In my original post on this subject, I didn't provide too many details, not wanting to muddy the waters with extraneous details. Probably I didn't provide enough information to accurately diagnose the problem. Thanks to all who have posted responses. Unfortunately, the solutions offered so far don't seem to correspond to the problem that I saw. Here's more detail: (1) I upgraded my ppp software for RH 5.0 using the latest RPM from a RedHat mirror. (2) We weren't able establish a ppp connection for non-root users, so I opened the graphical user interface netcfg to examine the ppp settings. (3) While checking around the various configuration options, I saw that the hostname was set to "localhost.localdomain." Since I will be adding a second home computer soon, both of them can't have the same host name, so I changed it to "unami". I noted that "Unleashing RedHat Linux" directs the user to change this, so I thought that it must be safe. (4) Upon rebooting, the TriTeal login windows appeared, but no one could log in. Not root, nor anyone else. (5) I booted from the Linux boot disk, mounted my normal /etc and grepped every file for "unami". The word wasn't found. I then went to /usr/dt and didn't find "unami" in any of those files, either. (6) I then set the TriTeal CDE configuration to not automatically start X by using /usr/dt/config -e, as directed in the CDE manual. (7) Upon rebooting, everything was fine except that I was returned to the TriTeal CDE login screen (not what I expected). I was then able to log in normally as before (as root or anyone). (8) Returning to netcfg, I checked the hostname, which appeared to have reverted to "localhost.localdomain". (9) Now everything seems fine again. So, here's my puzzle: -- What did netcfg change when I typed "unami" in place of "localhost.localdomain"? -- Why did that break my X login under TriTeal CDE? -- Why did it mysteriously go back? More generally: -- Why does "Unleaching RedHat Linux" say that it's OK to change hostname via netcfg if that breaks things? -- What hostname do I give my second machine if they all must be localhost.localdomain? When I was using Slackware, their GUI for system administration had an option to explain what files were being written after you finished entering configuration information. I would be great to see this in RedHat (perhaps it's there and I just don't know about it). Thanks again to all who replied. Even though I don't think the problem is solved yet, I appreciate your willingness to help. -- Edward S. Meadows [EMAIL PROTECTED] Department of Chemical Engineering Office (302) 831-0726 University of Delaware Fax (302) 831-1048 Newark, DE 19716 Home (302) 369-0777 -- PLEASE read the Red Hat FAQ, Tips, Errata and the MAILING LIST ARCHIVES! http://www.redhat.com/RedHat-FAQ /RedHat-Errata /RedHat-Tips /mailing-lists To unsubscribe: mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] with "unsubscribe" as the Subject.
