XFree86 Config file
 

I'm trying to install XFree86 4.0 on a computer running Debian. When I use XF86Setup everything seems to work fine and it loads the server and saves my configuration. When I type startx I get a message saying
"Data incomplete in file /etc/X11/XF86Config
Device section "Primary Card" must have a Driver line.
(EE) Problem parsing the config file
(EE) Error from xf86HandleConfigFile()

Fatal server error:
no screens found"

The log file just repeats the same information. I am using a SiS 5597/5598 graphics chip and a Sony Multiscan 100ES monitor. The settings for the graphics were all set to probe. I would appreciate it if someone could suggest an entry for the driver line. Thanks.

try using xf86config instead. it slightly more complicated (and the script can be a bit awkward sometimes to work with) but it should get things done properly.

when choosing graphic card, look through the big list of cards and see if your's is there. if not, use the svga driver. that works with most things. if that doesn;t work then you'll have to use the frame buffer device.

i think the problem was due to setup failing to probe the card correctly.

Alex

try adding this :

Section "Primary-Card"
...
Driver "sis"
...
EndSection


... i found this fix on the web, but just offhand, i can't remember a sis _drv.o file coming with x4.0. so, i wouldn't be surprised if it didn't work. from what i've read, the 5597/98 chipsets are very tempermental under linux, but they do work.

Thanks

the driver "sis" line did the trick.