Dell's new "Studio Slim"

[Krametash]

Hey guys,

It's been a while, but I didn't want to start a new thread(I knew I would get the attention of the guys I wanted posting on here anyway) *Really need your help here Aqua/Fox/Hackers and co.

Right so I finally got around to getting out the old Dell Dimension 8200 (2.4 GHz, 512RDRAM, 80GB HD, nVidia Legacy GeForce4 Ti4200 with S-video out). I was all excited about installing Ubuntu and stuff on it, so I hooked it up to the power, plugged in my keyboard, mouse and monitor, and hit the power button to see...............Huge multi-coloured lines and bars across my screen!!!!! Soon after I got the good old blue screen saying my graphics card driver got stuck in an infinite loop.......

So I figured I should boot into safe mode and download the latest nvidia drivers etc. But none of them worked! I even went onto the nVidia website that scanned my system to tell me which driver to download. Even that didn't work!

My questions:
1. If I was to take out the HD, wipe it, and install Ubuntu on it would it take care of the problem?
2.If I Bought another HD and set it up as my master drive and installed Ubuntu on it, and set the current HD up as my slave drive, would the comp boot up into Ubuntu? Or would I just get the blue screen again?

Thanks,
Kramer
_________________
2.2 GHz C2D MacBook/2 GB RAM/5400 rpm 120 GB HD
iPod Nano 8GB
500GB FW400 Neil Poulton Lacie external HD
20" Samsung Widescreen display

[Fox]

On the one hand, I have read in many places that nVidia cards (especially legacy ones) are a challenge to Linux (because of the lack of open source drivers). On the other hand, I have found that of the distros I've tested, Ubuntu is one of the worst at figuring out proper video, especially at boot-up. I have experienced this on a Pentium 4, a PowerBook and to a lesser extent, on a netbook (only splash image distortion in the latter).

What you might consider trying is starting over and reinstalling a more video-friendly distro. Ones that have the reputation of good hardware sensing include Linux Mint, SimplyMEPIS, and PCLinuxOS. I think that all three are based on Ubuntu or Debian, so their operation should be familiar to you. Alternatively, try Debian itself.
_________________
Mini 1: 2.3 ghz Core i5; 8 gb RAM, Corsair 240gb SSD, 500 gb Seagate XT
Mini 2: 2.26 ghz Core 2 duo, 8 gb RAM, 500 gb Seagate
Also a Cube, 13" MacBook Air, 20" 2.66 ghz iMac & 11.6" Acer 1810TZ running Ubuntu, Mint & openSuse

[Aquafire]

Kramer,

Judging without seeing is difficult, but here is what I think.

It is a process of elimination.

I suggest you divide the problem into two categories.

1. Physical components

2. Software...aka OS's

To start with, do the physical tests first.

Make sure all the parts are clean of dust etc This is particularly beneficial to the working life of the machine.

Externally.

After cleaning, re-connect everything that would normally be connected : and nothing more. Ie Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor only. Don't connect anything else.

Internally.

Check the Ram is seated properly.

Check that the Video card is seated properly.

Check all internal ide/sata cable connections to the drive etc.

(I should ask if this is the monitor / Vcard etc that all came as stock standard componentry with your Dell machine).

Then restart the machine and see if it boots into windows 2000 / Xp .

I presume the machine has some sort of OS on it...

Let us know if the machine behaves properly up to that stage.

Aqua
_________________
Of the four X systems in the world.

Which would you choose?

OS X : LinuX : UniX or MS-BolloX.

[iMav]

[Aquafire]