I just installed Mandrake 8.1. When I start it up it goes to log-in then starts blinking. Eventually it stops and leaves a "INIT ID "X" respawning too fast: disabled for 5 minutes" After 5 minutes it does the same routine. Between flashes I managed to log-on but just took me to a command line. Couldn't figure out how to get to a desktop, my first time on Linux. After a few minutes it started flashing again. Obviously something wrong. I read that it could be a video card issue but it suppedily supports mine, an Elsa Gladiac MX. I found a posting exactly like this on the Mandrake site but the guy never got a response.

I've worked computers since 1987 and have run everything from DOS to Win 2000. Also Mac and Amiga. I still remember most of my DOS commands but it didn't seem to help with the command prompt. I have run a little Unix but it's been a very long time.

Dying to try Linux so any help would be greatly appreciated

OK... u are logging in graphically or to a virtual console?

If you are logging in graphically, perhaps it's the video configuration. In that case use the console's rpm to check video-related rpms. Also use XFdrake for your actual video configuration.

If you are getting that problem in the virtual consoles, then your problem could be that your system wasn't correctly installed. Perhaps you have a buggy HD (check dmesg).