Close to the Gold...

[psyklops]

I close to getting my NVidia drivers working but I need to ask a few questions first. All goes well Ill have em in by tonight!

1. Im using the 2.4.18-3 kernel for the RH distro. Will the most recent drivers from september work for this kernel or should I use the april versions. I ask this only because the NVchooser doesnt want to cooperate with me...

2. Im new to Linux so Im not sure where to place the kernel headers. Would /usr/src be a good place to unload them? If not where?

I read the README file and understand how to config the XF86Config-4 file. I also understand its neccessary to run the -e option when installing the GLX_drivers to prevent some files from being erased. If Ive forgotten anything let me know.

[Anthaus]

1. It's not recommended to use kernel 2.4.18-3 (Redhat 7.3's default). Try to upgrade to 2.4.18-10 or the latest 2.4.18-17.7.x get it from redhat updates or use 'up2date'. Be sure to download and install the kernel-source for your new kernel.

2. The kernel-headers package is not necessary if you install the kernel-source (which you will have to).

3. When installing the GLX the old files MUST be erased. nVidia's OpenGL has to replace your old Mesa drivers.

As for the appropiate drivers, go for the tar files. You need the kernel and the GLX.

Decompress the tar files with:

tar xvzf <filename>

Do this for both files. Two folders should be created.

Get into the kernel folder and type:

make install

If you didn't install the kernel-source, the driver will not be installed. Yes, it will complain about the kernel headers, but you really need the kernel-source.

Get out of the nvidia kernel folder and get into the GLX folder. Type make install again.

MODIFY YOUR XF86CONFIG-4 FILE BEFORE RESTARTING. Re-read the release notes if necessary. You can modify the file with gedit.

Please, please, please install the kernel-source. Otherwise the tar files won't install the drivers. There are no 'maybes' or 'beginners luck' Without the kernel-source your chances of installing the driver succesfully are NOT next to zero, they are EXACTLY zero.

[psyklops]

Thanks for the info. Ive got one last Q. Does installing the new kernel involve recompiling the kernel...?

[Anthaus]

If you upgrade with rpms, no.
That's the way I upgrade my comps kernel.

rpm -Uvh kernel.blah.blah.blah.rpm
rpm -Uvh kernel-source.blah.blah.blah.rpm

reboot.

If you're using GRUB, the config file is updated automatically. If you use LILO, I'm not sure, but I think you will have to reconfigure it manually.

[Soul-Crusher]

Originally posted by Anthaus
If you're using GRUB, the config file is updated automatically. If you use LILO, I'm not sure, but I think you will have to reconfigure it manually.

LILO would probably require that he type lilo at the prompt. That's all :)

Good luck, and if possible get a boot disk or cd ready in case you are in fact using LILO and something goes wrong.