hi to all,
i've just installed mandrake linux 9.1 on my pc which also runs winxp pro.
i've never been able to use the graphical interface (i only use command line - very laborious).
upon starting up the system, the graphical interface doesn't ever load completely. the screen flickers lots of times then i'm left with an empty, blue desktop (no icons, no task bar; nothing!) and a busy cursor.
when i start x, i get the following output:

Using authority file /root/.Xauthority
Writing authority file /root/.Xauthority
Using authority file /root/.Xauthority
Writing authority file /root/.Xauthority

Fatal server error:
Server is already active for display 0
If this server is no longer running, remove /tmp/.X0-lock and start again


*after removing /tmp/.X0-lock, startx gives:

_XSERVTransSocketINETCreateListener:...SocketCreateListener() failed
_XSERVTransMakeAllCOTSServerListeners: server already running

Fatal Server Error:
Cannot establish any listening sockets - Make sure an X server isn't already running


*after killing the startx process (using top), i try startx again, and get:

(--) SVGA: Mode "1600*1200" needs hsync freq of 106.25KHz. Deleted.
(--) SVGA: Mode "1280*1024" needs hsync freq of 107.16KHz. Deleted.
(--) SVGA: Mode "1800*1440" needs hsync freq of 96.15KHz. Deleted.
(--) SVGA: Mode "1800*1440" needs hsync freq of 104.52KHz. Deleted.
(--) SVGA: Mode "1920*1440" needs hsync freq of 90.00KHz. Deleted.
(--) SVGA: Mode "1920*1440" needs hsync freq of 112.50KHz. Deleted.
(**) FontPath set to "unix/:-1"
(--) SVGA: PCI: S3 Trio 3D rev 1, Memory @ 0xf4000000
(--) SVGA: S3V: Trio 3D rev 1, Linear FB @ 0xf4000000
(--) SVGA: Detected S3 Trio 3D
(--) SVGA: using driver for chipset "s3_virge"
(--) SVGA: videoram: 4096k
(--) SVGA: Ramdac speed: 230Mhz (135MHz for 24bpp)
(--) SVGA: Detected current MCLK value of 100.227MHz
(--) SVGA: chipset: s3_virge
(--) SVGA: videoram: 4096k
(**) SVGA: Option "sw_cursor"
(**) SVGA: Option "power_saver"
(**) SVGA: Using 24bpp , Depth 24, Color weight: 888
(--) SVGA: Maximum allowed dot-clock: 135.000MHz
(--) SVGA: Interlaced modes are not supported at 24bpp
(--) SVGA: Interlaced modes are not supported at 24bpp
(--) SVGA: Interlaced modes are not supported at 24bpp
(**) SVGA: Mode "1024*768": mode clock = 115.500
(**) SVGA: Mode "800*600": mode clock = 69.650
(**) SVGA: Mode "640*480": mode clock = 45.800
(--) SVGA: Virtual resolution set to 1024*768
(--) SVGA: Using XAA (XFree86 Acceleration Architecture)
(--) SVGA: XAA: Solid filled rectangles
(--) SVGA: XAA: Screen-to-screen copy
(--) SVGA: XAA: 8*8 pattern fill
(--) SVGA: XAA: 8*8 color expand fill
(--) SVGA: XAA: CPU to screen color expansion (bitmap, TE/NonTE imagetext, TE/NonTE polytext)
(--) SVGA: XAA: Using 8 128*128 areas for pixmap caching
(--) SVGA: XAA: Caching tiles and non-transparent stipples
(--) SVGA: XAA: Horizontal and vertical lines and segments


*if i kill the x process instead, startx gives:

Xlib: connection to ":0.0" refused by server
Xlib: Invalid MIT-MAGIC-COOKIE-1 key giving up
xinit: unable to connect to X server
xinit: No such process (errno 3): server error


*when i try gdm, i get:

I cannot start the X server (your graphical interface).
It is likely that it is not set up correctly.
Would you like to view the X server to diagnose the problem?


*i take YES, and after a few more flickers from the screen, i get:

_XSERVTransSocketINETCreateListener:...SocketCreateListener() failed
_XSERVTransMakeAllCOTSServerListeners: server already running

Fatal Server Error:
Cannot establish any listening sockets - Make sure an X server isn't already running


*and by the way, the file: /var/log/XFree86.0.log is empty!

however, all the graphical parameters of my pc
are recognised automatically (so, i don't have to enter these manually at installation)

my system parameters are:

*monitor:
IBM 6556 P72
56Hz-85Hz compatible
800*600 - 1280*1024 resolution compatible
32bits color compatible

-graphics card:
S3 Graphics Inc. Trio 3D
4MB memory size

-and a 128mb ram.

even after re-installing linux over and over again, this problem persists.
it would be great if someone could help me out coz i've got no idea what to do!
thanks! (sorry if my post is a lil bit long: i just had to show you how much i've tried)
i'm really desperate! PLEASE HELP

well firstly i'd strongly suggest an up to date distribution, as that can just get rid of nasty problems anyway, but all errors there say a server is already running... is it? does the output of "ps ax" list an X server? You say that you just get a blank screen... yet you aren't closing that to get to a terminal? when you are root, try starting off by running "init 3" to stop all X related services, and then try a startx again.

thanks i'll try the proposed ideas!

ps: i'm in africa! can't find any other distribution around!
can only try to repair what i got!!!

doing init 3, is exactly like killing the startx process!
when i do startx after init 3, i get a red screen, then:

(--) SVGA: Mode "1600*1200" needs hsync freq of 106.25KHz. Deleted.
(--) SVGA: Mode "1280*1024" needs hsync freq of 107.16KHz. Deleted.
(--) SVGA: Mode "1800*1440" needs hsync freq of 96.15KHz. Deleted.
(--) SVGA: Mode "1800*1440" needs hsync freq of 104.52KHz. Deleted.
(--) SVGA: Mode "1920*1440" needs hsync freq of 90.00KHz. Deleted.
(--) SVGA: Mode "1920*1440" needs hsync freq of 112.50KHz. Deleted.
(**) FontPath set to "unix/:-1"
(--) SVGA: PCI: S3 Trio 3D rev 1, Memory @ 0xf4000000
(--) SVGA: S3V: Trio 3D rev 1, Linear FB @ 0xf4000000
(--) SVGA: Detected S3 Trio 3D
(--) SVGA: using driver for chipset "s3_virge"
(--) SVGA: videoram: 4096k
(--) SVGA: Ramdac speed: 230Mhz (135MHz for 24bpp)
(--) SVGA: Detected current MCLK value of 100.227MHz
(--) SVGA: chipset: s3_virge
(--) SVGA: videoram: 4096k
(**) SVGA: Option "sw_cursor"
(**) SVGA: Option "power_saver"
(**) SVGA: Using 24bpp , Depth 24, Color weight: 888
(--) SVGA: Maximum allowed dot-clock: 135.000MHz
(--) SVGA: Interlaced modes are not supported at 24bpp
(--) SVGA: Interlaced modes are not supported at 24bpp
(--) SVGA: Interlaced modes are not supported at 24bpp
(**) SVGA: Mode "1024*768": mode clock = 115.500
(**) SVGA: Mode "800*600": mode clock = 69.650
(**) SVGA: Mode "640*480": mode clock = 45.800
(--) SVGA: Virtual resolution set to 1024*768
(--) SVGA: Using XAA (XFree86 Acceleration Architecture)
(--) SVGA: XAA: Solid filled rectangles
(--) SVGA: XAA: Screen-to-screen copy
(--) SVGA: XAA: 8*8 pattern fill
(--) SVGA: XAA: 8*8 color expand fill
(--) SVGA: XAA: CPU to screen color expansion (bitmap, TE/NonTE imagetext, TE/NonTE polytext)
(--) SVGA: XAA: Using 8 128*128 areas for pixmap caching
(--) SVGA: XAA: Caching tiles and non-transparent stipples
(--) SVGA: XAA: Horizontal and vertical lines and segments

what next??

can anyone help me?

Can you please post the relevant sections of your X configuration (sections monitor, device and screen). Missing in your spec is the horizontal refresh rate. Please post that as well (could not easily find it on the internet).

I will probably not able to help as I'm going on leave now-now for tow weeks, but it might help others to help you.

ctrl+alt+backspace kills X.

I killed X yet it din't help!

Here's the content of my XF86Config file:

# File generated by XFdrake.

# **********************************************************************
# Refer to the XF86Config man page for details about the format of
# this file.
# **********************************************************************

Section "Files"
# Multiple FontPath entries are allowed (they are concatenated together)
# By default, Mandrake 6.0 and later now use a font server independent of
# the X server to render fonts.
FontPath "unix/:-1"
EndSection

Section "ServerFlags"
#DontZap # disable <Crtl><Alt><BS> (server abort)
#DontZoom # disable <Crtl><Alt><KP_+>/<KP_-> (resolution switching)
AllowMouseOpenFail # allows the server to start up even if the mouse doesn't work
EndSection

Section "Keyboard"
Protocol "Standard"
XkbModel "pc105"
XkbLayout "fr"
XkbCompat ""
XkbOptions ""
EndSection

Section "Pointer"
Protocol "PS/2"
Device "/dev/psaux"
Emulate3Buttons
Emulate3Timeout 50
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "monitor1"
VendorName "Plug'n Play"
ModelName "IBM 6556 P72"
HorizSync 30-85
VertRefresh 50-150

# Sony Vaio C1(X,XS,VE,VN)?
# 1024x480 @ 85.6 Hz, 48 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x480" 65.00 1024 1032 1176 1344 480 488 494 563 -hsync -vsync

# TV fullscreen mode or DVD fullscreen output.
# 768x576 @ 79 Hz, 50 kHz hsync
ModeLine "768x576" 50.00 768 832 846 1000 576 590 595 630

# 768x576 @ 100 Hz, 61.6 kHz hsync
ModeLine "768x576" 63.07 768 800 960 1024 576 578 590 616

# This is a set of standard mode timings. Modes that are out of monitor spec
# are automatically deleted by the server (provided the HorizSync and
# VertRefresh lines are correct), so there's no immediate need to
# delete mode timings (unless particular mode timings don't work on your
# monitor). With these modes, the best standard mode that your monitor
# and video card can support for a given resolution is automatically
# used.

# 640x400 @ 70 Hz, 31.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x400" 25.175 640 664 760 800 400 409 411 450

# 640x480 @ 60 Hz, 31.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x480" 25.175 640 664 760 800 480 491 493 525

# 800x600 @ 56 Hz, 35.15 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 36 800 824 896 1024 600 601 603 625

# 1024x768 @ 87 Hz interlaced, 35.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 44.9 1024 1048 1208 1264 768 776 784 817 Interlace

# 640x400 @ 85 Hz, 37.86 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x400" 31.5 640 672 736 832 400 401 404 445 -HSync +VSync

# 640x480 @ 75 Hz, 37.50 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x480" 31.5 640 656 720 840 480 481 484 500 -HSync -VSync

# 800x600 @ 60 Hz, 37.8 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 40 800 840 968 1056 600 601 605 628 +hsync +vsync

# 640x480 @ 85 Hz, 43.27 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x480" 36 640 696 752 832 480 481 484 509 -HSync -VSync

# 1152x864 @ 89 Hz interlaced, 44 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 65 1152 1168 1384 1480 864 865 875 985 Interlace

# 800x600 @ 72 Hz, 48.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 50 800 856 976 1040 600 637 643 666 +hsync +vsync

# 1024x768 @ 60 Hz, 48.4 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 65 1024 1032 1176 1344 768 771 777 806 -hsync -vsync

# 640x480 @ 100 Hz, 53.01 kHz hsync
ModeLine "640x480" 45.8 640 672 768 864 480 488 494 530 -HSync -VSync

# 1152x864 @ 60 Hz, 53.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 89.9 1152 1216 1472 1680 864 868 876 892 -HSync -VSync

# 800x600 @ 85 Hz, 55.84 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 60.75 800 864 928 1088 600 616 621 657 -HSync -VSync

# 1024x768 @ 70 Hz, 56.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 75 1024 1048 1184 1328 768 771 777 806 -hsync -vsync

# 1280x1024 @ 87 Hz interlaced, 51 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 80 1280 1296 1512 1568 1024 1025 1037 1165 Interlace

# 800x600 @ 100 Hz, 64.02 kHz hsync
ModeLine "800x600" 69.65 800 864 928 1088 600 604 610 640 -HSync -VSync

# 1024x768 @ 76 Hz, 62.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 85 1024 1032 1152 1360 768 784 787 823

# 1152x864 @ 70 Hz, 62.4 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 92 1152 1208 1368 1474 864 865 875 895

# 1280x1024 @ 61 Hz, 64.2 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 110 1280 1328 1512 1712 1024 1025 1028 1054

# 1400x1050 @ 60 Hz, 65.5 kHz
ModeLine "1400x1050" 122.0 1400 1488 1640 1880 1050 1052 1064 1082 +HSync +VSync

# 1024x768 @ 85 Hz, 70.24 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 98.9 1024 1056 1216 1408 768 782 788 822 -HSync -VSync

# 1152x864 @ 78 Hz, 70.8 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 110 1152 1240 1324 1552 864 864 876 908

# 1280x1024 @ 70 Hz, 74.59 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 126.5 1280 1312 1472 1696 1024 1032 1040 1068 -HSync -VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 60Hz, 75.00 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 162 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 +HSync +VSync

# 1152x864 @ 84 Hz, 76.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 135 1152 1464 1592 1776 864 864 876 908

# 1280x1024 @ 75 Hz, 79.98 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 135 1280 1296 1440 1688 1024 1025 1028 1066 +HSync +VSync

# 1024x768 @ 100Hz, 80.21 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1024x768" 115.5 1024 1056 1248 1440 768 771 781 802 -HSync -VSync

# 1400x1050 @ 75 Hz, 82.2 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1400x1050" 155.8 1400 1464 1784 1912 1050 1052 1064 1090 +HSync +VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 70 Hz, 87.50 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 189 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 -HSync -VSync

# 1152x864 @ 100 Hz, 89.62 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1152x864" 137.65 1152 1184 1312 1536 864 866 885 902 -HSync -VSync

# 1280x1024 @ 85 Hz, 91.15 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 157.5 1280 1344 1504 1728 1024 1025 1028 1072 +HSync +VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 75 Hz, 93.75 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 202.5 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 +HSync +VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 85 Hz, 105.77 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 220 1600 1616 1808 2080 1200 1204 1207 1244 +HSync +VSync

# 1600x1200 @ 85 Hz, 106.3 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1600x1200" 229.5 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 +HSync +VSync

# 1280x1024 @ 100 Hz, 107.16 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1280x1024" 181.75 1280 1312 1440 1696 1024 1031 1046 1072 -HSync -VSync

# 1800x1440 @ 64Hz, 96.15 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1800X1440" 230 1800 1896 2088 2392 1440 1441 1444 1490 +HSync +VSync

# 1800x1440 @ 70Hz, 104.52 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1800X1440" 250 1800 1896 2088 2392 1440 1441 1444 1490 +HSync +VSync

# 1920x1440 @ 60 Hz, 90.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "1920x1440" 234.0 1920 2048 2256 2600 1440 1441 1444 1500 -HSync +VSync

# 1920x1440 @ 75 Hz, 112.5kHz hsync
ModeLine "1920x1440" 297.0 1920 2064 2288 2640 1440 1441 1444 1500 -HSync +VSync

# 512x384 @ 78 Hz, 31.50 kHz hsync
ModeLine "512x384" 20.160 512 528 592 640 384 385 388 404 -HSync -VSync

# 512x384 @ 85 Hz, 34.38 kHz hsync
ModeLine "512x384" 22 512 528 592 640 384 385 388 404 -HSync -VSync

# Low-res Doublescan modes
# If your chipset does not support doublescan, you get a 'squashed'
# resolution like 320x400.

# 320x200 @ 70 Hz, 31.5 kHz hsync, 8:5 aspect ratio
ModeLine "320x200" 12.588 320 336 384 400 200 204 205 225 Doublescan

# 320x240 @ 60 Hz, 31.5 kHz hsync, 4:3 aspect ratio
ModeLine "320x240" 12.588 320 336 384 400 240 245 246 262 Doublescan

# 320x240 @ 72 Hz, 36.5 kHz hsync
ModeLine "320x240" 15.750 320 336 384 400 240 244 246 262 Doublescan

# 400x300 @ 56 Hz, 35.2 kHz hsync, 4:3 aspect ratio
ModeLine "400x300" 18 400 416 448 512 300 301 302 312 Doublescan

# 400x300 @ 60 Hz, 37.8 kHz hsync
ModeLine "400x300" 20 400 416 480 528 300 301 303 314 Doublescan

# 400x300 @ 72 Hz, 48.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "400x300" 25 400 424 488 520 300 319 322 333 Doublescan

# 480x300 @ 56 Hz, 35.2 kHz hsync, 8:5 aspect ratio
ModeLine "480x300" 21.656 480 496 536 616 300 301 302 312 Doublescan

# 480x300 @ 60 Hz, 37.8 kHz hsync
ModeLine "480x300" 23.890 480 496 576 632 300 301 303 314 Doublescan

# 480x300 @ 63 Hz, 39.6 kHz hsync
ModeLine "480x300" 25 480 496 576 632 300 301 303 314 Doublescan

# 480x300 @ 72 Hz, 48.0 kHz hsync
ModeLine "480x300" 29.952 480 504 584 624 300 319 322 333 Doublescan
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "device1"
VendorName "S3 Inc."
BoardName "S3 Trio3D"
Option "power_saver"

Option "sw_cursor"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Driver "svga"
Device "device1"
Monitor "monitor1"
DefaultColorDepth 24

Subsection "Display"
Depth 8
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection

Subsection "Display"
Depth 15
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection

Subsection "Display"
Depth 16
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection

Subsection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection

Subsection "Display"
Depth 32
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubsection
EndSection


PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!

Although you may not be able to find a newer distro in the area that you live, the internet is a wonderful place with many distro's to download. If you have a slow connection you may wan't to try something like DS Linux (about 50Mb), or a distro like debian or gentoo where you can download what you "need" to install as you go.

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "monitor1"
VendorName "Plug'n Play"
ModelName "IBM 6556 P72"
HorizSync 30-85
VertRefresh 50-150

Look up the specs of your monitor and compare them to these lines

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "monitor1"
VendorName "Plug'n Play"
ModelName "IBM 6556 P72"
HorizSync 30-85
VertRefresh 50-150

YES! that's it!!
but well, it looks like my x server is not the problem, but rather the window manager!
does anyone have any idea what i can do?

(i surf the net in cybercafés so downloading is not an option!)

can anyone help?

What Desktop Environment / Window manager are you using?

maybe recompiling would help, emerge kde (or whatever your win manager maybe).

i use kde -and well, how do i emerge kde???