Hmmm I'm having trouble working out exactly what you can and can't do.
So, how to get a console? Thanks for the input... ;)
If you can start a gnome session as Gareth's post suggests then you should be able to start an "xterm" (console) after the windowmanager has loaded.
If you DO get a chance to enter your login (user) name and password at ANY stage and CAN'T start any alternative windowmanager (as per Gareth's post), try hitting ctrl-alt-f1 at this stage INSTEAD of typing in your username and password.
