Learning Red Hat Linux, Third Edition

Getting Help

If your system fails to boot or if you’re unable to complete the Linux installation process, don’t despair: this section will help you troubleshoot your installation.

Failed Graphical Login

Sometimes, the graphical login fails. This is particularly likely if your system wasn’t manufactured recently or if it’s a laptop rather than a desktop.

If you don’t see either display manager’s screen, your X configuration isn’t appropriate for your system’s video hardware. It could be that your X configuration requires revision. In the worst case, your system’s video hardware may not be compatible with X; in that event, you’ll nevertheless be able to run nongraphical Linux applications.

Warning

If you see a scrambled image rather than text or images on your monitor, immediately switch off the monitor. If your monitor is an older model, it can be damaged by the incorrect configuration. To reconfigure your system so that it operates properly, follow the procedures in the sidebar When X Is Obstinate, earlier in this chapter.

Additional Resources

As much as I’d like to help you solve your problems in installing Red Hat Linux, I get too much email to be able to respond personally. But don’t fret: the help you need is probably close by, in one of these sources:

The Red Hat Linux 8.0 Installation Guide

This guide is distributed with retail boxed copies of Red Hat Linux, either on CD-ROM or as a printed book. It’s also available online. It provides a step-by-step guide to installing ...