Hi again List, I think the root of my problem is this clock timer error. It reads: Clock timer configuration lost: Probably a VIA 686a motherboard: Restoring chip configuration. This error writes itself across the screen every few seconds. No matter where I am. Logged in as root or user, or not at all. Even during trying to run XFdrake. I am beginng to think I should try to install all over again. By the way, my bios is set to boot into the cdrom drive first, but when I try to get the install to start all over again, it just keeps booting into the hard drive. I wonder what's the best way round that. Maybe mount the cdrom from the prompt? Thank you all for replying about how to shut down Linux from the prompt. I have now become an expert at shutting down! I think this is the devious thing about Linux, it throws you a bunch of errors and curve balls at first and forces you to learn a few prompt commands! I suppose it can't hurt! Mick
