startx can't bring up GUI, please help

[markluocanada]

Sorry, guys, a total noob here...but really want to try out slackware..

Did a full install of slackware 11 on my Thinkpad R31, and log in as root, typed startx, but nothing happened, but a blinking screen..

so did some googling, and tried xorgconfig, and try to figure out the monitor, but don't know the horizontal scaning rate and verticlal synchnic rate, so just trial and error.. but still can't get the X going..

can someone offer a little bit help, really appreciate it..?

[bidi]

Well, you're on the right track, you need to find your monitor's refresh rate! You might want to try IBM's or Lenovo's (which ever one you have) website to get more info! Another option, if the first one doesn't work, is to boot from a live CD and check what the refresh rate is setup to. You also need to know the graphics card, "vesa" should work for pretty much anything, but the resolution and performance sucks.

[ram_88]

I think, that your x server is already started. Type the command: kdm. After press enter.

[The_Outlander]

If you have a knoppix live CD lying around the boot messages will provide accurate values for horizontal and vertical refresh rates. To be honest I don't know how to determine them otherwise, unless the laptop manual provides that info.
If you are sure that all your selections in xorgconfig are correct, particularly the video driver and color depth, selecting a conservative horizontal refresh rate between 28 - 98 should get you going.
Older laptops may only support a color depth of 16, whereas later models should support 24. Vertical rates are not so important, and usually between 50 - 75 does the trick.

[Joe2003]

It will probably be because you dont have the drivers for the mouse loaded. Try putting a usb mouse in. Once you have got that far you can try installing the drivers.

[markluocanada]

Thank you guys, and I finally got this worked, and I used the xorgsetup, and change to 16bit instead of 24 bit, and it fixed.

Thanks, but the things is, I can't get my logitech usb mouse working, and I can't get my adsl connection working..

For adsl, I tried pppoe-setup, and entered my user name and password, then hit "pppoe-start", it tells that ..."connected",, but i just can't use firefox or other web browser to surf the internet,, and what is going on..

the learning curve for slackware is kinda steep.......

thanks,

mark

[markluocanada]

thanks outlander, i got that fixed,

joes, sorry, i didnt get your point, how to install the usb mouse drive..