft.

Installed RedHat 9.0 (Install Everything Option)
Dell Inspiron 8100
I have a feeling this has to do with the monitor configuration or something.

Im facing the same problem
Mine is a Verto GeForce FX5200 Graphics card, Im using an older CRT monitor on it (Perfect 1024x768 on Win XP Pro)

Unable to go to a command prompt from the annoying
Starting Firstboot message

Help is greatly appreciated

BTW, I dont think this is a RH 9.0 Issue with older computers. Mine is a Tyan S2466, Dual Athlon 2400+ MP, 512 MB, 120+160 GB

Yeah, I am having the same problem as well (monitor turning off when the startup routine gets to 'Starting firstboot'. The only way to get to a command prompt (that I know of) is to hit 'I' for interactive startup and say 'No' when it asks about 'firstboot'.
I'm installing Redhat 9, with a ASUS V9520 TD card which uses a NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 graphics procession unit. I have a Dell M991 CRT monitor.
I have read about modifying the /etc/X11/XF86Config file, but I'm not sure what to modify it with. There are currently no 'EE' error messages in it.
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

I think the problem is that the RH firstboot utility uses the graphical subsystem (X) and if there is a problem with the graphical subsystem your first boot just hangs forever.

Whether your graphical hardware is very old or very new does not matter, it is either not, not fully supported or badly recognized.

Question now is: how can that be healed (I've got the same problem...).

You need to boot with linux rescue and then fix the configuration file of the graphical subsystem (/etc/X11/XF86Config) to match yours as indeed firstboot required it.

It seems not only from my experience, but also how often these kinds of issues get reported here that the probe redhat (or fedora) do give fill in wrong values in XF86Config back pretty frequently.

Try reconfigure your graphical subsystem (XFree86 -configure) and replace the config file in /mnt/sysimage/etc/X11, ie your real system as mounted by the linux rescue boot). That worked for me, the resolution is horribly low, but after you survived firstboot once you still can tinker to get it better.

Resources:
http://www.redhat.com/advice/tips/rhce/