Install X non optimum resolution

dokpinoy · #1 5th December 2009, 02:44 PM

I have googled this and I refuse to believe the answer is "older video card" or "ubuntu". Does anyone know what boot parameters to use or how to get Fedora to start the install process in a resolution other than the "Optimum resolution"? resolution=640x40 vga=ask. These do not work. They set the debug display but when the graphical portion starts it defaults to the "optimum resolution" and the message displays "Cannot Display This Video Mode". As you consider the answer, think this is a new computer, blank hard disk, etc. I am installing Fedora 10. Tried 11 and Vista seems less buggy, prefer 10 or 9.

Fedora is the greatest!!!

SlowJet · #2 5th December 2009, 02:59 PM

xdrver=vesa vga=ask
when you get the vga mode list, press enter - to get more modes.
Select one for vesa Like 1024x768x32

1024x768 is the minimum for configuring some apps.
So after first boot
yum install system-config-display
Fine display under System, Admin (not System, Prefs)
select hardware tab for monitor(if not recognized.). Select CRT 1024x768 (or LCD 1024x768)
Now the mode dropdown list should have several to pick from.

SJ

dokpinoy · #3 6th December 2009, 04:14 AM

xdriver=vesa I think? That dont work either. Still default to optimum resolution of 1440x900. I di use vga=ask and select 640x480. Tried xdrivr xdrver xdrvr... Are there any other options for xdriver? I am going to try abd copy a Xorg.conf file from a working install set res to 640 480 or lower and see what happens. Any advice as to if that file resides somewhere difference during installation?

sidebrnz · #4 6th December 2009, 07:13 AM

Just out of curiosity, why do you need the less-than-optimal mode? Vision problems?

dokpinoy · #5 6th December 2009, 02:16 PM

I just want to install Fedora 10 on a new PC with a blank hard drive. I will continue to try and find the answer to this secret. Perhaps the average person would give up and go to another distro that doesn't try to do assume it can do everything Gates Gang can. The default resolution to install should be 640x480. Linux is great, but it should not arrogantly assume it has every driver for ever video card. Next is to find and old video card and a CRT. If it dont work then I dunno.

eliashickman · #6 6th December 2009, 02:35 PM

ahhh okay. Now I think I SEE your problem. (Pun intended) I had a similar situation but (of course) my question was just the opposite.
So what you need to do is install "vbetest".
Then basically follow this thread.
http://forums.fedoraforum.org/showth...light=plymouth
Look at post #10. Then just adjust it to your specs.

For the gui, I don't see why it wouldn't work setting the resolution in System-->Config-->Dispaly properties.
Good luck, either way.

dokpinoy · #7 6th December 2009, 07:56 PM

All I want to do is (a) INSTALL FEDORA (b) Be a Fedora Evangelist. In the 80's I designed software for UNIX. Last year I tried to install Fedora 9 on a similar computer and gave up, went to PCLOS. Fedora is way better.

Use Fedora at work. I thought I had found the answer, Ignore the resolution error and Ctrl-Alt-F2 login as root and type anaconda -T . Goes through partitioning and stopping with another silly error: "Unable to read group information from repositories" . I am certain this has something to do with that SELinux garbage, but how will I disable it from the install media? I can go to AL:T F3 and ping google or fedoraforum. HELP!

eliashickman · #8 7th December 2009, 03:54 AM

Okay for avoiding the need to Alt+F3 everytime, when your presented the grub screen hit TAB then at the end of the line put the number 3. This will make Fedora boot into runlevel 3 instead of the default 5.

As far as anaconda starting up with errors I have no clue.
Just in case you are, but I'm sure that you aren't, Don't load or plug in any other repos for your initial install.
When you get to the chance to do the install just:
1. Do it and reboot.
2. Update everything. If you have over 4 gigs of RAM you'll most likely need a PAE kernel. So install that too. After the update.
3. Then you could disable SELINUX manually. The file is in /etc/selinux/config just change TARGETED to DISABLED.
4, Do all your tweeks and specific stuff.
5. Renable SELINUX if so desired.

I've had some problems too just getting the "vesa" driver to work properly when doing a fresh install. Just keep at it. You'll figure it out.

If you still have problems with the normal Fedora 11 cd you could try going to Dangermouse's site. He made a pretty good spin that I use at work. I'll PM you the link if you'd like.

sidebrnz · #9 7th December 2009, 04:48 AM

Speaking from experience, if your CPU can handle it, you'll get a PAE kernel automatically, even with less than 4 Gig of RAM.

Also, I'd still like to know why you want to set the resolution so low. Do you have vision issues or do you just want to know how it's done for those who do? (Not that it matters, but as I wrote before, I'm curious.)

dokpinoy · #10 13th December 2009, 01:50 PM

Finally installed. Gave up and went to F 12. Wow! Nice! Fedora is the best