No GUI when booting a Xen kernel

This document (7000063) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10

 

Situation

When booting a system with the Xen kernel, the GUI does not come up. The system remains in text mode or is inaccessible from the console. When it is booted with a non-Xen kernel, the GUI comes up.

Resolution

Adjust the X11 configuration for use with the Xen kernel as follows:

  1. Boot the system using the Xen kernel, supplying the kernel parameter
    init 3
    to ensure the system does not try to bring up the GUI.
  2. Log in in the text mode environment.
  3. Rerun the X11 configuration as follows:
    SaX2 -r 0=vesa

Additional Information

Background

This issue is typically seen when a graphics driver from a graphics card vendor like nVidea or ATI is used instead of a driver that is shipped with the SUSE Linux product. Such vendor drivers generally do not (or not yet) support the Xen flavour of the kernel. The resolution steps force reconfiguration of the X11 driver using the generic vesa driver which is shipped with the product.

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

  • Document ID:7000063
  • Creation Date: 14-Apr-2008
  • Modified Date:24-Mar-2021
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

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