If your system fails to boot or if you’re unable to complete the Linux installation process, don’t despair: this section will help you troubleshoot your installation.
Sometimes, the graphical login fails. This is particularly likely if your system wasn’t manufactured recently or if it’s a laptop rather than desktop computer.
If you don’t see either display manager’s screen, your X configuration isn’t appropriate for your system’s video hardware. It could be that your X configuration needs to be tweaked to make X work properly. In the worst case, your system’s video hardware may not be compatible with X; in that event, you will be able to run only nongraphical Linux applications.
Warning
If you see a scrambled image rather than text or images on your monitor, immediately switch off the monitor. If your monitor is an older model, it can be damaged by the incorrect configuration. To reconfigure your system so that it operates properly, follow the procedures in When X Fails earlier in this chapter.
The help you need is probably close by, in one of these sources:
- The Official Red Hat Linux 7.2 Installation Guide
This guide is distributed with retail boxed copies of Red Hat Linux, either on CD-ROM or as a printed book. It’s also available online. It provides a step-by-step guide to installing Red Hat Linux that includes more details than are given in this chapter.
http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/linux/RHL-7.2-Manual/install-guide
- Red Hat Linux 7.2 bug fixes
The Red Hat Linux 7.2 bug fixes web page describes bugs discovered in Red Hat Linux 7.2 and provides links to updated packages that resolve known problems. Sometimes, the installation media themselves are found to contain bugs. In that case, you may be able to find and download fixes from this web page.
http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/rh72-errata-bugfixes.html
- Linux Installation and Getting Started
Though somewhat out of date, this resource still gives useful information and hints for installing Linux. Though it addresses Linux generally, much of the material is applicable to Red Hat Linux.
- Red Hat Linux Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ site is maintained by Red Hat. It provides answers to many common questions regarding Red Hat Linux and includes a section on installing it.
http://www.redhat.com/support/docs/faqs/rhl_general_faq/FAQ.html
- The Linux Installation HOWTO
This HOWTO resembles Linux Installation and Getting Started. It too addresses Linux generally rather than Red Hat Linux, but it contains much useful information and is more current than Linux Installation and Getting Started.
- Red Hat Linux Solutions Database
This database can be searched online. It contains resolutions and workarounds for many Red Hat Linux problems.
- The Linux on Laptops web page
Installing Linux on a laptop presents special difficulties, because laptops regularly contain peculiar hardware. Worse, two laptops that have identical model numbers may contain different hardware. The Linux on Laptops web page is an essential resource for those who want to install Red Hat Linux on a laptop.
- Red Hat Bugzilla FAQ
This searchable database covers problems reported by users of Red Hat Linux. You can use Bugzilla to determine if someone else has had the same problem you’re experiencing. Often, the Bugzilla record will include a workaround or fix for your problem.
- Usenet newsgroups
Several Usenet newsgroups address Red Hat Linux. You can find a list of these at http://metalab.unc.edu/linux/intro.html. If your Internet service provider (ISP) provides access to these newsgroups—as most do—you can read and post messages from and to other Linux users around the world. If necessary, consult your ISP for information on accessing these newsgroups. If you have only web access, you can search Usenet postings via Google, at http://groups.google.com.
Don’t post blindly to these newsgroups or you may draw angry responses; instead, you should first attempt to find answers to your questions elsewhere. Generally, the Linux community is quite willing to help even those who ask what some consider dumb questions; as a courtesy to all, however, it’s best if you do some work on your own before seeking the help of others.