it is RH9....yes...i remember loading some gcc package....(i guess)
but i m not sure if the problem occured immediately after that.....

when i try startx.....it fails.

Actually...it was configured to boot up in the GUI mode....
but now when it boots up.....the login prompt appears ..but before i cud type nething...there are a series of 'yes' 'no' options are given to choose....then finally it gives the login prompt again...

now i m able to login and i get the prompt....