Hello I'm a
I got Linux Mandrake 7.1 cd instalation disk free with a magazine a couple of years ago. I decided to install it today. I put in the disk while running windows (thats what it said to do on the disk), so i put it in, and it had a few options, and they were something like this (i can't remember exactly)

Instal Linux Help

Instal linux in/under (i forgot) windows

So i chose Linux under windows. It installed it all fine, but then i got asked to put in my vertical/horizontal refresh rates. I did not have a clue what they were, so i clicked on a '/' sign and it had a drop down list of different options, so i decided to chose a low number, as i know you can muck up your screen if you choose it too high. I think i chose something like:

Vertical - 31.1-35 (something like that)
Horizontal - 50-60 (~~ ~~ ~~ )

This was after it asked what model, but my model (A ICL monitor) was not on the list so then it asked me the questions above...)

So, i though, ok, all working ok, i click done or ok or whatever (i forgot) and it says remove boot disk (i removed the instalation disk, no other disks were in). It restarted...

Then it went through loads of checks, and it would look something like:

Checking for whatever [OK]

and it did this for about 3-4 mins. Then linux (i guess it is linux) loaded up with a blue background, but the cursor was almost 1 inch wide/high (min-max resolution on my screen: 600x400/800x600). Then after ages (about 10 mins, all the time the red light where it tells you when the HDD is reading/writing) i click on the right mouse button and (like in windows on the desktop) there was a sort of menu, but half of it was missing. My monitor is rubbish, and only lets you ajust the screen from left/right, no sizes, so it wasnot that.. Then i got bord, and just restared the comp, as there was nothing i could do. I restarted it, and it came up with 2 options:
1] WINDOWS
2] LINUX

So i chose linux. As i origonaly selected linux in windows, it loaded up the normal windows desktop, with a link saying "load Linux". I clicked on this and it says "Are you ready to boot under linux". I click OK. It goes into ms dos i think (not a window, but like when you start up windows, you know), and it says:

C;\>il C;\windows\command\mscdex /d:mscd00 /v
device driver not found: 'mscd00'
no valid cdrom device drivers selected

C:\>

LOADLIN v1.6 (c) 1994...1996 Hans Lermen (lermen@elserv.ffm.ffgan.de>
image file not found,
Please enter name of kernal image file followed by optional command line parameter for linux (e.g. root=XXXX) or @file ( file = param file ) or "empty string" to abort:
_

So i type any thing in it just says

LOADLIN v1.6 (c) 1994...1996 Hans Lermen (lermen@elserv.ffm.ffgan.de>
image file not found,
Please enter name of kernal image file followed by optional command line parameter for linux (e.g. root=XXXX) or @file ( file = param file ) or "empty string" to abort:

again. If i just leave it blank and click enter it says

LOADIN aborted by user

windows is now restarting

What should i do???
I am sorry that this is so long, but i see no point in only telling you half of the (long) story....

Thank you for reading it all!!!!

-ash

I WILL JUST SIT AND PONDER

update: Somehow i am now back into linux. I do not know how. I restarted, and i did not come up with any errors ....... BBBBUUUUUTTTT, the resolution prob is still there!!!!!!!!
please help!!

another update: I have uninstalled and re installed but now i have a new problem. I still think the resolution is wrong. It just does not seem right, cos it has lines all over it. PLEASE HELP - HOW DO I CHANGE SETTINGS?

First of all, you should check your monitors manual, or if you don't have it check the vendors website, and get the correct sync rates for your monitor.

Then run a program called xf86config. It is usually located in /usr/X11R6/bin. Note the small XF, this is different than your XF86Config file.

Running this will start a program that prompts you about your video settings and hardware, ie: monitor, vidcard, resolution, etc.

Make sure you select or manually enter the correct sync rates for your monitor, as well as your desired screen resolution. You may also choose your preferred colour depth and select different resolution settings that you can cycle through.

The program will write a new /etc/X11/XF86Config file with your new settings. Of course, If you know what you are doing you can edit this file manually and enter your correct settings. In any event it is wise to backup this file before you do anything, a simple 'cp XF86Config XF86Config.bak' will suffice.

Next you will have to restart X to see the results.

ok thanks. but, how do i actually run progs? I jst installed it today, and i have not idea how it works

thanks
-ash

open a virtual console (a shell ie; konsole eterm aterm, thousands others) and get a command line.

Type 'su <enter>' to login temporarily as root. When it prompts you to type in your password and enter.

Then 'cd /usr/X11R6/bin' to change to the correct directory, then './xf86config' to start the program.