lost my kde desktop.
 

hi,
I've been using the kde desktop, and decided to try the gnome desktop (by choosing gnome under session (i think) when I entered my password on boot up.)
After i shut down the system and re-started all i get now is a dos type prompt asking for a login. i can enter my user name, but all i get is a command line.
how do I get my desktop back??
thanks.

type startx, or X.

if you want to boot to graphics, edit /etc/inittab...one of the first lines says default:3:something? make it a 5 instead.

You could also install gdm (or similar) to bring back your pretty graphical login prompt.

The startx command works, but only gives me the kde desktop. (typing kde also produces the same results).
I found the inittab file, but am unable to edit it as its a readonly file. I tried changing the properties of the file to make it writeable, but it won't let me.
any ideas?

Also, where would i find this gdm file.
thanks again.

gdm is the gnome display manager, it always you to select which window manager you want to use (KDE, Gnome, IceWM, etc.). You probably have kdm or gdm on your computer already. To edit that file you probably need to be logged in as root. To start gdm, just type gdm at the command prompt where you would have typed startx, or try kdm.

startkde will start KDE - startgnome will start Gnome, IIRC.

gdm/xdm are those pretty login pages you get when your system boots into init level 5, and usually you get to pick with desktop you want (kde/gnome, etc), .

Configuring those is in /etc/X11/gdm/gdm.conf or /etc/X11/xdm/xdm.conf...both are very well documented.

You have to be root to edit /etc/inittab.

Just a side note:

You can make a file: ~/.xinitrc that will run when you type startx. If you put " exec gnome-session " in there, it would start Gnome up automatically for you.

Excellent. Thanks guys. I will give it a try tonight.