X config problem causes me to have reinstall entire OS--!!newbie warning!!

[Jim Merante <jmerante@utm.com>]

Is there a keystroke combination that will prompt the
boot commands and allow me to skip the load X windows
command?

(BTW, if I have posted this on a non-newbie list, I
apoloogize and I will seek help elsewhere)

After I have configured X and go to run it, my monitor
goes blank and the green light on the monitor turns to
a yellow light (no signal).

No problem, reboot and run xf86config again until I get
the setting correct, right?

Wrong.  Everytime I boot after I have killed my screen,
the OS skips right over the prompt and goes right into
the blank screen.

Now I have no doubt that this is my fault and perhaps
even the fault of my vid card and I can live with
having to rectify it.

But I don't want to reinstall the system each time I
change the config!  I don't even mind going in to the
file and changing things manually, if only I could get
to a command prompt before my screen goes black!

There has got to be a keystroke combination that will
prompt the boot commands and allow me to skip the load
X windows command.

Right...?
Right.......?


Please help,

Thanks


-- 
Jim Merante
Utility Trailer Mfg.
Dealer Information Systems Administrator
626-854-7341
jmerante@utm.com