I just installed Linux Mandrake 9.0 and when it started up it started in command line. I logged on using the root user, when i type startX or startx etc X windows doesn't boot up, instead i get this error saying -bash: start:command not found..
any ideas please?

Welcome to LQ

startx is case SeNSitiVE so be sure it's all lowercase. Also, you might find it easier to use something like:
kdm
To startx with instead of startx as it's your graphical login manager

Cool

Hi MasterC,
I tried running startx and startX, in all imaginable cases :P,. also what do you mean by kdm?
Also i was trying to locate startx on the drive but cannot find it... :\ i cannot log on to the graphical interface :\

Maybe you didn't install X? Usually startx is in your $PATH so you don't have to worry about where it's located...

As root type:
kdm

It'll start up your graphical login utility if it's installed. I'm guessing though that X isn't installed or (less likely) at least not in your $PATH. Post up what you get when you type:
echo $PATH

Cool

When i type echo $PATH i get this

/sbin:/usr/sbin:/bin:/usr/bin:/usr/X11R6/bin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/local/sbin

i'm getting mad here not knowing all this :\

Yeah, you've got the $PATH there, it's likely you don't have X installed...

You have a few choices:
a. reinstall, include X this time;
b. Use the command line to install X, not a biggie on Mandrake;
c. Use the command line! Ok, so really just a or b

With B, you'd login as root and type:
urpmi kde
And when it says you'll also need to install like a billion packages, say OK, it'll say, Oh and these ones too, just say "OK", and when it's all done, you should be able to:
startx
OR
kdm (which starts the graphical login manager)

Cool

Hi Master C, it seems its working, thanks very much for your help and quick respoonse

You're welcome

Cool

if it says "command not found" you may not have installed x

try reinstalling? and use your eyes a bit more this time, if thats the problem