I found that it's the boot loader that sets the initial screen mode before the kernel is loaded. It is often set again during boot by programs that set the console keyboard and font -- and seems to be separate from the mode one is in during a graphical boot. I'm trying to figure out how to set that VGA mode from "userland" (running as root) just before jumping to a new kernel with kexec. If I don't, kexec starts the new kernel in a non-deterministic mode that displays mostly garbage on the screen up until the screen's mode is reset by console kbd+font progs. Alternatively -- I've also seen the screen go blank for the entire boot process until the system displays the login prompt. Does anyone know how to do set the VGA mode from userland so kexec will start in a known state? I don't think the method used in boot loaders would work, as I think they are making BIOS calls to detect and set modes... :-( Thanks MUCH!... linda -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org To contact the owner, e-mail: opensuse+owner@opensuse.org