I have Red Hat 6.1, and it is shipped with XFree86 ver. 3.3.5. I found out there was a new version 4.0.2. (according to http://www.xfree86.org). Well, I downloaded the binaries and removed the old version completely from /usr/X11R6 and then I proceeded to install the new version from scratch. I followed the instructions in the Install document. Upon finishing the installation, I proceeded to run the setup utility: XF86Setup, but it just showed a gray screen and nothing else happened, I then killed the utility by pressing: ctrl-alt-delete. It seemed that it was unable to locate a font (Speedo), although it was installed too.

I then used another utility: xf86config in order to set Xwindows manually. When it finished setting it up, I was able to start Xwindows: startx. But now, Xwindows only showed a couple of windows (Xterm ?), but I don´t know now how to run GNOME or KDE? Should I reinstall those both Xwindows desktop in order that either one can detect the new version I installed?

Any suggestions or instructions to set up the whole thing together?

Thanks !

Try typing...

startx gnome

or

startx kde


I believe it has something to do with an XFree configuration file.... I ran into this problem but honestly can't remember how to fix it......

Thanks for your answer, but it didn´t help...
Let me repeat the steps again for you.
1. I installed RedHat 6.1
2. It works cool, Gnome and KDE desktops run ok.
3. I wanted to upgrade XFree86 to ver. 4.03
4. After upgrading, now I ain´t able to run neither desktop.

When I run startkde, some error messages I get are:
Kfm: cannot find link to X server
Krootwm: cannot find link to X server.
Kcontrol: cannot find link to X server.

and when I run gnome-session, this is the error I get:

cannot open display.

So, what should I do in order to set up those desktops in order to work with XFree86?

Thanks !

Did you install and compile the new X version in a different location, its like KDE or GNOME cannot find it where it use to be at.

I installed following the instructions of INSTALL file of XFree86. Moreover I used the script: Xinstall, so it must itself have taken care of any installation directories (/usr/X11R6).

Still having the same problem:
When I run Xwindows (using startx) there are only three Xterm windows and nothing else, I haven´t been able to start Gnome or KDE just the way I used to when I just installed RedHat 6.1

Thanks !