Re: confusing X problem
The only way I know to approach a problem like this is to get the system
to a known state, and then proceed with a step-by-step analysis to reduce
the number of variables, and isolate the problem. I would suggest
something like the following:
Verify whether the current version of stable does have support for your
card. If so, purge your current xserver pacakges, and reinstall them. Make
sure that the package dependencies are all met during the installation,
and that any packages that were not configured get configured (run dpkg
--pending --configure).
Gather together all the relevant docs, HOWTO's, man pages, etc. Now begin
the X configuration process. At each step, read the relevant portion of
the docs to verify that the correct data is entered, and that the system
gives the correct response. Assuming all goes well, run it.
Now observe what does or does not happen. Note the specific errors and
where in the process they occur. Go back to the docs and read the relevant
sections. As you attempt to resolve each error, again note what happens
and try to find out why. In this way, the the potential problem areas are
narrowed down and hopefully isolated. If not, it is much easier to ask
someone to help when the problem has been clarified.
If this sound like a lot of work, well, it is. But IMHO it is easier than
trying to solve a difficult problem intuitively. Taken a step at a time,
it comes together easier than it might seem.
Ernest Johanson
Web Systems Administrator
Fuller Theological Seminary
On Tue, 17 Aug 1999, Patrick Olson wrote:
> Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1999 09:57:26 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Patrick Olson <compman@internetcds.com>
> To: Ernest Johanson <ejohan@fuller.edu>
> Cc: debian-user@lists.debian.org
> Subject: Re: confusing X problem
>
>
> > How old is your version of Debian? Did you install the XF86_SVGA from a
> > debian package or compile it from source?
>
> I started from a Debian 2.0 CD, but did not install X from there. I
> pointed dselect to ftp://ftp.debian.org//pub/debian/dists/stable for
> updating the stuff that installed off the CD and then adding X. So, I
> _think_ everything is up to date with dists/stable.
>
> I have tried three XF86_SVGA binaries. The first (3.3.2) came as a .deb
> package from somewhere under dists/stable. The other two (3.3.3, 3.3.4)
> were from a .tgz file pulled from a mirror of xfree86.org
>
> That brings to light the question of whether or not I can get away with
> downloading a server binary and dropping it on top of an older version of
> X.
>
> Also, I just noticed something about my monitor. The specs say, "Plug and
> Play: 1/2B." I don't have a clue what that means, but could that have
> anything to do with it? It is an NEC MultiSync XV15+. I can try it with
> a different monitor if that might help, but I don't have any sort of specs
> or docs on the other one, as it just says "Tangent Computer."
>
> I hope some of this information helps bring to light whatever stupid
> mistake I am making! As always, I appreciate all of the people who take
> time to help me with this.
>
> Thanks,
> Patrick
>
>
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