The unit of sweep frequency for the cathode ray screens is Hertz (cycle per second) abbreviated Hz. So someone is telling you the frequency is wrong or that the monitor cannot synchronize itself with the video signal from the PC. There are several solutions (isn't LInux wonderful?).
you could
- choose vesa as driver type in /etc/X11/XF86Config whereupon the X server will try a gazillion modes until it finds one that works,
check the specs of your monitor and enter the appropriate ranges in a "Monitor" section (see if you have that section already)
To edit the configuration file, use a console editor like vim that you reach by typing ctrl-alt-F1 or F2 and logging in as root.
ls /etc/X11 will identify the config file.
Vim is strange. Push "Insert" key to be able to move, insert and delete data at the cursor. Push <esc>:wq to write and quit. <esc>q! quits without writing if things get messed up.
vim /etc/X11/XF86Config-4
exit to logout
login as normal user
startx to try your configuration.
This kind of thing was the first problem I had with Linux on my first installation six years ago. I had a variety of hardware and every monitor was different, so I can appreciate your stress. If you find editing from the console too difficult, you may be able to re-install in less time. Remember the options you chose last install? Make a different choice. You may have to choose "expert" installation to be able to make these choices, but it may be enough to identify the monitor and video card. A "live" CD may help you identify the correct configuration because live CDs tend to have very good hardware identification and make conservative guesses.
