Can't get to the GUI!?

[westnj]

Hello everyone i'm a a linux newbie using ubuntu 9.10 karmic koala. I recently updated my system using the update manager and installed all the recommended files and updates. my computer then automatically rebooted but when it turned back on I found that I am stuck on a console looking like screen. I can log in with my username and password, can move around using the simple commands I know (cd, ls), can reboot and shutdown, but cannot get to the GUI!

I've tried <CTRL> <ALT> <F7>. All of the text disappears and I am left with a flashing underscore at the top of the screen but nothing else. When I press <CTRL> <ALT> <F1> it switches back to the console.

startx

gets me

(EE) Failed to load module "i810" (module does not exist, 0)
Setting Master
(EE) config/hal: couldn't initialize context: unknown error (null)

waiting for X server to shut down Dropping master
ddxSigGiveUp: Closing log

Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

[schwim]

It's more than likely caused by a kernel update. When the computer boots, choose the older kernel(something like 2.6.31-16) with your down arrow and it should get you back into x.

Once you're in x, you'll want to see if it's caused by the fact that you are running a kernel that doesn't support your video card.