hda and GUI newbie problems
 

I got two problems, first:

Im running the latest sarge build of debian with the 2.6.7 kernel, but every so often it hangs when i enter a command and
hda: dma_timer_expiry: dma statues == 0x64
I have no idea what this happens and i usually hardboots when it happens. Im running it on an a7n8x-x motherboard (nforce2 ethernet, but im using a card to connect), amd athlon xp 2600 processor, 120 gb harddrive, etc... It sorta pisses me off, im thinking about tryint to reinstall it over but i dont think itll work because this is my second install.

Second:

I cant manage to get kde or gnome to run, ive already done the standard
apt-get install gnome and apt-get install kdebase
, but whenever i try to run startx gnome or startx kdebase it just gives me file doesnt exist after writing a few things down, i dont know why. Im a real newbie at this, but im really intent on learning.

Thanks to all those who may reply.

...and while your at it, can anyone give me advice on what filesystem should i use for a partition i want to store my file (like music, c++, etc..). Currently i have an NTFS, because ive been using windows, but im thinking FAT32 might be more compatible with linux and windows, or just tell me what i should get to be able to use NTFS flawlessly with linux, thx.

I'm not sure of the first two problems, but the third ... FAT32 is the only way to go - full read/write support. AFAIK, there is no way you'll get to be able to use NTFS flawlessly with linux,. Read only with NTFS is fine but write support is still restrictive at best.

Baldrick

is the FAT32 native or do you need software to be able to read/write?

As long as FAT32 support is/was built into the kernel, (as it probably would've been) then you should have no probs. If you need help on mounting the drive, let me know.

Baldrick

Ill need help in a day or so, first i have to get some empty space on my hdd, format it with FAT32 then pass all my files on the NTFS to the FAT32, delete the NTFS and then occupy the NTFS space with FAT32. Its such a pain in the ass, gonna download Partition Magic, cuz with taht you can do it in two steps. If you have free time and you can link me to a guide or just tell me yourself id be grateful.

Thanks

After you get your partition madness out of the way, post back in this thread and I'll run you through the process of mounting FAT32 partitions.

Baldrick

hey i got it to work, and mounted it... but it doesnt let me access it if i'm not in root. I also cant access my /etc/fstab file so i dont really know what to do (not as root either). Give me some advice please.

Just check the permissions of that directory in /mnt where u mounted that vfat partition.

Here's the relevant line from my /etc/fstab
Just amend the bolded text to suit your system.

And to edit it, open up a console, su to root and issue the command
(Just replace kwrite with your favourite editor) :D

Baldrick

che, it works fine, just had to restart it. Thanks alot man, you're a life saver.