once again, another problem with loading X

now I'm at the point where this happens:
# ./startx
xinit: not found

so then i type
# ./xinit
and i get a page of messages saying so and so not found.

previously i had the
xinit: libXext.so.6.1 not found
error, so i typed
ldconfig -m /usr/X11R6/lib

is that the correct way to make the dynamic link editor aware that the X
libraries exist?  the FAQ file is rather unclear on this point, at least
for a beginner.  it also mentions something about editing /etc/ld.so.conf
to contain /usr/X11R6/lib.  however, my system does not have this file.
what's the problem?

tony nelson