UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

I built a PC I intended on using to run Linux. It was using a AMD XP 2000 processor, had a 80 gig hard drive, and 256 mb of ram. I got it all connected and working and installed OpenLinux (from book "Learn Linux in 24 hours" that came with a instillation CD). My intent was to take about a month or so to learn the basics by following this book, then to later install Red Hat. So I installed this version of Linux and everything worked fine until the end where it was suppose to restart, but instead I got an error something like "Int... something." I forget exact error. So I turned off an on the computer. I could hear it restart, but this time the monitor would not come on. The monitor still works on my other computer (I have a KVM switch), but not on this. I tried the video card in another computer and it works. I tried reformatting the hard drive (by putting it into another computer and reformatting) then putting it back into the computer I built - same problem. Monitor wont turn on. What else could be the problem?

Do you see the BIOS starting up?
If not: there should be a jumper to reset it, on the motherboard (check the userguide for your motherboard)

Question? How can I tell if the bios is starting up without the monitors?

Thats a very old version of Caldera's OpenLinux packaged with the book. If the hardware is much newer, (which it is) then you most likely will have issues getting it to work.
I used OpenLinux a long long time ago, and it worked back on my then newer 200mhz box. But I've never gotten it to work on any of the newer equipment since then.

Does the monitor show anything at all, such as the POST? Which would be the memory counting, and alittle info about the hardware.

If this is true, then what you might be meaning is that the X server does not work. And that would be due to being such an old version of the X server not able to work with your monitor & video card.

Since you say you reformatted the drive, that means you had your hands inside the case, it is possible, seen this happen alot, where someone removes a hardware item and accidently bumps the video card slightly, thus causing the card to loosen in the slot. Try re-seating the video card. Completely remove it and then re-insert the card.

It is possible the first time, the X server failed to work, giving you a blank screen, and when you removed the hard drive, you bumped the card, so that the card now is the issue, while the first time was the X server.

Look for signs of the bios working, by the beeps or if you have a Optical mouse, if the mouse lights up. Not the surest sign, but it should give alittle clue.

the moniter actually gets no power? no light, no clicking sound, no nothing?

sounds like a hardware problem not a software problem.

and what locustfurnace said about old software not working with new hardware, in this case it is not always true.

if its for an x86 arch. it should work. ive had few problems getting old versions of linux to work on up to date machines. i am not saying that he is wrong, just that his statements were too general for you to regard them as an end all be all explanation for why your system isnt working.

id try another monitor on that box.

yes, any sign at all that the computer IS booting?

I've had similar problems with certain models of Compaq Presario desktops - where the machine would appear to do nothing - the monitor would remain on standby, the power light would come on the base unit, but nothing else. If you'd cycle power a few times - the thing would come up. I never really bothered investigating the problem further as these are my "legacy" boxes that I scavenge and fiddle with.

Even if you have really smart new hardware, you'll be able to get most of the oldest Linux distros running, even if it's in text mode with no sound, USB support, etc. It's up to you what you want to get out of the machine.

Also, have you attempted removing the KVM from the setup, and using the monitor directly connected to the troubled box?

As norsk said, are there *any* signs of life at all? Can you hear the machine booting even with the monitor "off"? If so, this is probably an issue with the KVM, maybe that particular port/channel is knackered.

Cheers
ZB

Things your monitor should do (depending on manufacturer and model):

(a) Switch on the monitor, don't switch on the computer: the monitor should go into a 'low power mode', usually accompanied by the LED on the front of your monitor changing from green to orange/yellow. When you switch on the PC the monitor should come back from the 'low power mode', the LED will be changing again.

(b) Switch on the monitor, switch on the PC:
(1) your graphics card should display a standard message (make & model)
(2) the bios should be displaying it's POST (=Power On Self Test: memory checking, detecting drives etc..)

If (a) is not occuring, and it is on your other PC, start checking cables. Possible remove the KVR switch.

If (b1) is not occuring, check your graphics card (again), possible switch it with an alternate card.

If (b2) is not occuring, start digging threw those cupboards, shelves etc for the userguide of your motherboard.

If I'm underestimating your tech-knowhow (or overestimating mine) I sincerely apologise.