New user with resolution problems 1

[Sveno]

Hi,

I am a first time user of Linux with a very old/slow computer. I tried to install Red Hat 8 and got into some trouble.

The installation took several hours, and one of the last prompts was screen resolution which I left at the default of 1024x768. Unfortunately my monitor cannot handle this resolution, so now Linux boots up O.K. and then changes the resolution when it automatically starts windows. I end up with a colourful fuzzy screen.

Without wasting several more hours on another complete install, does anyone know if you can change the monitor resolution setting by passing a parameter on bootup or some other fix. (I can use vi if you can somehow edit the kernel)

Cheers

Mark

 

[RhythmAce]

I think you can change it by editing /etc/X11/xf86config. To get to that point you'll have to use that boot disk you made when you installed linux. If you broke the law and didn'r make one, you can use the first cd from the distro.

 

[AP81]

When you boot up, press ctrl + alt + F1
At the command line type: cd /etc/X11
Then type: ls grep | xf86config

If there is an xf86config-4 file, then that will be the one you edit, otherwise you will edit the xf86config file.

To do this type vi xf86config-4 (or xf86config)

Scroll down to the section 'screen' and change the order of the modes for your default color depth so your desired resolution appears first, e.g. If I wanted to use a resolution of 800x600 @ a color depth of 16-bit, this is what my section of my XF86config file would look like:

______________________________________________________________
Section "Screen"
Driver "svga"
# Use Device "Generic VGA" for Standard VGA 320x200x256
#Device "Generic VGA"
Device "My Video Card"
Monitor "Vision Master 17"
DefaultColorDepth 16
SubSection "Display"
Depth 8
Modes "1024x768" "1152x864" "1280x1024"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 15
Modes "1024x768" "1152x864" "1280x1024"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 16
Modes "800x600 " "1024x768" "1152x864" "1280x1024"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 32
Modes "1280x1024" "1152x864" "1024x768"
EndSubSection
______________________________________________________________

Scroll down to the line to edit and press: i
This will take you to 'insert mode'
Next type in: "800x600"
Then press the escape key (to take you out of insert mode)
Then type: wq! (To quit and save)
Next, su and run Reboot command

Sorry if I have over-explained, but you should be able to take it from here.