RH8.0 Install painfully slow, problems upon reboot

[dana_renay]

Less than a month ago, I sucessfully partitioned my 80G harddrive and installed Mandrake 9.0 from burned ISOs I downloaded. I had problems! Only the first install CD was recognized. After 3 burns of CD 2 and 3, I finally pulled all the rpm's from the iso, copied them into a directory and installed them all by hand. The mouse worked only during the initial install. X crashed and crashed. I couldn't do anything from the command prompt (lack of knowledge, not a techincal problem.)
I was able to get lots of fragmented documentation from this forum and the web at large, but couldn't really synthesize it all into a coherent picture of what was going on and what I needed to do.
So, I broke down and bought a big ol' Linux book, which included the 3 RH 8.0 CDs. I reviewed proper installation and configuration procedures at RedHat's website. I reread threads here pertaining to installation issues with DSL and the mouse (my two main concerns). I put my RedHat bible on my lap and started the install. After I made all the necessary choices, RedHat began package install. IT TOOK 2.5 HOURS!!! Now, I am running an amd 1.3Ghz processor and have a 48x16x48 CDRW. How could it possibly take this long? I allowed this install to complete. But when I exited the installation and rebooted my computer, my mouse didn't work. I navigated to the mouse config tool, but the only options there were the ones I used on install. I consulted my RHBible, and some printed material on how to edit the XF86config. I couldn't even FIND XF86config! Finally, while I was futzing around with the command line, X crashed for no apparent reason. I gave up and went to bed.
Now, I'm coming here for help.
[/B]How can I locate the appropriate config file to check the mouse settings (ZAxis mapping and such)?[/B] Exactly what to type in the command line would help since I don't have an understanding of proper syntax and command usage just yet.
I know that I can use vi to edit this file. I know how to open a file in vi from the command line. I know how to use :w to save and :q to exit. That is all I know. [/B]Once I edit the settings and save them, is there anything else I need to do to make the changes take effect?[/B]
Finally, I have some references on basic commands to use in the shell(including the NHF on using the command line) but I havent' found any good general information on proper syntax/structure when using the commands. I've followed exact instructions in the RHBible and have continually gotten errors of the "no such file" variety. It must be me, right?[/B]Any suggestions about where to go for a tutorial on using the command line?[/B]
I'd appreciate any help that anyone could offer.
Thanks.

[rid3r]

I am on RH7.3 right now, but basically they are the same; look for /etc/X11/XF86Config <-the configuration, edit as root only ;
issue a command to find out which programs to configure X available.
# ls /usr/X11R6/bin
if there is an Xconfigurator, go with it.
# /usr/X11R6/bin/Xconfigurator
what kind of mouse do you have?
# slocate -u --- to update your database (will take like 3 minutes)
# locate XF86* --- will search XF86... pattern
# locate XF86* | less ---so you can scroll using up-down arrows , <Q> to quit.

[rioguia]

errors of the "no such file" variety
i'm not sure i understand all the issues you are facing but i hope this helps.

1. is it possible that some of the "no file" errors may be due not being signed on as the root user? the command path (where linux will look for an executable file that matches your command) varies based on user id. usually root has the most comprehensive command path and the permission to use the most executables.

2. to find a file when you know its exact name, open a terminal and type:
whereis filname (e.g. whereis iptables)

3. if you are not sure of the file name,

find / -name '*partfilename*' (find will tell linux to start looking, using the "/" tells linux to start looking at the root of the file system, the "single quote and *" enable wildcard searches to match your specified pattern which in the example above is "partfilename."

[JohnT]

Well, I'll give you a chance to catch your breath. What type of mouse and what is the connection.? PS2? You can probably use "pico" or "jpico" both easier than Vi, starting out. From the commandline

pico /etc/X11/XF86Config-4

<editor of choice> /etc/X11/XF86Config-4


For Three button (wheel) Optical, w/PS2 connection. You section will look similar, not exact.

# Core Pointer's InputDevice section
# ************************************************** ********************

Section "InputDevice"

# Identifier and driver

Identifier "Mouse1"
Driver "mouse"
Option "Protocol" "IMPS/2"
Option "Device" "/dev/psaux"
Option "ZAxisMapping""4 5"

[dana_renay]

Thanks for the tips on finding the config file. Your advice should help me with navigating the directory structure from the command line. Maybe this time, I'll actually be able to locate the thing! Now, as to your questions.

1) Yes, I'm logged in as root.
2) I'm using a generic PS/2 wheel mouse. I have all the information on what should be included in the XF86config file, so I should be ok there. I'll let you all know how that turned out.

Any ideas on why my install took so long to complete? What files can I review to see if there were errors during the installation? Could this have something to do with X crashing unexpectedly?

[JohnT]

Any ideas on why my install took so long to complete? What files can I review to see if there were errors during the installation? Could this have something to do with X crashing unexpectedly?

Try turning off Plug and Play in the bios. When you get up and running you might want to visit this page........http://linuxnewbie.org/nhf/Hardware/Hard_Drive_Speed_Tweak_for_Linux.html

[dana_renay]

John T said:
Try turning off Plug and Play in the bios. When you get up and running you might want to visit this page........http://linuxnewbie.org/nhf/Hardware..._for_Linux.html



I was aware of this potential issue and did disable PnP in the BIOS before I began my installation. As far as "speed tweaking" is concerned, I've seen the file you referenced, and I think I'll hold off on that. I really don't want to compound error with more error...and considering that the install time went far, far beyond the norm on decent equipment I'm inclined to think there's some type of undiscovered error lurking.

[JohnT]

I was considering your transfer rate, when passing that link to you. If your under the impression it's something else what other indicators are there that I seem to be missing? You do have to consider the fact that you did a less than normal install, too.

[dana_renay]

Thanks to everyone for replying to my post. I fiddled around with the config files for a while, but the mouse wasn't even working properly under Windows XP, so I went ahead and bought a new mouse. Plugged it in and ran the mouse config tool and Voila! Even the scroll wheel works! I was able to configure my DSL connection, too. I actually played around in my Linux partition for several hours last night without wanting to tear my hair out, and I'm so very happy. Now I'm just trying to decide what to learn next!