I am trying to install Debian Linux, Sarge version, and Xfree86 on a Dell Optiplex GX620. Basic Debian was successfully installed. The first time I installed Debian I also tried to install the Desktop Software but the installation never completed without unsatisfied dependencies. I decided to continue working without the Desktop Software and install it later.

Later I tried xfree86 again. I installed x-window-system-core, x-window-system and xterm with apt-get and went through the installation dialog. I tried to start an XFree86 session with the startx command. I got an error saying that no screens were found. I also saw messages saying there is a problem with the /etc/X11/xorg.conf configuration file. When I checked the xorg.conf file I saw it's empty.

I tried to fix the problem by running dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xfree86. When I ran the command it immediately returned to the command prompt without doing anything. There was no dialog, no messages on the screen and the xorg.conf file was still empty.

Removing and reinstalling the software didn't help. I also completely reinstalled Debian and then XFree86, but got the same result as before.

I think if I can get a dialog started from dpkg-reconfigure I can make it the rest of the way. Can anyone suggest what to try next?

debian sarge doesn't have an xorg.conf, they use xfree86(-4?). If you'll wait, I'll send you mine from my sarge install when I get home from work in about 6.5 hours. I remember having to use vesa in there.

That's /etc/X11/xfree86...

Before I drop my config file here, let me ask: Why are you using sarge? Etch runs fine on a GX620. Hell, xp runs on it, so etch definitely will. But that may be the core of your problem: What is your sources.list? If it's something like ftp.us.debian.org...etc... main...etc, You're trying to get sarge files from etch servers.
I'll post my sources and xfree86 from that computer in a minute.

here's my sources:

deb http://snapshot.debian.net/archive/2...1/debian/sarge main contrib non-free
deb-src http://snapshot.debian.net/archive2007/04/01/debian/ sarge main contrib non-free

And security doesn't really apply anymore since there are no more updates, so that's all commented out.

any way, my XF86Config-4 is attached. Or at least, it should be, it's my first attachment. Take a look at it, its in /etc/X11.

Attached Files

XF86Config-4.txt (3.1 KB, 13 views)

Thanks for you help cheftec. I'll try your config file and sources as soon as I can.

I'm using Sarge because I wanted a lot of hand-holding with my first Linux installation so I bought the book Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 Bible. The Sarge CD came with the book. Sarge was probably the stable version when the book was first published, and it became obsolete while the book was on the shelves. Now that I have more confidence with Linux I plan to install Etch.

Thanks again.

Thanks for you help cheftec. I'll try your config file and sources as soon as I can.

I'm using Sarge because I wanted a lot of hand-holding with my first Linux installation so I bought the book Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 Bible. The Sarge CD came with the book. Sarge was probably the stable version when the book was first published, and it became obsolete while the book was on the shelves. Now that I have more confidence with Linux I plan to install Etch.

Thanks again.