HELP!!!! Installed Linux: Black screen, faint writing and no response
 

Please Help!
Installed Linux today on my XP PC. By using Microsofts virtual PC. At the end of the installation it could not recognise my graphics card on screen resolution. I tried the default it choose Now on launching I get a larger black screen with faint writing on it. I'm so new to Linux that I just don't know what to do. I need step by step instructions as this was suppose to be a learning experience for me....and it did not last long!

Red Hat Linux/x86 9 (Shrike) is what I have installed
Radeon x300 series is my Graphics card.

Please help me...otherwise my linux adventure will have lasted all but 1 day..

supercoolio1.yahoo.co.uk

login at the screen and type startx

I that does not work... then you will learn alot tonight ;0

help
 

Thanks for the reply.

I tried typing startx...it seems to change the faint writing
to some other faint writing.

If try to do ctrl-alt-f1. I get a commad line screen with messages that proccesses are starting. If type any command I get no response...then i8253 count is too high! resetting.

I'm so new to this that I need step by step advise....

supercoolio1

after ctrl-alt-f1 let the messages roll anf then press enter and login, then try

#startx

do you have internet? What Linux distro are you using? RedHat, SuSe ETC.

You can check your internet by pinging

#ping www.bbc.co.uk

if you get a reply, you are in business.

Regards
Richard

command line
 

load up linux and hit Ctrl Alt and F1

This will bring you into console then go to root by:

$su
Type the root password
# <~~~ you're root baby, enjoy !!
then
#setup (on Red Hat distros)

you will get a blue screen with setup options, navigate to the Hardware -> Monitor settings and check to see if they are ok. If they aren't change them.

I'd suggest you go 800x600 for the time being, and then

#startx

and see what happens

Then if that works check the internet for a newer video card driver for linux.

thanks again for the reply.

I am using Red Hat Linux 9

When I start Linux. It starts how I expect it to start. Starting different processes etc. When it gets to the end it says "starting firstboot" then the screen goes all black with some faint writing on it. Looks like a welcome screen with options...but its hard to read.

If I do a ctrl-alt-f1, I can then goto the orginal screen with all the start messages with the last being "starting firstboot". If I try to type anything and return it goes to the next tline but does nothing. After a while the message appears "i8253 count too high !! Resetting"

Therefore in my limited experience, I can only conclude that. My graphics card setting are not allowing me to see the welcome screen. That once I do a ctrl-alt-f1.. I'm not any response...


Please help!

regards
Supercoolio1