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Mercedes 03-16-2009 10:56 PM
New to Mandriva Linux 2009
 
OK so I'm having this problem and I'm needing help fixing it.. I have never ran Linux before and I feel like a real dumba$$ trying to do anything with this..

My problem is that we just got a used laptop and the guy we got it from had put Mandriva Linux 2009. He gave us the user password the root password the the computer. But when I type the password in it says, "A critical error occurred. Please look at KDM's logfile(s) for more information or contact your system administrator." What the heck does that mean? I need to re-set something so I can actually get into this computer because I really want to look and see to compare Mandriva Linux to the Vista I have on my other laptop.. PLEASE HELP ME!

Thanks in advance! Mercedes

{BBI}Nexus{BBI} 03-16-2009 11:13 PM
The KDM log is located in the /var/log directory. Unfortunately you need root permissions to read it. The laptop obviously doesn't have any info you can't afford to lose. Download the Mandriva One cd and check Mandriva out that way. If you like what you see use that disc to install a fresh copy of Mandriva.

dickgregory 03-17-2009 07:20 AM
You can still log on as root from the command line. Since this is a KDM error, it stems from the graphical logon. From that screen, instead of logging on, press Alt-F1 and you will get a command line login prompt. Log in as root and you will have full access to your system.

Look in /var/log for the KDM logfile. Use the
Code:
ls -l
command like you would use dir in Windows. I don't know the logfile name but it should be intuitive. Display the end of it using
Code:
tail /var/log/<logfile>
If you see the error, you might be able to figure out the solution. Otherwise post the error here and someone can probably help. Unfortunately, you probably can't copy/paste the message into your reply so until you learn some more tricks you will probably have to retype it.

Reinstalling Mandriva would probably work, but becoming involved in fixing it in place would give you a major boost toward understanding the Linux system.

theYinYeti 03-17-2009 07:45 AM
While I would tend to reinstall in this situation (so that I can start clean independantly from previous owners' preferences), dickgregory is right.

So, if you feel like it, the most interesting way to handle the matter would be to:
— become involved in fixing the laptop in place and have a major boost toward understanding the Linux system in the process;
— wipe the repaired system;
— start anew as {BBI}Nexus{BBI} told.

For your information, Mandriva 2009.1 (next, and faster, release) is out soon (currently at release-candidate-1 stage).

Yves.

{BBI}Nexus{BBI} 03-17-2009 09:02 PM
By accident I made the same error message appear. It appears when the password you enter is incorrect!


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