[SOLVED] Blank screen on startup....yes, that old chestnut!

[EGLF24]

As a Windows user of some 10 years or so I have finally taken the plunge into the world of Linux - Ubuntu specifically. It installed eventually (via the alternate install method) but when it boots I am just getting a blank screen after the Ubuntu splashscreen. I realise this a common problem and has been answered many times all over the web but I have not had any luck sorting this.

I get a text prompt if I press Ctrl-Alt-F1 so I know it hasn't locked up but, I can get no further. I'm assuming it's a graphics display problem and many folks out there suggest booting in recovery mode, typing the following and installing the Vesa driver:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg

However, when I type this and go to the xserver-xorg config pages, the only options I get are for the keyboard. There is nothing there for video!!

Can anyone help please? I have so far spent two evenings trying sort this and am reaching the point where I'm going to throw in the towel and stick with Mr Gates' offerings.

Thanks in advance.

[L4Linux]

Have you tried any other Linux distribution? Maybe Fedora, OpenSuse or Mandriva for example work fine with your graphics card.
What graphics card do you have?

[devils casper]

Execute this

sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Add Driver "vesa" in Video Card section.

Section "Device"
	Identifier  "Configured Video Card"
	Driver      "vesa"
EndSection

Press Ctrl+X, Y and hit Enter key to save file. Reboot machine.

sudo shutdown -r now

In case it doesn't work, execute this

sudo lspci | grep -i vga

Post output here.

[EGLF24]

Thanks for the replies. devils casper's first suggestion has done the trick. Much appreciated

[devils casper]

Glad to help you !
Do start a new thread if you have any other question.