Troubles with Mandrake 9.1

[Colonel Sanders]

I pulled one of my TV tuner cards, the result: Linux would no longer boot into KDE.

So, lacking sufficent knowledge, I decided to attempt to re-install Linux- same problem- no GUI.

When it boots, it says it cant find module fb0. I assume that is related to the graphics, so I tried to configure the graphics card(ATI Radeon 7000 QY) Linux setup didn't list this card, but I tried both Radeon and Radeon 8500- both times, error message said monitor found but no configurations acceptable(or something like that).

So I tried booting with an old card which I'm sure Linux has drivers for(at least enough to load KDE), but still only a command prompt.

What should I do?

TIA, L J

[Colonel Sanders]

Well, I finally decided do abother re-install. Lesson i learned: Aways test the display drivers during setup. I wish Linux had a repair option on their cDlike Windows CDs.

L J

[kilgoretrout]

You can boot off install CD1 and choose the "upgrade" option, dont't select any new packages for install and it will reconfigure your hardware. It's a lot faster than doing a regular install.

[Colonel Sanders]

I haven't had any luck with that. Sure enough, as soon as I rebooted Linux(ben running for the past few days...) it won't load KDE. So I tried another install (sigh...)- no luck. I read that XFree 4.3.0 is supposed to support a Radeon 7000...

L J

[Floppyman]

What's the exact error message it gives you when it tries to initialize the GUI? HTH

[Colonel Sanders]

I'm not sure what you mean, what should I look for? I've ben trying Knpppix, and it is working OK(porblem is it has a gray area around the screen).

I'm considering trying to compile a new kernel? I've read how, but I'm not sure how to do it- meaning how can I d/l the kernel source in text mode?

L J

[Floppyman]

Maybe I'm confused...

When you start up your machine does it boot to a command prompt? If it does, what happens you type startx? If not, does it attempt to load a graphical user interface and give you an error? HTH

[Colonel Sanders]

It boots to a command prompt- it should start a GUI.

When I type startx, the first error I find says "RADEON(0) no valid mode found for this DFP/LCD"

L J

[kilgoretrout]

It looks like it's having trouble with the monitor settings from the error message but it might be the graphics card, resolution setting or some interaction between all three as well. You can rerun the graphics configuration from the command line with:

$ su
[enter root password]
# XFdrake

It will look similar to the graphics setup screen you saw during the install. The only difference is no mouse support so you have to navigate with the keyboard.

Check your monitor manual re the horizontal and vertical refresh rates first. You may need to set this in the custom setting under "monitor". You can also try some of the "flat panel" options. After making any change, use the "test" button and see if it works. If not, go back and try again.

[Colonel Sanders]

From what I can tell, the H-syny is 30-121, the v-sync is 50-160. the monitor is a Dell P1100. Linux has the H-sync right, but the V-sync is 48-160, I changed that and it didn't seem to make any difference- still same error, monitors found, no usable configuration. The Radeon 7000 is supported by Xfree 4.3, but I have a Radeon 7000 QY(smaller PCB, S-video, composite video, and 64MB RAM), could this cause a problem?

L J

[Colonel Sanders]

Well, I finally decided to swap my video cards- Windows PC has a Radeon 7000, Linxu PC has a GeForce 3- Linux likes the GeFoce 3 a lot better so far.

L J

[Colonel Sanders]

OK, a few questions:

1) is there a flash plugin for Konquereor? Mozilla?

2) how do I configure my scroll wheel so wen I'm scrolling and accidentally push down on the button I will know what happens?

3) How do I create a shortcut on my desktop?

4) How do I eject a CD? The eject button won't respond, I don't know how to unmount it, and trying to focefully open the CD yielded a surprise- it fights back. Solved! I think.

5) How do I increase the sizes of the font that the system uses, so I can run a higher resolution, but still be able to read the text?

L J

[RobH]

I found that the old right click drag works for shortcuts, and Mandrake Control Center>hardware has the mouse set up.
Configuration>KDE>Look and feel has the fonts.
It is slightly different for sure,I just loaded 9.1 in a spare computer and to say the least it is a challenge.
I lost the file menu bar in the browser (hehe) but other than that it will just take some time.
The last time I played with Linux was around 4 years ago and it wasnt very friendly then so I steered away-but it really has came around quite a bit.