Attempt no. 3 at Linux converting ... and still no luck!!

S

spuff

Big Geek
I've just spent all day installing the latest version of Ubuntu (dual-boot with XP) and after finally installing it, I've become completely stumped ...
As soon as it boots, some error message pops up "Failed to start the X server (your graphical interface). It is likey that it is not set up correctly. Would you like to view the X server output to diagnose the problem?"
I've done some Googling and tried all that "sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg" bollocks and gone though all the settings several times and still no luck!
After failing with SuSE, Knoppix and now possibly Ubuntu, am I doomed to stay with Windows??!!

Hardware:
AMD64 3200+
1GB RAM
Ati Radeon X800 XL
Relisys 17" CRT monitor
 
It never game me an option for that, I don't think. I know at some point, it asked me to type what card it should be identified as (or something like that) and the gap was already filled in with my card so I just clicked OK.
 
spuff said:
I've done some Googling and tried all that "sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg" bollocks
Click to expand...

:eek: You will never use Linux with that sort of attitude sonny :chk:

You are not a Linux user unless you tore some hair out and have serious 'command line' blood under your nails.

On a serious note - what happnes when you run the "sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg" bollocks? Try and be as specific as possible?
 
When installing any version of linux, when it comes to installing on your hard driven what option did you choose ? I just installed Suse , along side XP for a daul boot system without any problems. Make sure you use the existing part of your hard drive and not the XP part. Ubuntu is not to friendly when it comes to installing, I would look at something else... Maybe Mandriva or Linux XP or linspire or freespire.
 
I successfully installed Ubuntu (dual boot with XP a few months ago). It worked fine then, no problems. However, XP was then on my first HD and Ubuntu on my second. I just accepted the default setup options and everything worked fine - that was my setup.

I don't know if Ubuntu 'likes' to have its own HD as opposed using 'existing space' on a HD, but logically, it should make no difference.

I've since made a complete switch away from XP. I now have Mandriva 2006 on my first HD and Ubuntu on my second.

As has been said, make sure you 'existing space' if you only have the one HD.
 
As far as the X.org thing, you do need to choose a video driver (obviously) in order to see the pretty graphics. :) If in doubt, you can always use VESA until you can get the proper drivers going. It's compatible with every video card out there, though with VESA you will be missing many resolution options as well as 3D acceleration.
 
Well, I found what you meant when selecting a video driver so I chose the VESA driver instead. But instead of getting the error message, I get some bongo drum sound through my speakers and the monitor just powers off!
I'm trying another distro ... if I don't get any luck with this one, I give up! I've been tearing my hair out for a week now!
Any reccomendations?
 
spuff said:
Well, I found what you meant when selecting a video driver so I chose the VESA driver instead. But instead of getting the error message, I get some bongo drum sound through my speakers and the monitor just powers off!
I'm trying another distro ... if I don't get any luck with this one, I give up! I've been tearing my hair out for a week now!
Any reccomendations?
Click to expand...
Did you try to boot with the ubuntu liveCD? That should resolve video issues and you can copy the xorg.conf file. Maybe it just doesn't work with your video card and no amount of tweaking will make it work.

My suggestions for other distrobutions:
  • PCLinuxOS - Terrible name but one of the most friendly free Linux systems, based on Mandriva
  • MEPIS - Now based on ubuntu. Very friendly
  • Xandros - Cost you money but is very solid and easy to use. This is the most 'Windows' like of any Linux system.
  • Zenwalk - Based on slackware but more user friendly. Focuses on multimedia and desktop use.
  • PC-BSD - Not Linux at all but free and very friendly. Has 'windows-like' software installer.
Distrowatch is your friend
 
spuff said:
I've been tearing my hair out for a week now!
Any reccomendations?
Click to expand...

Getting close! You will be a Linuxer yet!

Mandriva!
I know I am into Debian but it is only because I had no real trouble setting up.
To be frank, until I got to Debian I thought Mandriva was the dog's wavous....

I would give it a try and stick with it.
With KDE, it is in my opinion a brilliant distro with strong multimedia offerings.
Now you can get Mandriva One on one CD!

Good luck.
 
Getting Linux initially installed and configured is definitely the toughest thing for those who are new to *nix operating systems. The trouble is that you have to learn new concepts while you're also trying to get your system up and going. Once it's up, it should be rock-solid for you. In the meantime, try not to become too frustrated, because you are still learning, as none of us were born knowing these things, and every mistake you make gains you a bit more knowledge and experience. My advice is to Google for every problem you experience. Read docs, forums, mailing lists, whatever gives you info in context. More often than not, you'll end up acquiring useful info you didn't even know to look for.

Concerning my advice for distros, definitely try running something live first, aka Kubuntu, and see if you have any difficulties that way. If you can run it live, you can certainly install it as well. Just pay attention to every step of the process, and don't just click "next" a lot. We're all willing to help out if you can present any specific questions or difficulties.
 
Right...
I downloaded and tried installing OpenSuSE ... wouldn't even install! It's wouldn't detect my DHCP settings to download the rest of the install! Needless to say, I gave up on that.
So I downloaded the whole DVD ISO for Mandriva 2007. It burned to disk fine and installed wonderfully (very easy, actually). But when I rebooted it, it just went straight to the command line interface-thing! I don't even know how to change the video card settings via command line (it's total greek to me!)
I did some Googling and someone said I should type "video=vesa" and it should work ok for now ... but that did nothing.

HELP!!:doh:
 
It did have a video part to the config, must've missed that I think. :( Even so, you can still do it semi-graphically by using drakconf. Just login as root and run the following command:
Code: 
drakconf
 
Anti-Trend said:
It did have a video part to the config, must've missed that.....
Click to expand...

Hell yeah! You need to have a freaky card for mandriva not to work on. Anyway if there was a problem you would not be able to go through the installer.... Thanks AT for this little tip. Remember it next time I screw up my x settings... :O

In the mandriva installer there is a part, near the end of the installation, where you are presented with all your settings before you actuly go ahead and finalise/install. Go into the display settings and you have an option to test all your display settings. I used this feature loads of times (yes, I used to re-install Linux a few times a week.... :doh: ) to reset different features. Man, do not give up on Mandriva it is a really cool distro!
 
I would suggest you install Mandriva again. As Saba has said, there is an option near the end of setup where you must configure your graphics card. It will probably say something like: 'graphics card not configured.' - click on this option (it might be in red highlight) and just accept the default options for your card that the Mandriva installer puts up in the dialog box and click 'OK'.

I have found, if you are setting up Linux distros for the first time - it is easier to accept all the default options that are thrown up (I speak from experience!) - you can always fine-tune later when you have more knowledge.

At the risk of repeating others, it is not easy to start off in Linux - there will be teething problems! Just stick with it, keep trying and do some research - once you're over the initial hurdles you'll be fine.
 
I seem to have narrowed down what the fault is ... it just does not aknowledge that there is a video card present. I realised this when I used drakconf and when I tested the settings, all I got what "An error accured (EE no devices attatched) Try to change some parameters". I even changed the PCIe slot the card was in and still the same. Tried VESA and just like with Ubuntu, the monitor powers off.
Obviously, my video card works, otherwise I wouldn't be sat here now typing this message! I'm just completely stumped.
*EDIT* Is there any way to install new and updated ATi drivers via command line?
 
It doesn't sound like a problem with your video drivers, but more likely a problem with your northbridge drivers, which is trickier. What are the specs of your motherboard and video card?

EDIT: Nevermind, I can see it in your profile. :P Try these: Download ULi Drivers
 
spuff said:
arrrggghhhh!! Which one do I download?? Sooo many options! lol
Click to expand...
Take a look at this FAQ to start.

You can download the latest driver here but may I recommend that you try to install the driver from Mandriva first. In other words, the mandriva RPM package. Even older versions of that driver will work with the x800 series.

Not sure if this will help but take a look.

And this too.

ATI is becoming more linux friendly but it still sucks. I always recommend buying nVidia but since you already have the card, you're stuck. Hope it works out.
 
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