I have an Inspiron 1150 and cannot get X working, I
just get an error message when I try to start it up.
I'm using the latest kernel, but should I be using
2.4.26 instead? I've also updated my BIOS to A02 and
tried applying 855patch and 855wrapper but still no
luck. Please help!

My email is: oxbeat AT yahoo DOT com

I too have recently acquired an Inspiron 1150. Trying to get Slackware running acceptably on it. Not much luck yet, seems there is very little support for it.

I was able to get X working. I did have to change a configuration file though.

/etc/X11/XF86Config

you need to find the place where it says

Section "Screen"

# DefaultDepth 8
# DefaultDepth 16
DefaultDepth 24
# DefaultDepth 32

Change this to

# DefaultDepth 8
DefaultDepth 16
# DefaultDepth 24
# DefaultDepth 32

Assuming you are using the (lame) vesa driver like I am, then X should start up in a horrible 640x480 res.

I can't get the Intel video drivers to work properly (allowing me better video).

When I install the drivers and tell the device to use "i830" X complains "Received Signal 11" and fails to start. When I tell the device to use "i810" the screen turns green and I can't do anything at all except push the power button. Probably since that's the wrong driver.

I can't install kernel 2.6.6 (probably user error). I'm using 2.4.2 or something (whatever comes with Slackware).

I had to tell the cs-pcmcia to not check certain IO ports because it will freeze the machine on bootup if it does.
And I get spammed with "insmod: init_module: No device found" on bootup as well.

I can't get the networking to work properly (allowing internet access). The drivers don't work, when I try to load them after compile to just make sure the compilation worked, "insmod: init_module: No device found."

I have found absolutely no help with this model, I've been using Inspiron 1100 information to help me with some things, since I figure that model is probably the most similar to the 1150. It is very frustrating.

I'll probably try installing Fedora Core 2 pretty soon if I can't get Slackware working. . .

I got Slackware to work , I had to get the bios upgrade from Dell. After upgrade to ver A02, I made it! The default depth ,16 bit @ 640x480 (yea, I know, yuck)


SO I added to that XF86Config file:


Virtual 1024 768


...below my sync ranges for 16-bit, giving me a larger screen, but ya have to drag around to view it all...
but it was trouble to begin with, I couldnt gain access the disk with cfdisk command, and had to take it in to the service shop to be properly partitioned, preserving the already installed M$ windows



yea I got sound and everything working, -- except the onboard NIC ........


Whats really cool I found this Linux Live cd, called SLAX I can run it, although it automatically mounts all the current partitions

I have installed both Fedora Core 1 and Fedora Core 2 without *any* problems onb my refurbished Dell Inspiron 1150.

Now, if only I could get my 3Com wireless card to work...

But FC1 and FC2 worked flawlessly for me!

Upgraded to bios A03, and Fedora Core 2 works!

I'm afraid to try slackware now though.