On Thu, 29 Aug 1996, John Ostrowick wrote:

> when i try to start the xserver by running xinit, it works, flashes the
> desktop pattern and the x cursor, then exits with an error message which i
> do not have enough time to read because it then clears the screen.

What are you using for a .xinitrc?  (You should really try the system
default, first.)  If .xinitrc exits, X will terminate.