tyme

Download the package locally first and then install it (wget works well). trying to install it over the network like you are doing creates a high likelihood of data corruption, as the data isn't getting verified like it normally would with a local save (dropped packets == trouble). I would also recommend using urpmi instead of plain old rpm.

 

if you are managing several systems, and happen to have Mandriva Corporate Server, you might want to read up on urpmi --parallel.

How would I go about removing KDE 4?

I believe there's a metapackage that you can remove to do this, but I'm not positive.

I guess I can always install my 2008.1 again then do an upgrade.

When going between releases, fresh installs are usually less likely to have issues.

I would have to use the FREE DVD to get GNOME? I'll try the FREE later today.

If you're planning to install, you can install from One and then install GNOME once booted into your new installation. Just refresh your rpm repo's and use the software installer.

 

(this comment is more for others who may come along, as you've downloaded Free already, and your original issue appears to be a bad burn or download)

no central Gnome control center

I've had a central gnome control center for a while. It's in a submenu called Preferences - why do I need a windowed app for this? There's no need for it, unless you just feel like finding something to complain about.

the accesible settings are aimed for pure idiots

The accessible settings do more than what I need them to, and I don't think I'm an idiot. Are you saying that, if I'm happy with the settings made available, I'm an idiot?

while the rest are set via gconf-editor, which is simply a GUI which is by definition WAY more complex and unintuitive than any text based configuration file.

This is a funny argument coming from an XFCE4 user - you do realize XFCE4 uses some of the settings in there? And has it's own, not-so-pretty preferences editor in xfconf?

So, thanks for the fish, but no Gnome for me.

XFCE4 serves me mighty fine.

Good for you.

I was also under the impression that there was a 64-bit One. Sorry! :)

Here's my first 64-bit install. I have installed it using the 'free-2009-dual-arch' CD and it took me over 7 hours Tuesday to install this system (the mirrors where still very busy), but that was still faster than d/ling the 4.3GB DVD with my connection. :)

Why not just get Mandriva One, install from that, then add modify repo's and install programs after the fact? It should would have saved several hours.

# nano /etc/fstab

bash: nano: command not found

Here I thought Mandriva included nano by default :-/ - sorry, didn't know they didn't :)

What are the specs on this machine? CPU, Vid Card, RAM, sound card, etc.

Why stop at using nano, vim has syntax highlighting ;)

I don't need syntax highlighting for config files, only for programming. nano is good when you want a simple, quick text editor. vim when you need something more robust (and possibly have a death wish ;) ).

There certainly is one big culprit in there:

9.8 Compiz and Metisse do not work in KDE 4 if started via startx

...

9.10 Extended keys (multimedia keys) not supported in KDE 4

9.11 KDE 4 panel displays graphical corruption when running GTK+-based applications

9.12 KDE 4 cannot play many video formats as installed

9.13 KDE 4 applications cannot play audio CDs (digital mode)

9.14 KDE 4 does not suspend when laptop lid is closed

9.15 Bogus error message when entering an incorrect password to log in or unlock a KDE 4 session

9.16 KDE 4 applications cannot run as root via su/

 

Of course, it could be simply be that they're doing a better job of finding, reporting, and resolving the errata than in previous versions...(optimists view, right? ;) )

Do you mean to play an audio CD? You can't mount audio CD's, fstab wouldn't be the problem if audio CD's aren't playing.

I just assumed it was from a computer game!

That's the HDR effect (funny - this image is in the wikipedia HDR entry!). A lot of newer video games use this effect for lighting and rendering of scenes.

Wow, an errata entry that is specific to a single location? Interesting...

nano /the/file/you/want/to/edit

who needs a GUI app to do simple text editing? :P

be sure to comment out all of the ModeLines (I know you tried this, but are they still commented out?).

Did you check your hardware in MCC? Try switching modules/messing with the configuration?

We are getting closer to having a vaguely rational audio stack, which has never happened before.

I hope so. I've seen so many sound server issues crop up over the years - I remember the days when the answer to 50% of audio problems was "disable arts"

What version of the nvidia driver is in Mandriva 2009?

how many sound servers do we have to choose from now?

Will Grub update accordingly during reinstall?

Yes.

did alsamixer and/or kmix have a section for recording volumes? there may also be a setting somewhere for +10db mic boost, which is necessary with most mic's. other than that, sounds like an odd problem if it was previously working.

Turning it off as you did should disable it (it's always worked for me anyways - none of my keyboards have numpads).

 

Do you have a BIOS setting for num lock? What is it set to?

can you post the contents of your /etc/fstab file? let us know if you need help finding/opening this file.

[i have this beef with Software Installer: If you download a package that requires several files, then fail on downloading one of the files - on retry you have to download from the beginning again.]

I'm not sure how to do this via the GUI, but if you use urpmi through the command line --no-clean will keep it from cleaning out the cache. This way, it will store the rpm's that get downloaded for the session (in case you lose connection). Although, I thought urpmi only cleans up after a successful install.

you may need to make custom modelines for your monitor - do you know the model?

 

also, yes, please post your xorg.conf - it'll make it easier to show you what, if anything, you should change.