Red Hat Linux 8.0: The Official Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide
Prev | Chapter 9. Audio, Video, and General Amusement | Next

# Troubleshooting Your Video Card

Video card configuration is handled during the Red Hat Linux installation (see the Official Red Hat Linux Installation Guide). However, if you did not choose to configure a video card at that time, or if you need to reconfigure your settings, you can use the X Configuration Tool utility. You will want to do this, for example, if you install a new video card.

| Note
| The X Configuration Tool will backup your system's original video configuration file to `/etc/X11/XF86Config.backup` in case you need it to switch back.

To run the X Configuration Tool, click Main Menu => System Settings => Display. A pop-up window will prompt you for your root password. You can also start from a shell prompt by typing the command `redhat-config-xfree86`, which will then prompt you to input your root password. If you are working from a shell prompt and X is not working, `redhat-config-xfree86` will attempt to start a minimal X session to allow you to continue your configuration. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen. X Configuration Tool will attempt to automatically configure your video card and monitor settings for you. Figure 9-6 shows the Advanced tab for configuring your video devices manually.

Figure 9-6. X Configuration Tool

To configure your monitor manually, click the Advanced tab, then click the Configure... button next to the Monitor Type entry. A pop-up window will display a list of monitor models. Choose your model and click OK. You can also let X Configuration Tool probe your monitor for the correct model and vertical/horizontal frequency settings.

To configure your video card manually, click the Advanced tab, then click the Configure... button next to the Video Card entry. A pop-up window will display a list of video card models. Choose your model and click OK. You can also let X Configuration Tool probe your video card for the correct model and settings by clicking the Probe Videocard button.

When you have finished reconfiguring your video card and monitor, you should be able to start an X session and enjoy your graphical desktop environment.

Prev | Home | Next
Troubleshooting Your Sound Card | Up | Games