Problem starting x server

[Adrian S. Glover]

Hello!   I'm new to Debian and this GNU/linux. I've installed from CD but the machine returns an error saying "I cannot start x server,  it is likely that it is not set up correctly etc etc". Then next screen says "warning process set to nice value 0 instead of -10 as requested etc". Next screen "would you like to run the x config program etc" then "I will now try to restart x server again" then "I cannot start the x server".   It either goes round in circles or I have to decline and get to the command prompt. The machine is not yet on either its network or the internet, the only way in is via CD (no-floppy).   Can anyone tell me how (in simple terms please!) how to get through this and bring up the GUI? I copied the CD from a mirror. I've tried the faq's and other lists.   Also I get loads of error messages, all the same, thus: ide2: unexpected interrupt, status=0xd0, count= (ascending number), I think it's because I've got a large SATA drive is this true? How can I lose the messages echoing to screen?     Thanks....     Adrian [EMAIL PROTECTED]