For some reason, Linux Ubuntu 7.1 has changed monitor setup and now I'm unable to read the screen in order to reconfigure it. Is there a way to enter a configuration menu before Linux starts up, or while it is starting up? Thanks

Try this:

After starting up, hit control+alt+F1 to switch to text mode. Log in and issue this command:


That will back up the current xorg.cong file to xorg.cong.bak

Now type:


to reconfigure the xserver. It will ask you some questions about your hardware. If you make a mistake, just rerun the command.


Then reboot (sudo reboot). Any better?

Thanks Andrew. Don't know why this happened in the first place, but that did the trick. Up and running again!

good

Not a newb, but I have occasionally run into an xserver crash due to adding an LCD monitor with different refresh rates than a CRT that was used during original install.

Just curious...why are standard LCD refresh rates and resolutions not included in the xorg configuration of most distros as a default protection against this problem. I notice that several resolutions in my xorg are listed. Why not all the others that a user is likely to encounter?

Thanks

I believe that the Resolutions available are set by the video driver in most cases, as for the refresh rates if you reconfigure X (from a shell) like Amazing Andrew showed above it should detect your Monitor Settings if you switch monitors, also some older monitors didnt support auto-detection (its an extra wire going to a formerly unused pin on the VGA connector) and that can wreck havoc when attempting to configure X. (Nothing like setting the Resolution and Refresh manually, fun fun fun).

LCD screens are great, light weight and all.....The one gripe I have with
both my LG 19" and a new Acer 19" is "Why the heck didn't they
least make the brightness and contrast controls easier to adjust..I have
trouble doing that with either one..a real pain if you ask me...seems that
should be the easiest thing in the world to do. Sounds like that was a
negative thing to say....but for me it's the truth and I'm sticking to it.

Changing the brightness on my LCD is not hard. It's also an Acer 19 inch...

And? How did you do it?

through the user menu on the monitor. Same as my Dell and KDS montiors do

What he said!

Thanks guys, I have the ACER monitor brightness and contrast
to my liking.....I put in the CD that came with it and downloaded
Display Management and was able to change everything from there.
We also had a power "burp" here about the same time I was making
the changes. I tried that yesterday but when I changed anything a
prompt came up telling me I wasn't in compliance with the factory
settings.....so when I tried to leave, everything was back to where
it was originally....Now, though I have it.
Many thanks again.