How to properly install drivers in RH 7.3

[Valinos]

Ok, I originally installed the newest nvidia refs onto my Linux machine using their instructions and it screwed me out of any GUI at all. I ended up reinstalling seeing that I had nothing done and I'm such a noob anyway. I installed the kernel rpm and then the GLX rpm, then when I rebooted it couldn't display anything but the command prompt. Step by step, how the hell do I install those damn drivers correctly so I don't screw up my install again. I'd like to check out Quake 3 under Linux, but I'd rather not use the generic GF3 drivers that come with RH7.3

 

[cleverhandle]

Well, you can get to a command line, at least - so that means that you have not "screwed up your install." Fire up X with startx and check out your X log (it's in /var/log, XFree86log or similar). "EE" lines are reporting errors - what do they say? Any other stuff in there about nvidia/GLX that looks interesting? We can probably get you going from there.

Not to sound snobby, but if you expect that anything in Linux will work flawlessly on the first try, you may want to reconsider your choice of operating system.

 

[underpaid]

I suggest you read through the nvidia readme file. Check through your XF86Config-4 file to make sure that all of your input devices, etc are configured properly. After installing the nvidia drivers, you will have to make a few modifications to the XF86Config-4 file.

 

[Valinos]

Originally posted by: cleverhandle
Well, you can get to a command line, at least - so that means that you have not "screwed up your install." Fire up X with startx and check out your X log (it's in /var/log, XFree86log or similar). "EE" lines are reporting errors - what do they say? Any other stuff in there about nvidia/GLX that looks interesting? We can probably get you going from there.

Not to sound snobby, but if you expect that anything in Linux will work flawlessly on the first try, you may want to reconsider your choice of operating system.

No sh!t sherlock. I couldn't get into X because every time I tried running it, it would crash because the display drivers were messed up. And, no I didn't think everything would work flawlessly in Linux. It has problems like any other OS. Get off your high horse, because yeah, you sound like a snob.

 

[Tiger]

I can't believe Nvidia didn't mention the need to edit the xf86Config file.
The drivers are installed you just need to read the README that came with them for instructions on editing that file.
README's are a Linux users best friend.

 

[cleverhandle]

OK... so my question is the same: after X crashes, what does it say in the log file?

 

[n0cmonkey]

Also check out the Linux FAQ at the top. I posted a v0.3 nVidia driver loading FAQ and I need it to be "idiot tested." Try it out and let me know how it works for you.

 

[Valinos]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Also check out the Linux FAQ at the top. I posted a v0.3 nVidia driver loading FAQ and I need it to be "idiot tested." Try it out and let me know how it works for you.

bahahahaa

too late, i already installed over that copy of linux before i even posted. I was so fuxx0red I just wanted to redo it..I figured I'd come here and ask how I should properly do it before I fuxx0r it again

 

[manly]

In general, driver installation under Linux is a bit difficult but what's wrong w/ the official, comprehensive README.