redrobbo2004

I am going through the pain of my first Linux install. I am trying to install Mandrake 10.1 on my old Dell Optiplex, in conjunction with 2 even older monitors. The install has worked so far in that I can boot to a text prompt. The problem is that I cannot get to the GUI interface (KDE or Gnome). The boot sequence progresses without error and then the screen simply goes blank. Booting in failsafe mode and then running drakconf gives me the option of changing my display config. The Optiplex has a intel 810 chipset, which I guess is OK. Is the problem with my monitors? I have tried 2, a Gateway CrystalScan 17" monitor and an even older ProVision 14" one. I cannot find either of them from the list of vendor monitors. I have tried any number of options, but they all fail when tested. Any advice?

Hi Guys, Thanks for all your responses. Through a combination of your suggestions and a bit of good old trial and error my monitor is now working properly. Just in case anyone else has a similar problem.... Mandrake 10.1 has a utility drakconf in which you can set any number of config issues (no need to edit the XF86config thingy) 1. Set the monitor to the lowest resolution and colour 2. Set the graphical display to VESA (even though my intel 810 chipset was in the list of vendors) 3. Play around with the refresh rates. !!! You should really RTFM regarding the max rates as you can apparently damage your monitor. In my case, I didn't have the manual and the monitor is so old I figured it was worth the risk. I think No.2 was the main contributor. This resulted in a successful boot to the GUI. From there, I was able to alter the settings through the CUI Mandrake Configurator. Thanks again for all your help.