[orysyz]

Hi guys, long time im not post any thread here.

Just want to seek for opinion of how to solve my linux problem right now.
Ok.. I got a laptop Acer model ASPIRE 5502NWXMi. This Model should be linux preinstalled but the damn distributer remove it and install windows.
Then I put mandriva cd and boot it, there no loading splash screen. I cant used graphical install. Its okay, I used text install. Installation success but when i boot it.. no screen. So sad.
I guess it happened because i used widescreen laptop and the graphic chipset is ati mobility x700.
Please help me.

 

[RF]

What distribution are you using?

He said mandriva, baka

orysyz have you tried any other distros, maybe try a live cd of ubuntu.

 

[Master Chief]

When I tried installing the Mandrake Mini-CD with the ATI card in my Linux computer, I was able to use the graphical installer. But when I booted, I got into lilo or grub(whatever the hell it uses), i selected linux, then i got to a screen that said BIOS Check Sucsessfull then the damn computer rebooted. I think I did manage to get into it, but the only thing i got on screen was the xclock.

 

[orysyz]

orysyz have you tried any other distros, maybe try a live cd of ubuntu.

Other than mandriva, I have also try kubuntu and gentoo live cd but i cant start x server in gentoo. yeah usually we just type startx and poof it show graphic but in gentoo theres no startx command. And kubuntu, I successful install it also in text mode. it start, i can hear kde startup sound but no gfx after all.
among distro i have tried, it seems only gentoo did detect my gfx card correctly but other distro just put standard VESA in video configuration.

 

[Snake785]

hmm...try using a standard vga driver for the X server (edit the XFreeConfig4 or xorg.conf file. change the driver from ati (or radeon) to vga). That should be able to give you a display when using X. After you are in X and everything is working. Download ATI's Linux drivers here. After you install it (just make sure that file has the x permission so that it'll execute), restart X and if all goes well, these drivers will work (if not, you'll have to edit the config file for X so you can set the new driver as the active one. For instrcutions go here). You'll even have hardware acceleration at this point.

 

[orysyz]

Thanks Snake785, using vga driver help a bit. Though it just run in 320x something resolution. Im now still downloading ati driver. Weird I thought i had gone to ati web page but there no driver for linux i see. It just said obtain driver from your distro.
Anyway the result would came out untill I install the driver. Catch you guys later and thank again Snake.

 

[Kirby]

ah...the joys of ATi on linux. If the installation doesn't kill you, the horrible performance will ^^

here is the download:
https://support.ati.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=894&task=knowledge&folderID=300 (there is a installer now, which I never tried before.....see if that's easier for you)

and if the installer fails (which it probably will), there are detailed instructions to install it manually here:
http://www.rage3d.com/content/articles/atilinuxhowto/

 

[orysyz]

Yay... It worked.
I successfully installed ati linux driver and the result is stunning. Anyway as kirby said, maybe he mean that performance when I run 3D based program. I havent try it yet but i will.
The most sad is no bootsplash in mandriva. I tried changed everything to make it work but damn.

 

[orysyz]

Help once again...
I have installed Mandriva too on my friends laptop. The problem is, it cant boot.
All I got on screen is;

Freeing unused kernel memory: 264k freed
Kernel panic - not syncing: No init found, try passing init = option to kernel

What does it meant?

 

[Snake785]

That's not a good message. You could try to recompile the kernel but if you don't know how, I'd just reinstall Mandriva. That message is telling you that the init process can not be loaded and the init process is really important in Linux.

 

[orysyz]

But it happened when first boot of mandriva. I think maybe i have to reinstall it back since this bad luck installation was carried out by my frend (the owner) who didnt know anyting about linux.

 

[orysyz]

But it happened when first boot of mandriva. I think maybe i have to reinstall it back since this bad luck installation was carried out by my frend (the owner) who didnt know anyting about linux.

 

[tuesday20102001]

But it happened when first boot of mandriva. I think maybe i have to reinstall it back since this bad luck installation was carried out by my frend (the owner) who didnt know anyting about linux.

the current version offered by mandriva is mandriva one.fits on one cd-r and is a live cd.you can burn the image in windows using alcohol 120%.one booted and logged in mandriva you can mount it to your hard drive.the one im using has a splash screen with most of the utilities (mandriva one)

p.s. make sure mandriva supports your hardware

current laptop:dell latitude 110l
was optional to have shipped with madriva 2005

 

[JKKDARK]

don't revive old threads!

 

[tuesday20102001]

some help you are

don't revive old threads!

i dont really feel i should explain my actions for you,but i posted to this thread due to having a similar problem myslef.not really like posting to this thread is gonna effect you personally.

 

[KillerShots]

All right...

Honestly, if you follow these steps, then it won't matter what distro you use.

1. Do NOT automatically boot to X. This means no window manager is to be installed. This does NOT mean that you don't install KDE / gnome / iceWM, it means that you don't install the window managers for them. This means that when you boot, you will get a text login prompt. When you log in and you actually want a graphical environment (can't imagine why), type "startx". This will start your chosen environment up (KDE / gnome / icewm / etc), providing that you set it up appropriately.

2. Do NOT use the built-in drivers from your distro. If they work, it's a miracle. Instead, download the drivers from your chipset manufacturer's web site. Both ATI and nVidia have drivers available. Follow their instructions to set yours up.

3. If you absolutely MUST have a graphical environment before you download your drivers, use either the vesa drivers or the vga drivers. Very basic, very non-3d... but very functional.

Why do these things?

1. If you screw up your graphical environment, you have a text-console that you boot up to that lets you fix the problem. With the window manager, you don't get that option (unless you properly configure it to do so).

2. If you use the shipped drivers for your distro (ati of nv), if you're extremely lucky it will fire up. Even if it does, it's not going to be stable. On top of that, you won't have 3D support.

3. Oh, and for the record, I've been using the "startx" command under Gentoo for several years now... so I'm pretty sure it exists. Try not installing a window manager (Not to jump on you, just trying to help out... even though it's now several months since your last post).