debian woes

[Xprotocol]

I just installed my first distro of debian, 2.2 r0 "Potato". But now I got this xwindows problem that I have had before in other distros. When ever I try to start x, I get errors. I can't tell what the errors are because the letters are thrown about the screen. I am put back at the command prompt but when I type, the letters go to random spots on the screen and its imposible to tell what I have typed, however, the commands continue to work. As long as x never attempts to start, I'm fine. The problem is, it always trys to boot in graphical mode so it always messes things up. Whats the command to make it start in run level 3? I think that should fix my problem. Thanks. BTW, I could also use the command for xconfig so I can fix the thing.

[Bradmont]

ok, to avoid X boots, in a console as root, type apt-get remove xdm, or apt-get remove gdm (depending on if it's xdm or gdm launching... try both). This should prevent a graphical boot. In order to see what the errors produced by x are, after you boot into the console, type startx > outfile. This should create a file with the errors produced by X. If your fonts are gibbled, then reboot and read the file. Hope this helps.

[Xprotocol]

I don't want to remove my xserver, I just want it to boot in runlevel 3 instead of 5.

[Xprotocol]

Tryed using my boot disc and typing "linux 3" but it does the same thing. I guess I'll just go with what you suggested, thanks.

[bdg1983]

From the NHF http://www.linuxnewbie.org/nhf/intel/x-windows/guiboot.html change the runlevel to 3 in /etc/inittab.

Since this question is asked on a fairly frequent basis, you could also search the forums for other suggestions.

[Bradmont]

Originally posted by Xprotocol:
I don't want to remove my xserver, I just want it to boot in runlevel 3 instead of 5.

This won't remove your x-server, just the X display manager. All it'll do is stop you from booting into X. You can still get X by typing startx. And, once you've got it working, if you want to boot into x again, you can just do an apt-get install xdm to get it back.