FC5: X won't start

[Sam Varshavchik]

Mikael Rasmussen writes:

> No something else must be wrong.
> 
> I have installed the latest kernel (2.6.16-1.2096_FC5)
> I have installed the latest NVIDIA driver (NVIDIA-Linux-x86-1.0-8756)
> 
> All I get is a black screen, with a blinking dash in the top left corner, 
> and a big white mousecursor.
> 
> I have even tried to reinstall without any luck

Take it up with Nvidia.  Nvidia is a closed, proprietary software driver 
that cannot be debugged.  Furthermore, depending on how you've installed it, 
Nvidia's scripts often overwrite key xorg libraries, permanently screwing up 
your system completely, beyond all repair.

If you want to use non-free software, other Linux distributions are more 
appropriate.  Fedora's designed to run free software only.  If you want to 
continue to try to fix whatever the problem is, you must do the following.

1.  Remove all nvidia software
2.  Remove the kernel RPMs
3.  Remove all xorg RPMs
4.  Reinstall all xorg and kernel RPMs
5.  Use "rpm -V" to verify that all xorg and kernel RPM packages have 
been succesfully restored, without being tampered by nvidia's binary blobs
6.  Use system-config-display to generate a fresh xorg configuration
7.  Try to start X

Only if Xorg still fails to start, at this point, will anyone who's really 
knowledgeable on X matter will be able to help you.  Then, after X starts, 
you can try reinstall Nvidia's non-free drivers.  If X continues to work, 
congratulations, you've fixed whatever was broken.  If X stops working 
again, take it up with Nvidia.

But, if the reason you posted here is only to get help with Nvidia's 
software, then this is the wrong place to ask for help.  You'll help a 
better chance of getting help from Nvidia's forums, instead of this mailing 
list.

I can guarantee you, that, as soon as you've mentioned Nvidia's binary blob, 
all the experienced technical people around here have automatically tuned 
you out.  Loading Nvidia's non-free driver, into a system that's based on 
free software components only, is analogous to peeling off the "removing 
this sticker voids warranty" on electronics gear.


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