Recent install of Debian 7 graphical issue

[bored]

Hi all. I recently installed Debian 7 on an old desktop and after boot up, the desktop has some distortions and when trying to open applications, all I get is a blank box and I'm not sure why. I assumed it has to do with resolution. Does anyone know why this happens and how to fix it? Thanks.

[Wheelerof4te]

Debian 7 is EOL. Install either 9 or the current 10.

[bored]

Debian 7 is EOL. Install either 9 or the current 10.

How can I avoid this issue with the installation of a newer version of Debian?

Edited: Actually, not sure either of those would work on a Dell Dimension 4600.

[Wheelerof4te]

Try antiX on that:
https://antixlinux.com/

[Soul Singin']

In principle, I agree that a more recent version of Debian would be better. You can run a recent release on old hardware.

But before doing a whole reinstall, try a different desktop environment first to see if the issue is GNOME specific or occurs regardless of desktop environment. Such a test might help you isolate the issue and identify its cause.

[oswaldkelso]

On a machine that old the first thing I'd do is find a known to work xorg.conf file.

search for one for your specific graphics card. If my quick search is correct it's either intel onboard or ATI Radeon 9800 Pro

Some one here was saying to add this. but do your own research as I skimmed.
https://forum.peppermintos.com/index.php?topic=6749.30

Code: Select all

Section "Device"
        Identifier "Intel Graphics"
       	Driver "intel"
	Option "AccelMethod" "uxa"
EndSection

I agree Antix maybe a sound choice iirc it has very good card detection.

[bored]

In principle, I agree that a more recent version of Debian would be better. You can run a recent release on old hardware.

But before doing a whole reinstall, try a different desktop environment first to see if the issue is GNOME specific or occurs regardless of desktop environment. Such a test might help you isolate the issue and identify its cause.

On a machine that old the first thing I'd do is find a known to work xorg.conf file.

search for one for your specific graphics card. If my quick search is correct it's either intel onboard or ATI Radeon 9800 Pro

Some one here was saying to add this. but do your own research as I skimmed.
https://forum.peppermintos.com/index.php?topic=6749.30

Code: Select all

Section "Device"
        Identifier "Intel Graphics"
       	Driver "intel"
	Option "AccelMethod" "uxa"
EndSection

I agree Antix maybe a sound choice iirc it has very good card detection.

Thanks so much for this advice, guys. This gives me a good starting point to troubleshoot.