Slackware 7.0 monitor and display settings issues
 

I've installed Slackware 7.0 in a dual-boot configuration involving Win98SE with no problem. Now though, I'm dealing with something a bit bizarre; I got through XF86Setup okay, but when I tried switching over to the X server, I got the following error:

"Attention

26khz | 40hz
Frequency is out of range"

I then pressed enter, and got the following:

"Do you want to create an X link to the VGA16 server?" and a note that the settings will be saved in the /var/x11R/bin folder. I clicked yes, got a note saying the move was successful, and it took me back to my command prompt.

I then did startx and I got the KDE desktop, but with a 2-inch black gap on the left side of the screen - and the resolution appears to be a bit too large, as well.

This obviously points to the fact that I'll have to reconfigure my monitor and display settings; where would I need to go at this point to do that? I'm a total Linux newb, so I hope you'll have mercy.

I'm not too hot on XFree86 but it sounds like you have set a frequency your monitor can't handle. You can find out your monitors frequency range with Sandra in widows, then enter the relevant figures in xf86config. I have a 17" Proview 771 which does 30-70 on the horizontal and 50-150 on the vertical. Have you considered trying Slackware 9? 7 is pretty old now. Hope this helps and good luck.

munkeh

Slack 7.0 monitor and display settings trouble....
 

I ran Sandra, and it gave all the monitor and display info that i used before when I was working the monitor and display setttings; a horizontal refresh rate of 30-70kHz, and a vertical refresh rate of 50-160Hz.

It's a Dell e770p monitor, by the way. Those were the settings that I also got from the Dell website.

I suppose I'll try rerunning XF86setup again, but this time I'll leave out the 1024 x 768 resolution. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

I'd like to stick to Slack 7.0 until I get comfortable with it; then I'll upgrade. I'd just like to make an older version work before I upgrade.

Thanks in advance for any other tidbits of advice!

Re: Slack 7.0 monitor and display settings trouble....
 

Are you sure your XF86Config was set up properly? The reason I ask is the message:-

"Attention

26khz | 40hz
Frequency is out of range"

Seems to confirm this:- your refresh rates are 30-70 and 50-160, so they are indeed out of range!

I know what you are saying about getting Slackware 7 to work before you upgrade, but I urge you to upgrade anyway. Becuase GNU/Linux is open source, it is constantly being worked on, and so many problems you may encounter could be easily solved by a newer installation. I have installed Slackware 9 on the oldest of kit and there are no problems with backward capability. However you may want to get X working in 7 just so you can see how much faster 9 is ;-)