linux install on laptop black screen

[williamson210]

hello all,
i am trying to install Linux XP on a laptop, Compaq Presario 1200 and it gets thru the boot process and says loading:

loading anaconda
probing for monitor
probing for mouse

loading x server
then screen goes black

new at this please help...
thanks

[techieMoe]

I'm not familiar with Linux XP, but there should be an option to install non-graphically. What it looks like is Linux XP is having trouble with the video hardware on your laptop. Is it an ATI card?

Also, why Linux XP? It's a commercial distribution if I'm not mistaken. You might try a free distribution like Fedora, openSuSE, or Mandriva instead. They're at least more well-known on the forum and you're more likely to get good help.

[williamson210]

i am kinda new to the Linux scene.. i just read about the XP and thought i would try it. I will try the Fedora. thanks..

[williamson210]

i took your advice and installed another linux os.. fedora 5. now when it boots i get the:

"localhost login"
"password"

and i use ROOT and my password and get to:

[root@localhost ~]#

i type "startx" and it starts to load and screen goes black. what am i doing wrong?

[techieMoe]

First of all you don't want to log in for everday activities (such as a graphical section) as root. That's one problem, but not what's causing your trouble with X Windows. As root, run xorgconfig and it will walk you through setting up your graphical interface. What kind of video hardware do you have?

[Mars922]

Every time I experience a "black screen" on a laptop it is due to some "frame buffer" issue which most modern LiveCD distro's give a easy way to get around via picking an alternative boot option which bypasses that issue.

I'd also suggest that instead of installing straight away that you use a "LiveCD" type distro to get familiar before diving head in. That method can help a lot toward easing the frustrations of dealing with new unfamiliar territorys.

There are lots of LiveCD distro's to choose from these days. So experiment and have fun checking them out.

[ianj001]

I have to agree with TechieMoe it sounds like you have hardware issues, maybe an unsupported (old) graphics card. I have been using Mandriva/Mandrake on a laptop as my primary work machine for 4/5 years now without major issues.