Configuring Xfree86-4.0.2 in Debian...

[complication]

Hello,
I am currently trying to get XFree86-4.0.2 running in Debian. Here are the steps I have taken so far:

1) I grabbed the packaged needed for XF86-4.0.2 with apt-get (from an unstable server, so they are the most recent).

2) I tried doing XF86Config, but it seemed like nothing was happening after. It just went back to its old.

3) I figured out I had to do XFree86 -configure which creates a file /root/XF86Config.new

4) I tried start up X with XFree86 -xf86config /root/XF86Config.new, but it would not start up due to the wrong mouse configuration.

5) I edited /root/XF86Config.new and told it my mouse was PS/2 and it's input was /dev/psaux and then did XFree86 -xf86config /root/XF86Config.new and X started up. It got to the black and white screen where the mouse icon is an X. I could use my mouse with no problem, but it just stuck on that screen.

After crashing X with Ctrl + Alt + Backspace I recieved this error:

Could not init font path element /usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/Speedo/, removing from list!
Could not init font path element /usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/Type1/, removing from list!

Anyhow, I checked www.xfree86.org (http://www.xfree86.org) and I believe I am missing some fonts X requires (or X is looking in the wrong dir for them).

Can someone help me figure this little problem with the fonts out. Thanks a lot to anyone who responds.

[ 08 March 2001: Message edited by: complication ]

[bigskinnee]

I had an issue similar to this.
Try commenting out the fonts dir that is causing the problem in your XF86config.net file and then restart X.

The black in white screen with the mouse cursor as an x is the window maker window manager. It may look odd if you are not used to it and have used sawfish in the past.

If you want to use sawfish I would recomend apt-get `ing zimian and that will get you the nice graphical login using gdm and return you to the sawfish gnome window manager

[rod]

You may also want to check and see if you have the following packages:

xfonts-base, xfonts-100dpi, xfonts-75dpi, xfonts-scalable, xfs

Regards,
Rod

[ 08 March 2001: Message edited by: rod ]

[complication]

rod,
are those unstable or stable packages? thanks.

[rod]

I would suggest you get them from unstable, since that is where you got XFree4.0.2 from.

Regards,
Rod

[complication]

Okay, I upgraded all those pakages. Then I did a dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xfree86. I went through every step and specified accordingly. After I select the video modes it doesn't show any sign of doing anything. Is that correct? I am now stumped on what to do to.

Also after updating the packages it I still got an error about the font types.

When I run XFree86 -config /root/XF86Config.new it will do the black and white screen, then it will just sit there. Am I doing something wrong, or forgetting a step?

Thanks a lot to everyone who has responded.

[rod]

What window manager do you have installed? Window Maker, Ximian Gnome,

Regards,
rod

[Tyr-7BE]

does xf86config do anything (case sensitive)? Make sure you have a window manager on your system. Try typing "twm". That's the default window manager that debian will give you. It's so simple it's not even funny, but it will get you places. Apt-get whatever you want after you get it working.

[bdl]

You're still running X with the command XFree86 -xf86config XF86Config.new right? You need to copy this file over to /etc/X11/XF86Config-4 and then 'startx' from the CLI. This will run the normal X init and start up your window manager.
And yes, unless you edit the file and comment out the font paths, you'll get those errors. Dont sweat it, if font errors are all you're getting you're in good shape. ;)


linuxprompt# man xinit

damn typos :(

[ 08 March 2001: Message edited by: bdl ]

[complication]

I'm not sure what Window Manager I have installed... heh. :o How do i check?

On a side note: Before trying xfree-4.0.2 i did not try and get 3.x.x (version that comes with debian potato) working. I kinda jumped right into 4.0.2. Does this change things at all?

I copied the XF86Config.new into /etc/X11/ and named it XF86Config-4. When I did a startx, it still said the file X was missing.

[ 08 March 2001: Message edited by: complication ]

[rod]

Well...there are many. you might want to try Window Maker.

apt-get install wmaker

You may also want to install, if you haven't already;

apt-get install task-x-window-system

That will install what you need to get you to a graphical desktop. After installing as user just type startx and there ya go.

Window Maker screen shot (http://www.windowmaker.org/images/screenshots/obituary.jpg)

Regards,
Rod

[ 08 March 2001: Message edited by: rod ]

[rod]

If you still have problems after that run as root:

xf86config

That should write your /etc/X11/XF86Config-4 file for you. You need to know video card, mouse, keyboard and monitor specs.

Regards,
Rod

[complication]

I got through xf86config, and it wrote to XF86Config-4. :)

but, when i did startx I got the error:

X: cannot stat /etc/X11/X (No such file or directory), aborting.
giving up.
xinit: Connection refused. (errno 111): unable to connect to X server
xinit: No such process (errno 3): Server error.
Anyone know why there is no /etc/X11/X?
I must be a huge pain in the arse. :D Thanks so much guys, I wouldnt be this far without you.

[ 08 March 2001: Message edited by: complication ]

[ 08 March 2001: Message edited by: complication ]

[rod]

Not a pain..... setting up X can be though. If you have installed task-x-window-system and lets say window maker.....

and still getting that error, you will have to play with xf86config until you get it right.

Regards,
Rod

[Tyr-7BE]

Make sure you have your choice of servers installed...eg, if I were using the XF86_SVGA server, I'd have to make sure that file exists first. I had that problem, and that was the error message I was getting.

[complication]

Originally posted by Tyr-7BE:
Make sure you have your choice of servers installed...eg, if I were using the XF86_SVGA server, I'd have to make sure that file exists first. I had that problem, and that was the error message I was getting.

I think your right about the servers. How would I go about getting the XF86_SVGA server in Debian?

Thanks.

[bdl]

Try this:

Create a link from /usr/bin/X11/XFree86 to X like so:

linuxprompt# ln -s /usr/bin/X11/XFree86 /etc/X11/X

That should do it.

[complication]

YEAH!!!! :D :D :D That worked!!!! :) :)

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone who helped!!! :) :) :)

-Ryan

[rod]

Congratulation! Have fun.

Regards,
Rod

[complication]

One more quick question on Debian:

When I want to install something, do I always use apt-get or dselect? Or can I compile from source, say GAIM? I am thinking that compiling from source would mess with dependencies.

Thanks. :)

Also: Debian is by far the BEST distro I have EVER used! :) I am in love... :D

[rod]

One thing about Debian is that you do have that choice. Of the programs I install, I would say that 98% of them are .debs. Gaim is availible in the unstable branch.

Just in case you are not aware of this site, Debian packages. (http://www.debian.org/distrib/packages)

Use apt, dselect, dpkg or compile. I find apt the easiest to use.

Regards,
Rod