X Server issue - can't launch X Windows
 

Hi,
I installed Debian 2.6.18-5-686 onto an IBM Travelstar laptop hard drive by setting it up as a primary hard drive on an HP D510 Workstation.
The laptop is a Dell Latitude LS and does not have a CD-ROM drive.
Now, after returning the laptop hard drive to the notebook and trying to boot the system X Windows will not start.
In the Xorg.0.log file the config file is listed as /etc/x11/xorg.conf, the ServerLayout value is "Default Layout", the Screen value is set to "Default Screen (0)" the monitor value is "VG720" (which obviously needs to be corrected) and for device the value is "nVidia Corporation NV11 [GeoForce2 MX/MX 400]"
Do I need to install another driver, edit the xorg.conf file, or what else do I need to do in order to have this machine run a graphical interface?
Thanks!
***********************UPDATE***************************
Ok, so I just issued the command lspci and for the value of "VGA compatible controller:" I am getting: "Neomagic Corporation NM2200 [MagicGraph 256 AV]"
I am guessing the nVidia listed in my hardware config is the wrong driver. Now then, how do I change it to the correct driver in order to successfully run X?

Normally Linux will automatically detect new hardware and try to configure. It may just be having a difficult time with your video card. Try editing your xorg.conf file with this command (as root) Scroll down to where it says 'driver' and change it to 'vesa' Hit ctrl+x and it'll prompt you to save it and then ask if you want to overwrite. Answer yes to both. When it brings you back to the command line, type in See what happens with that.

Regards,

Brandon

Re: X Server issue - can't launch X Windows...
 

Hi Brandon,
Thanks for taking the time to reply.
The solution you suggest is apparently another problem I am having - whenever I try to log in as root it is not accepting my password. I am 99% positive I remember the root password I configured but if I try to SU, SUDO, or even log in as root it rejects the password I supply.
At this point I am guessing I will likely just have to rebuild the system because I won't be able to do anything on this machine without admin privileges.
Cheers!

Boot up in single user mode and change the root password.