I have no GUI!

[PTSnoop]

I've just installed Ubuntu 8.10 using the "Install inside Windows" option on the disk. When I try to boot Ubantu, it asks me whether I want Vista or Ubuntu, I select Ubuntu. Then I get the logo and orange scrolling thing for a while (all seems normal, from what I've seen of my mate's Linux).

Then I get a blank screen with a flashing underscore prompt in the top left hand corner. I can type things, but nothing happens. That stays for about a minute, then I get a bit of text then a working shell (is that the word? The thing that looks like a DOS prompt). From here, I can get Linux to work as much as I know how to from the shell (which isn't much!).

Snag is, I can't figure out how to get anything that looks like a window or a mouse cursor. All the interweb guides I've found seem to assume that once you've got Ubuntu, it should just load up Gnome automatically.

Can anyone help?

[rokytnji]

Whats the specs on your computer may I ask?

[PTSnoop]

It's a Samsung X22 laptop. This one right here: Samsung NP-X22A005/SUK Samsung X22, Intel® C2D T8300 Processor, 14.1" Screen, Vista Home Premium, 4GB RAM, 320GB HDD, DVD Rewriter, Dedicated Graphics, NP-X22A005/SUK (Q310) .

Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Penryn (T8300 - 2.40 GHz, 800MHz FSB, 3MB)
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
RAM: 4GB in theory, although Windows only sees 3GB
Hard Drive: 320GB (SATA)
Graphics: Dedicated (ATI MobilityTM Radeon® 2400-HD with 128MB Dedicated)

[devils casper]

Its a Graphics Card problem. Press Alt+Ctrl+F1. Does it switch to Command Line Login prompt?

[PTSnoop]

Nope. Nothing happens.

[stef4001]

It is with wubi that you made your install of ubuntu if i was you i wont to learn how to partion your harddrive and make e fresh install of ubuntu so you have e dual boot than de windows thingi is gone and your running pure linux.
good luck
have funn.

[PTSnoop]

Yes, I'm planning on having proper partitioned dual-boot eventually. The thing is, I'd rather make sure Linux is going to work fine on my system before repartitioning anything.

So is this graphics card problem just a wubi problem that'd be cleared up if I installed Ubuntu properly? Or would I need a new graphics card?

[D-cat]

Try downloading and burning a regular Ubuntu CD, then boot your computer with the CD in live mode (Try Ubuntu without making changes). If it boots into a regular gui, you can be reasonable assured a hard drive install from that CD will work correctly.

Be sure to uninstall your Wubi based Ubuntu before doing a CD install.

[rokytnji]

If you haven't deleted wubi install yet you can check this out.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/WubiGuide#Ot...deo%20problems

[rokytnji]

or this too maybe

Video Problems after second reboot

If you experience problems after installation, press "Ctrl+Alt+F2" and run:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg

Select the Vesa driver and leave all other options at default. Then reboot. That will allow you to boot into a safe graphic mode (limited resolution) you should then be able to install the appropriate drivers or try other solutions as appropriate.