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Old 09-05-2003, 05:54 PM   #1
flamesrock
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How to fix my XF86Config-4 file??


Just when I thought I had linux figured out, I turn around and screw up startx. Here's what happened:

-Changed the mouse resolution to 1600 in the config-4 file.
-I also added a line that was supposed to increase the acceleration of the mouse to two or something. This was directly copy pasted from some online material offering hack tips.


I saved the file and restarted the computer. It then loads up linux like normally, but goes directly to the prompt. I log in as root and type in startx.

Apparantly, the second line that I added had a command (XSET or something like that, I cant remember) which in the verbose said that couldn't be recognized as a command..orr something like that.

So now I can't log into startx or anything. Although I do know what the exact problem is.

My question is this:

Is there any way I could edit or overwrite the file with something workable through the prompt? Or does anybody know an alternative way to get my mandrake working again?

-Thanks

Last edited by flamesrock; 09-05-2003 at 05:56 PM.
 
Old 09-05-2003, 06:01 PM   #2
synaptical
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why do you need to start X to edit your config file? just log in as user as usual, then su, vim (or pico or whatever you use) /etc/X11/XF86Config-4. make your changes, and then start X. (edit: ps. you don't need to reboot every time after changing your config file, just start/restart X.)

Last edited by synaptical; 09-05-2003 at 06:05 PM.
 
Old 09-05-2003, 06:04 PM   #3
Mara
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Do you have DOS experience? If you do, you probably remember Norton Commander. There's something similar in Linux, called Midnight Commander, the command is 'mc' (even if you don't know it, try it, it makes everything easier). If you don't have it installed use
urpmi mc

Then you can navigate to /etc/X11 and edit the file.
 
Old 09-05-2003, 07:15 PM   #4
flamesrock
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Thanks guys!

It works now. Midnight commander is great.
 
Old 09-05-2003, 07:28 PM   #5
synaptical
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Old 09-05-2003, 08:31 PM   #6
twinkers
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I wasn't having any problems but did wanna try that mc thing. Indeed it works very nice.

Thanx for the tip
 
  


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