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pauljam20 12-02-2009 04:44 AM
Mandriva Linux 2010.0 hanging
 
I get regularly hangs and I can't find any way out of it, I've tried all the ctrl-alt-* key combinations and nothing happens.

I've got a 1.7GHz Intel processor and use Mandriva 2010.0 with Gnome 2.28.0. I only use Linux, am not an expert

I don't think it is to do with Mozilla pluginwrapper problems as I've switched to Opera and it still happens - whether or not I'm using a browser.

When it happens, the mouse usually continues to work but not always. If I am watching a video or listening to a BBC iPlayer console, the video hangs but the sound carries on without problems.

I don't know whether it is relevant, but with the system running now, in system monitor I can see several references to GVFS (is this needed?) and synce-trayicon (I want to use this but can't get it to work).

I'd appreciate suggestions as I'm getting fed-up with it, and although I think Linux is a lot better than that other thing, I can't honestly recommend it to friends at the moment.

GlennsPref 12-03-2009 07:17 PM
Hi, I've been watch your thread and have noticed no replies as yet.

Although I use kde4, and not gnome, I though I may be able to help.

Quote:
Gvfs is a userspace virtual filesystem with backends for things like sftp, ftp, dav, smb, obexftp, etc.
ref. https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Features/Gvfs
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GVFS

It uses fuse, and may not be required if you don't need remote access to your desktop.
(please correct me If I err)

I read that is was mostly useful for remote desktop access, but can't find that reference now.

I have a few suggestions that may point you in the right direction.

from a command line run....you need to be root or use sudo
Code:
rpm --rebuilddb && rpm -Va | grep miss
this will take a while, what it does is rebuilds the installed rpm's database and

then searches it looking for missing packages.

Go through the list installing any thing missing and it's dependant packages.

I had initially installed mandriva with both kde4 and lxde desktops, and this is probably how I got gvfs installed.

I also found it hogged memory and processor power.

I simply removed the package, but as I said, I don't run gnome (or lxde) as my current desktop manager.

see how you go, post back here with any questions and we'll continue from there.

cheers and regards Glenn

ps, sometimes it is worth sitting at console 12 (ctrl+alt+F12) and view the kernel output as the system is running, sometimes revealing a kernel hang, or some such problem that may lead to an answer to this kind of problem. GW

pauljam20 12-04-2009 04:55 AM
It only mentioned /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/npwrapper.so as missing so presumably not a problem unless using Firefox. I have removed GVFS using the software manager. I've only just logged in, but everything still works, I'll watch and see what happens and let you know.

A bit more information:
The display card is intel 82845G/GL[Brookdale-G]/GE Chipset Integrated Graphics Device. I haven't been able to find out which is the display driver.
The frequency of hanging varies, sometimes quite soon after switching on, but usually after an hour or two.

I've checked under "set up the display manager" and find KDM - is this odd because I use the Gnome desktop?

KDM KDE display manager - selected
GDM Gnome display manager
XDM X display manager

Quote:
Originally Posted by GlennsPref (Post 3779044)
Hi, I've been watch your thread and have noticed no replies as yet.

Although I use kde4, and not gnome, I though I may be able to help.

ref. https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Features/Gvfs
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GVFS

It uses fuse, and may not be required if you don't need remote access to your desktop.
(please correct me If I err)

I read that is was mostly useful for remote desktop access, but can't find that reference now.

I have a few suggestions that may point you in the right direction.

from a command line run....you need to be root or use sudo
Code:
rpm --rebuilddb && rpm -Va | grep miss
this will take a while, what it does is rebuilds the installed rpm's database and

then searches it looking for missing packages.

Go through the list installing any thing missing and it's dependant packages.

I had initially installed mandriva with both kde4 and lxde desktops, and this is probably how I got gvfs installed.

I also found it hogged memory and processor power.

I simply removed the package, but as I said, I don't run gnome (or lxde) as my current desktop manager.

see how you go, post back here with any questions and we'll continue from there.

cheers and regards Glenn

ps, sometimes it is worth sitting at console 12 (ctrl+alt+F12) and view the kernel output as the system is running, sometimes revealing a kernel hang, or some such problem that may lead to an answer to this kind of problem. GW

pauljam20 12-04-2009 05:28 AM
Mandriva Linux 2010.0 hanging
 
It's just hung again.

I was watching the screen created by ctrl-alt-F12 and saw something called cron run and a message containing "unable to read EDID block" and something like "VGA-1 no EDID data". I switched back to the desktop a couple of times without problem, then when I tried again later it had hung.

GlennsPref 12-04-2009 06:59 AM
Hi, EDID data is the xorg looking to the display monitor chip to find out it's frequency and resolution properties.

You may be able to circumvent this behaviour
by editing the /etc/X11/xorg.conf file monitor section.

Adding in the properties you want, and that your monitor can do.
Here is mine....
Code:
Section "Monitor"
    Identifier    "Monitor0"
    VendorName    "MEA"
    ModelName            "1280x1024 @ 50 Hz"#"DV177/SB"
    HorizSync      31.5 - 64.3
    VertRefresh    50.0 - 70.0
    Option        "DPMS"
EndSection
otherwise uninstall a package like this...
urpme monitor-edid-2.5-1mdv2010.0.x86_64

See how you go. Regards Glenn
Quote:
/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/npwrapper.so
is only necessary for viewing flash in a web page.

ernie 12-04-2009 09:15 AM
As cautionary note, and to emphasize the importance that you use the settings for your display, not those Glenn posted (they are for his display). If you try to make your display operate at a frequency or resolution it is not capable of, you could damage it. All the information you need should be included in your displayś user manual. If you do not have a users manual for your display, google for it by manufacturer and model on the WEB.

HTH,

pauljam20 12-04-2009 11:44 AM
Mandriva Linux 2010.0 hanging
 
After I had removed GVFS I couldn't see anything on my desktop or use the file manager - error message, so it looks as though it's needed! I've had to re-install the system.

I'm no expert so am only guessing, but since other things continue to work I don't think it is a kernel problem but something to do with X-windows or the Gnome desktop.

GlennsPref 12-04-2009 05:34 PM
hi, sorry to cause you to reinstall mandy. Not my intention at all.

I hope it's working ok and have a few tips for you to check out.

Quote:
I haven't been able to find out which is the display driver.
typing lsmod in a terminal will list all the loaded modules(drivers) on your system.

you may need root access to do this.

you can cut down that list by grepping (grep) the name you're looking for.

Like this....using the info you provided....
Quote:
intel 82845G/GL[Brookdale-G]/GE Chipset Integrated Graphics Device
Code:
lsmod | grep intel
If you have an intel based system that is bound to show a few modules,
(I don't have an intel based system so)
I'm running blind here and you may need to change things around to suit your system,
btw, this is just info gathering, not changing things.

or the chip number....
Code:
lsmod | grep 82845G
what this command does is
lists loaded modules, (lsmod)
piped (|) through grep searching for the name of the device entered after the term grep.

another way to check is lspci, but you already know what the device is called.

I think you maybe correct in your assumption that it could be an X problem.

A keyboard error may also cause a crash, locking up the terminal.

There are updates available for mandy 2010.0, be selective about what you upgrade, you'll get a better understanding of what is required as opposed to what is desired.

One last thing, to change the login to gdm, go to MCC (configure your computer), boot, set up display manager.

you should see the option there.

cheers Glenn

rolf 12-06-2009 09:09 AM
The 845 chipset driver has a bug that might be related to your problem. I think it would be easy and not hurt to try the workaround I pointed to in another thread: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...5/#post3781738

pauljam20 12-07-2009 07:15 AM
Mandriva Linux 2010.0 hanging
 
Rolf - I've looked into your suggestion, it seems to relate to a problem that occurs on startup, so probably not the answer. Also the line that started "Simply..." in one of the messages was completely beyond me - so I think I'll leave it thanks!

Quote:
Originally Posted by rolf (Post 3781747)
The 845 chipset driver has a bug that might be related to your problem. I think it would be easy and not hurt to try the workaround I pointed to in another thread: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...5/#post3781738

pauljam20 12-07-2009 08:03 AM
Mandriva 2010.0 hanging
 
Glenn

I have logged in as root and typed lsmod, but there were no references to intel or 82845G.
I have switched off the screen saver, because a lot of hangs occurred when it was displaying and I have changed to GDM. Since doing this yesterday, the computer has run for ~5 hours before crashing. There may be some clues there...

I get occasional crashes of (I think - I should have made a note) the taskbar, which include a comment about increasing
fs.inotify.max_user_watches to 65536 in /etc/sysctl.conf. Could this be a problem when a lot of files are opened and closed with browser or screensaver? There is currently no statement like this in this file.



Quote:
Originally Posted by GlennsPref (Post 3780308)
hi, sorry to cause you to reinstall mandy. Not my intention at all.

I hope it's working ok and have a few tips for you to check out.......

cheers Glenn

rolf 12-07-2009 08:13 AM
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
Simply edit your command line on the gfxboot by pressing [F3], then choose Default, end add i915.modeset=0 to the command line. Just press [Enter] to boot your computer
This refers to the graphical grub boot menu. Something like the attached screenie but with more choices, such as failsafe, perhaps a windows installation. When you see this menu screen, press F3 and add the i915.modeset=0 switch at the end of the kernel command line, separated by a space. In the linked post, I give more verbose instructions from the point of view of using the text grub menu, which I do, some of which apply to editing the menu entry for the graphical boot, also.

For perspective, the menu entries can be seen in /boot/grub/menu.lst for example:

title linux
kernel (hd0,4)/boot/vmlinuz BOOT_IMAGE=linux root=UUID=1b785fa1-2ce3-4964-8e5c-43cec6dcaa3c vga=788 speedboot=no
initrd (hd0,4)/boot/initrd.img

The first line, title, specifies what you see in the menu. The second is the command line for the kernel. This is the line to which you add the kernel switch of interest. The third line points to the initrd, which contains drivers for the hardware on your machine, in order to start the system.

This link takes forever to load but it's a report of this switch solving X crashing, not just the startup problem: http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugre...?bug=536011#10

Another, perhaps clearer howto for testing the switch by one-time edit of the grub kernel command line: http://blogs.sbsun.com/click/2009/11...d-in-ubun.html

GlennsPref 12-07-2009 07:40 PM
Hi, this could be another problem.
Quote:
fs.inotify.max_user_watches to 65536 in /etc/sysctl.conf
and may well be the culprit of your latest crash.

You need root access to save the edit of this file.
just copy and paste the line to the end of the list.
/etc/sysctl.conf
Code:
fs.inotify.max_user_watches=65536
like this....using vi in a shell(cli) (if sudo is not setup, su to root first....
Code:
sudo vi /etc/sysctl.conf

press i to go to insert mode.
use arrows keys to navigate to the end of the file
copy this line....
fs.inotify.max_user_watches=65536
paste in to terminal(cli)
hit enter to get a blank line at the end.
press esc to exit insert mode.
press :wq to write the file and quit.
type exit to leave root if necessary.
after you have rebooted the kernel, test.
wait for a crash.....I hope you don't get any more.

please don't disregard rolf's advise.
Quote:
pressing [F3], then choose Default, end add i915.modeset=0 to the command line. Just press [Enter] to boot your computer
regards Glenn

pauljam20 12-08-2009 12:50 PM
Mandriva Linux 2010.0 hanging
 
Rolf
Quote:
Originally Posted by rolf (Post 3782701)
This refers to the graphical grub boot menu...
Your second post convinced me - and thanks for the simple explanation! I tried this on boot up and the PC ran for 24 hours without any problems, even using the F-Spot screensaver (although that didn't work properly until I rebooted), so I think you've cracked it! I've tried to find out what it does and I think it switches Kernel Mode-Setting off - I sort-of understand that, and that it is a new thing, which possibly needs development or is not suitable for my graphics card.

As an aside, I recently noticed an error message on boot "loading i915 module cannot open file delete" it hasn't changed since applying your patch, so I don't know whether it is relevant.

Thanks for your help - I really appreciate it!

pauljam20 12-08-2009 12:51 PM
Mandriva Linux 2010.0 hanging
 
Thanks Ernie - point taken!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ernie (Post 3779764)
As cautionary note, and to emphasize the importance that you use the settings for your display, not those Glenn posted (they are for his display). If you try to make your display operate at a frequency or resolution it is not capable of, you could damage it. All the information you need should be included in your displayś user manual. If you do not have a users manual for your display, google for it by manufacturer and model on the WEB.

HTH,

pauljam20 12-08-2009 12:59 PM
Glenn
I tried Rolf's suggestion first - mainly because it could be done interactively without committing myself to editing a configuration file. I'm nervous I won't be able to start the system again! I probably shouldn't be so cautious because I could boot into safe mode and edit it back.
Anyway, it works as you can see from the relevant message. I'll see how it goes and will try your suggestion if there are any further problems.

Thanks very much for your help - I couldn't use Linux without this support.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GlennsPref (Post 3783369)
Hi, this could be another problem.


and may well be the culprit of your latest crash...

rolf 12-08-2009 07:11 PM
I hope it works for you. You don't say so I'm prompted to ask, you do know that the command line needs to be edited in /boot/grub/menu.lst for this switch to be applied at each boot? Edits to the command line at the grub boot screen only apply for that boot....

pauljam20 12-14-2009 01:02 PM
I spoke too soon! (See later post with more detail.)

pauljam20 12-14-2009 01:05 PM
Mandriva Linux 2010.0
 
I had edited the file you mention - this is the file below:

Quote:
Originally Posted by rolf (Post 3784741)
I hope it works for you. You don't say so I'm prompted to ask, you do know that the command line needs to be edited in /boot/grub/menu.lst for this switch to be applied at each boot? Edits to the command line at the grub boot screen only apply for that boot....
timeout 10
color black/cyan yellow/cyan
gfxmenu (hd0,0)/boot/gfxmenu
default 0

title linux
kernel (hd0,0)/boot/vmlinuz BOOT_IMAGE=linux root=UUID=565570de-fbe4-4654-9628-28c392db8bea resume=UUID=4a3af238-0777-4d0d-af85-e25149101ccc splash=silent i915.modeset=0 vga=788
initrd (hd0,0)/boot/initrd.img

title linux-nonfb
kernel (hd0,0)/boot/vmlinuz BOOT_IMAGE=linux-nonfb root=UUID=565570de-fbe4-4654-9628-28c392db8bea resume=UUID=4a3af238-0777-4d0d-af85-e25149101ccc i915.modeset=0
initrd (hd0,0)/boot/initrd.img

title failsafe
kernel (hd0,0)/boot/vmlinuz BOOT_IMAGE=failsafe root=UUID=565570de-fbe4-4654-9628-28c392db8bea failsafe
initrd (hd0,0)/boot/initrd.img

title desktop 2.6.31.5-1mnb
kernel (hd0,0)/boot/vmlinuz-2.6.31.5-desktop-1mnb BOOT_IMAGE=desktop_2.6.31.5-1mnb root=UUID=565570de-fbe4-4654-9628-28c392db8bea resume=UUID=4a3af238-0777-4d0d-af85-e25149101ccc splash=silent i915.modeset=0 vga=788
initrd (hd0,0)/boot/initrd-2.6.31.5-desktop-1mnb.img

title desktop 2.6.31.6-1mnb
kernel (hd0,0)/boot/vmlinuz-2.6.31.6-desktop-1mnb BOOT_IMAGE=desktop_2.6.31.6-1mnb root=UUID=565570de-fbe4-4654-9628-28c392db8bea resume=UUID=4a3af238-0777-4d0d-af85-e25149101ccc splash=silent i915.modeset=0 vga=788
initrd (hd0,0)/boot/initrd-2.6.31.6-desktop-1mnb.img

pauljam20 12-15-2009 12:19 PM
Mandriva Linux 2010.0 hanging
 
I spoke too soon! It's ok provided I don't use the computer and the screensaver is off, but if I use the Opera or Firefox browsers it hangs after a varying length of time.

I found another oddity yesterday, using File Browser on a sub-directory of /home/me/pictures, it waited without finding any files, yet Search for Files worked fine so presumably no problem with the disk. Today File Browser finds files. Search doesn't work.

Is hanging a problem with Mandrake or Linux in general? I am getting pretty fed up with it now! Should backtrack to Mandriva 2009, or try Ubuntu?

rolf 12-15-2009 03:59 PM
Clearly, you are having problems, but you can't generalize to Mandriva or Linux or 2010 based only on that. The bulk of stuff works for me and has for 10 years. Many things can go wrong. For example, it could be a drive or the cable or the controller is failing.

One thing you can do is install ide-smart, as root:

urpmi -v ide-smart

Also as root

ide-smart /dev/xxx

Where you can discover the pertinent xxx with, as root:

fdisk -l

Code:
[rolf@localhost ~]$ urpmq -i ide-smart
Name        : ide-smart
Version    : 1.4
Release    : 8mdv2010.0
Group      : Monitoring
Size        : 12274                        Architecture: x86_64
Source RPM  : ide-smart-1.4-8mdv2010.0.src.rpm
URL        : http://lightside.eresmas.com/
Summary    : A system utility for monitoring a SMART capable hard-disk
Description :
The ide-smart program enable to monitor a SMART capable hard-disk.
The SMART protocol define several items. When one of these items is under
a certain level, this means that the disk is about to break.

pauljam20 12-15-2009 07:33 PM
Mandriva Linux 2010.0 hanging
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rolf (Post 3792768)
Clearly, you are having problems...
Rolf - I have done what you suggested, sdb is just a spare disk that I backup to, here are the results:

[root@localhost paul]# ide-smart /dev/sda
Id= 1 Status=15 {Prefailure Online } Value=113 Threshold= 6 Passed
Id= 3 Status= 3 {Prefailure Online } Value= 99 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id= 4 Status=50 {Advisory Online } Value= 99 Threshold= 20 Passed
Id= 5 Status=51 {Prefailure Online } Value=100 Threshold= 36 Passed
Id= 7 Status=15 {Prefailure Online } Value= 76 Threshold= 30 Passed
Id= 9 Status=50 {Advisory Online } Value= 98 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id= 10 Status=19 {Prefailure Online } Value=100 Threshold= 97 Passed
Id= 12 Status=50 {Advisory Online } Value= 99 Threshold= 20 Passed
Id=187 Status=50 {Advisory Online } Value=100 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id=189 Status=58 {Advisory Online } Value=100 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id=190 Status=34 {Advisory Online } Value= 66 Threshold= 45 Passed
Id=194 Status=34 {Advisory Online } Value= 34 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id=195 Status=26 {Advisory Online } Value= 91 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id=197 Status=18 {Advisory Online } Value=100 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id=198 Status=16 {Advisory OffLine} Value=100 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id=199 Status=62 {Advisory Online } Value=200 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id=200 Status= 0 {Advisory OffLine} Value=100 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id=202 Status=50 {Advisory Online } Value=100 Threshold= 0 Passed
OffLineStatus=130 {Completed}, AutoOffLine=Yes, OffLineTimeout=7 minutes
OffLineCapability=91 {Immediate Auto SuspendOnCmd}
SmartRevision=10, CheckSum=101, SmartCapability=3 {SaveOnStandBy AutoSave}
[root@localhost paul]# ide-smart /dev/sdb
Id= 1 Status=11 {Prefailure Online } Value=100 Threshold= 51 Passed
Id= 4 Status=50 {Advisory Online } Value= 93 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id= 5 Status=51 {Prefailure Online } Value=253 Threshold= 10 Passed
Id= 7 Status=11 {Prefailure Online } Value=253 Threshold= 51 Passed
Id= 8 Status=36 {Advisory OffLine} Value=253 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id= 9 Status=50 {Advisory Online } Value= 99 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id= 12 Status=50 {Advisory Online } Value= 99 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id=194 Status=34 {Advisory Online } Value=148 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id=197 Status=51 {Prefailure Online } Value=253 Threshold= 10 Passed
Id=198 Status=49 {Prefailure OffLine} Value=253 Threshold= 10 Passed
Id=199 Status=10 {Advisory Online } Value=100 Threshold= 0 Passed
Id=200 Status=11 {Prefailure Online } Value=100 Threshold= 51 Passed
Id=201 Status=11 {Prefailure Online } Value=100 Threshold= 51 Passed
OffLineStatus=0 {NeverStarted}, AutoOffLine=No, OffLineTimeout=30 minutes
OffLineCapability=27 {Immediate Auto SuspendOnCmd}
SmartRevision=16, CheckSum=56, SmartCapability=3 {SaveOnStandBy AutoSave}

rolf 12-15-2009 07:40 PM
The thing is, with disappearing parts of the filesystem, it could be something hardware-related.
Code:
$ urpmq -i memtest86+
 
Name        : memtest86+
Version    : 4.00
Release    : 1mdv2010.0
Group      : System/Kernel and hardware
Size        : 176251                      Architecture: x86_64
Source RPM  : memtest86+-4.00-1mdv2010.0.src.rpm
URL        : http://www.memtest.org
Summary    : A stand alone memory test for i386 architecture systems
Description :
Memtest86 is thorough, stand alone memory test for i386 architecture
systems.  BIOS based memory tests are only a quick check and often
missfailures that are detected by Memtest86.
When you install this program, it puts an entry in your bootloader menu to launch memtest when you choose it. Usually, a bad chip shows up pretty soon but you can start it and let it run overnight for a thorough look-see.

GlennsPref 12-16-2009 06:45 AM
Hi, another thought, Make sure you do not use us-international key-board settings

Use the default, US-Keyboard,

(I use "105-key (intl) PC" for this next part)

But try 104-key PC.

See how you go.

Regards Glenn

pauljam20 12-16-2009 06:53 PM
Mandriva Linux 2010.0 hanging
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by GlennsPref (Post 3793590)
Hi, another thought, Make sure you do not use us-international key-board settings
No worries - since I'm British I'm using UK keyboard.

pauljam20 12-18-2009 12:43 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by rolf (Post 3792972)
The thing is, with disappearing parts of the filesystem, it could be something hardware-related.
I've now installed ide-smart and memtest86+. The first one listed some test results and the second one didn't appear to do anything. The computer has only crashed once today so perhaps one of these programs is doing something rather than just testing things. I've had a look on the web but I'm not sure.

rolf 12-18-2009 05:17 PM
I saw the output from ide-smart and, to my eye, it looks normal. If you see a "Fail" in there, it might indicate impending hard drive crash.

On memtest86+, after you install it, reboot, and choose it from the boot menu. It gives you some choices, iirc, so choose what makes sense or it might just have a default run. It tests your memory very thoroughly and comprehensively (in console, so you can't use the computer for anything else) and a full test takes quite a while. As I said, let it run overnight to be sure but my experience is that bad memory is exposed during the first suite of tests.

pauljam20 12-19-2009 01:17 PM
Mandriva Linux 2010.0 hanging
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rolf (Post 3797301)
On memtest86+, after you install it, reboot, and choose it from the boot menu...
On boot-up, I get 4 options, Standard, safe, and two old versions, I can also press [F3] to get a command line which has the standard boot command ready to edit. There doesn't seem to be any sign of memtest86+

rolf 12-19-2009 01:32 PM
Let me check.

Code:
[root@localhost rolf]# rpm -q memtest86+
package memtest86+ is not installed
[root@localhost rolf]# grep -i mem /boot/grub/menu.lst
[root@localhost rolf]# urpmi memtest86+


    ftp://mirrors.kernel.org/mandrake/Mandrakelinux/official/2010.0/x86_64/media/main/release/memtest86+-4.00-1mdv2010.0.x86_64.rpm
installing memtest86+-4.00-1mdv2010.0.x86_64.rpm from /var/cache/urpmi/rpms
Preparing...                    ###############################################################################
      1/1: memtest86+            ###############################################################################
[root@localhost rolf]# grep -i mem /boot/grub/menu.lst
title memtest
kernel (hd0,4)/boot/memtest.bin BOOT_IMAGE=memtest
Those are commands issued one after the other and resultant output. As you can see, installing memtest86+ puts an entry, "memtest", in the menu. Are you sure it's installed? Show the output of the same rpm -q and grep commands on your machine.

pauljam20 12-20-2009 11:36 AM
Mandriva 2010.0 hanging
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rolf (Post 3798170)
Let me check.

[code][root@localhost rolf]# rpm -q memtest86+
package memtest86+ is not installed
[root@localhost rolf]# grep -i mem /boot/grub/menu.lst
[root@localhost rolf]# urpmi memtest86+...
Removing the -i from the installation instruction did the trick thanks, I'll run it tonight.

The last twice it hung it was when I was opening an email - I got an error message from Gnome desktop after re-booting - which may have been relating to that, I'll watch this.

rolf 12-20-2009 11:43 AM
Quote:
Removing the -i from the installation instruction did the trick thanks, I'll run it tonight.
There is no installation instruction in this thread that uses the -i switch. Much misunderstanding can be avoided with an exact copy/paste of what has been executed and what are the results.

pauljam20 12-20-2009 01:03 PM
Mandriva Linux 2010.0 hanging
 
Quote:
There is no installation instruction in this thread that uses the -i switch. Much misunderstanding can be avoided with an exact copy/paste of what has been executed and what are the results.
I assumed this was the instruction to install the memtest:

Quote:
Originally Posted by rolf (Post 3792972)
The thing is, with disappearing parts of the filesystem, it could be something hardware-related.
Code:
$ urpmq -i memtest86+
 
Name        : memtest86+
Version    : 4.00
Release    : 1mdv2010.0
Group      : System/Kernel and hardware
Size        : 176251                      Architecture: x86_64
Source RPM  : memtest86+-4.00-1mdv2010.0.src.rpm
URL        : http://www.memtest.org
Summary    : A stand alone memory test for i386 architecture systems
Description :
Memtest86 is thorough, stand alone memory test for i386 architecture
systems.  BIOS based memory tests are only a quick check and often
missfailures that are detected by Memtest86.
When you install this program, it puts an entry in your bootloader menu to launch memtest when you choose it. Usually, a bad chip shows up pretty soon but you can start it and let it run overnight for a thorough look-see.
Never mind, it has installed now!

rolf 12-20-2009 01:20 PM
At some point, you will need to look at the manuals:

man urpmi

displays the page for the installation command. Use page and arrow keys to navigate up/down. Type 'q' to quit. At the bottom of this and other man pages, you can find related commands that have their own manual page. For example,

Code:
[rolf@localhost ~]$ man urpmi
[..]
SEE ALSO
      urpmi.addmedia(8), urpmi.update(8), urpmi.removemedia(8), urpme(8), urpmf(8), urpmq(8),
      urpmi.cfg(5), urpmi.files(5), urpmi.recover(8).
For example,

Code:
[rolf@localhost ~]$ man urpmq
[..]
DESCRIPTION
      urpmq is a tool to access and query the urpmi database. It can be used to list available
      packages in the various urpmi media, or to list the full dependencies of a package, or to list
      the packages that will be installed if you start urpmi.
[..]
-i  Prints useful information in human readable form, as for rpm -qi.
[..]
In konqueror (perhaps other file browsers), you can view an html man page by placing the relevant command in the address bar in this format:

man:urpmi

There is comprehensive online information about this family of commands: http://wiki.mandriva.com/en/Tools/urpmi

widda 12-21-2009 04:39 AM
In case it's of any interest, I have exactly the same mouse behaviour I think. In an hour or less, sometimes straight after boot, inevitable hang (mandriva 2009.1, KDE, Gnome.) usually mouse moves but no click response. And someone, Glenn maybe, gave me the shortcut key for opening cli for clean shutdown, as I was pushing the offbutton every hour!

Now I'm running only on a new Ubuntu disk,(because I messed up GRUB loader trying to instal Ubuntu beside my Mandriva) and suddenly no more hangs! So it's definitely in the Mandriva, not hardware failure of my geriatric laptop.

When I get access to installed mandriva again, I'll run rpm --rebuilddb etc and see what happens. Meantime I'd better go seeking GRUB repair advice so I can open the hanging mandriva and access my files again.
But I'm impressed with ubuntu.

GlennsPref 12-21-2009 08:00 AM
So sad, ubuntu is an os for lx newbies.

You can do better, I have found Mandriva to be the easiest and most hackable system since win98. and ME

It takes patiences and a lot of reading to use Linux effectively.


You can do what you want, it just takes time.

Regards Glenn

pauljam20 12-21-2009 02:03 PM
Mandriva 2010.0 hanging
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by widda (Post 3799672)
In case it's of any interest, I have exactly the same mouse behaviour I think...
Thanks Widda - I'm rapidly moving towards your view that Ubuntu is more suitable for my sort of user.

pauljam20 12-21-2009 02:06 PM
Mandriva 2010.0 hanging
 
Rant warning!

I think I need to emphasise that I am a Linux newbie! My interest in it is as a user, not for a hobby, so I'm not intending to become an expert at using the shell any more than someone buying a car wants to become a mechanic. There are plenty of GUI interfaces for setting up the system, they are easier to use than shell commands and I've found that using shell commands sometimes causes more problems than they solve - possibly because they require more expertise than I have. For example the memory check made my computer unusable - it didn't recognise the hard drives afterwards.

I started with Fedora and switched to Mandriva because Fedora needed a lot of work to get working - perhaps it is aimed at professionals rather than home users. The only problem I'm having with Mandriva is the hanging, but it is infuriating as I want to be using the system not fixing it. If Ubuntu is aimed clearly at newbies I'm all for it!

Rant over!

I wouldn't be able to use Linux without the help I get on this site - thanks.

ernie 12-21-2009 11:42 PM
Another rant:

This is a Mandriva help forum. It is inappropriate to suggest the use of other distributions here. A user has asked a question, and we should be presenting helpful information intended to solve the problem. If any one wants to suggest using a different distribution, such communication should be sent privately, not in this forum. A private message can be sent by clicking the users name (link) located near the top-left of any posted reply. By so doing, no one will be offended, and you still get your message sent to whom it is intended.

pauljam20 01-26-2010 08:56 AM
Mandriva Linux 2010.0 hanging
 
It looks like my inexperience of Linux led me to choose the wrong distribution for me - my aim is to use Linux for Web browsing, emails and to process music files. I switched to Ubuntu at the beginning of the year, it installed without problems and has worked perfectly ever since!

One of the great things about Linux is that you can try different software until you find what suits you, and you don't waste money on things which don't.

Thanks to everyone who tried to help.

rolf 01-26-2010 09:04 AM
People are different. Computing machines are different. The synthesis of these and many other differences, how the complex new phenomenon is experienced, the order of steps advised and tried, all make for an unpredictable path. Good that you found a solution!


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