I’m completely new to Linux in general. I was trying to get help on an the IRC channel to help with a codec issue and someone told me to install x11 something something (it’s basically team viewer for linux). He helped me out and updated my system using sudo -dup or something like that. Afterwards I tried to boot into OpenSUSE but a white screen shows at the end of it. I tried to use the “snapper rollback” but for some reason it would not let me, and I’ve tried to use an install USB to recover it but it won’t let me either. Keep in mind my system probably isn’t screwed up but I can’t access it because I don’t know the correct procedure. Could anyone help me out? I’m on Windows right now (I have a dual boot going).
I have no idea what the random person on the net was doing but it certainly had nothing to do with codecs.
It sounds like they messed with you video driver. X11 is part of the video chain not the audio
If you are new I’d advise you not to use Tumbleweed. Think of it as advanced Linux not beginner Linux. Stick with one of the more static versions ie 13.2 or in a week or 2 Leap 42.1
In any case I’d reinstall (using a stable version not a rolling one). Since we really don’t know what that random person did because it certain did not deal with audio codecs
Since openSUSE is all open (notice name) software not proprietary codecs or other binaries are included by default but are available on a repository called Packman. Follow instruction at top in the multimedia section of this board
Will a reinstall delete my data from the computer (such as pictures, music, etc.), or will it only modify the OS?
By default it will only modify the OS. Unless you changed the partition proposal and don’t have a separate /home (user) partition.
Btw, if SDDM (the login manager) only shows a “white screen”, it typically is because it cannot load the selected theme.
Try to set another one in /etc/sddm.conf (in the “[Theme]” section), e.g.:
Current=maui
To be able to do that, press Ctrl+Alt+F1 to get into text mode, login as “root”, and open the file in a text editor.
I’m not sure what’s installed by default (vim definitely is, but it’s a but “unusual” to use), but one of these should work:
If you have a separate home partition then you can always reinstall without touching it. BUT you must take control of the installer since it can not read your mind and the default probably will not be right.
I’m completely new to Linux in general. I was trying to get help on an the IRC channel to help with a codec issue and someone told me to install x11 something something (it’s basically team viewer for linux).
did I understand this right, you let an unknown person that you met on an irc root privileges to your PC?
First of get a live version and backup your files to an external drive or a dvd or a usb, then do a clean install preferably of a more user friendly version like 13.2 or Leap which will come out in a week.
asking will a reinstall destroy your files is the wrong question, a better question would be are my files still there.
OK all may not be as gloomy, maybe the irc person was a nice guy and all he did was make a typing error.
Can you boot in console mode?
before the boot process go in to grub advanced settings and just enter the number **3
**then login as root ifyou can go in console mode see what repositories are active by executing this
zypper lr -d
post the output here, it could be a bad repository and a reinstall might not be needed.