I am trying to get Linux installed for the first time on my machine and this is the first time I have ever tried to use/install Linux. I got it installed but when I try to run it my screen go blank. I got some help from someone else so that I now boot into text mode but now what do I do? I think I need to install the correct driver for my NVidia GeForce FX5200. How do I do this from the prompt after I log in? Thanks!

Also, I had to install in text mode if that makes a difference since my display was not working then as well.

Alright, from the console, type 'links'
then go to NVIDIA.com and download their linux drivers.
Then type 'su' and type in your root password.
type in 'sh NVID*'
follow the installation process from there.
then, type 'emacs /etc/X11/XF86Config' or 'emacs /etc/X11/Xorg.conf'
go into the video card section and change the driver setting to nvidia.

Sorry but I have no idea what you are talking about. I get a screen in text mode that asks for my login/PW. I do this and I get this:
[root@localhost root]#
Where do I type 'links' in? I don't think my internet connection will be working if i ever get Linux going b/c it says it can not detect my IP address when it starts. I looked on NVIDIA's site but I wasn't sure which driver to download.

Howzit

You may have to check you configured your RH linux to boot onto text mode and not graphical mode do the following:

1. At [root@localhost root]#
2. Type less inittab
3. check if tour file says id:3:initdefault
4. if yes then using vi change the 3 into 5 this will resolve one of the problem but there other issues to solve, if u unable to use vi try typing startx to start GUI manually
5. Nvida makes its own drivers therefore goto their website and download the drivers of your screen card and install without this step the chances r that u will not have a graphical version of linux

Hope this helps and goodluck

tony

It came set to id:5:initdefault but I was talking to someone else who told me to change it to 3 - no difference then. I just moved it back to 5 and the same thing happens. Will someone give me step by step instructions on how to install a driver or point me to some. I have no idea how to do this. From looking on NVidia's site I don't even know which one to d/l. Which version of Linux am I running? IA32, AMD64, or IA64?

howzit

What processor do u have a Intel P4 or a AMD try be as detailed as possible and I will then indicate what to dwnld

tony

I have a 2.8 P4. Let me know if you need any more info. Thanks!

edit, after moving that value back to 5 I can not got to any prompts. My screen goes blank before I can even log on. How do I change that back?

Howzit

u need not dnwld the following AMD64, or IA64 as these do not represent your current CPU

tony

I just download the IA32 driver - I guess that is right. My screen is still going blank so there is nothing I can do - I can't get to any kind of prompt. Where do I even put this driver file? I have Linux on a separate hard drive from Windows and now I can't even see that HD from Windows.

Howzit

did u install the driver and yes how?

tony

No - I do not know how. I am unable to get to amy command prompt due to my screen going blank.