Other Help Topics :: Old pavilion desktops



I've had a couple old HP Pavilion desktops dropped in my lap recently.  One is an XE744 and the other is a 510c.  Neither currently has a functioning operating system.  Both have faster processors than my current ancient machine, so I thought I would load DSL and "upgrade".

The  problem is that both machines pass a bad video code and eventually boot into an unreadable screen.  I've tried "vga=" cheat codes and none of them seem to do the trick.  

Can anyone point me in the right direction?
edited/removed - Oops, I didn't read that correctly. The other advice from curaga and skaos should be adequate to get you to a prompt.
vga=normal works always, it is a text mode
You could try "dsl 2" at the boot prompt to boot into command line. Then you can use "Xvesa -listmodes" to see which resolutions and colour depths your graphics cards support. Also try "lspci" to list what cards you have.
Thanks for the replies, but I have only bad news.

vga=normal didn't work.

dsl 2 got me into a command line, which would be great if I wanted to run a server of some kind.

Xvesa -listmodes
tells me  1024x768x8  is on the list.  The other modes listed are all four color or monochrome.

lspci
tells me the card is an 82810 CGC (i810)

The error I keep getting is:
You passed an undefined mode number
press return to see video modes available

When I press return, it gives me a list of column and row possibilities.  I think I've tried them all with no success.

Usually when it starts X, the screen blinks a bunch of times as if it's making a number of attempts (probably trying different settings) and finally goes to a screen of very colorful snow.  It's rather attractive, but not very useful.  Once, but only once, it said no suitable xserver found for your card and dropped me back to the command line.

I'm thinking this old hardware is just not compatible with X.

Dang.  Now I'll have to pay to get two free computers recycled.  The garbage police around here are very strict about electronics in the trash.
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