7. Checking Compatibility of Video Hardware

In the following, we assume that you want to install XFree86/OS2 on a disk drive with the letter Y: (which you probably don't have). Change the letter in all commands accordingly.

1. Obtain the package Xbase and install it from the root directory of the Y: drive, by entering the following commands:

   [C:\] Y:
   [Y:\] cd \
   [Y:\] unzip \path_of_package\Xbase.zip
   

2. Edit your CONFIG.SYS file to contain the following line somewhere:

   DEVICE=Y:\XFree86\lib\xf86sup.sys
   

   Of course replace ``Y:'' with the correct drive letter.
3. At this point, you may consider to add the variables required for XFree86/OS2 as well, which will save you from one additional reboot. Refer to section Adding Variables to CONFIG.SYS below.
4. After adding the device driver entry to the CONFIG.SYS file, you must reboot to install the driver. XFree86/OS2 will not work without this driver.
5. Start a full screen OS/2 CMD session and enter the following command:

   [C:\] Y:\XFree86\bin\SuperProbe
   

6. This command will (normally) report important information about your video configuration, i.e. the type of chipset, the available video memory and the RAMDAC circuit available. Please write this down or redirect the output of ``SuperProbe'' into a file by entering:

   [C:\] Y:\XFree86\bin\SuperProbe >filename
   

7. SuperProbe can identify many more video cards than are supported by XFree86. In some cases, SuperProbe unfortunately detects a wrong card, often it claims to have seen a MCGA card which is some sort of a fallback. Generally, if it is approximately right, there are only few reasons for doubts; if it is totally off (e.g. saying it has seen a ET4000, and you have a Cirrus card), you should report a mis-detection as a bug to the given address. In all cases, please take the few minutes and check the accompanying README.* files to check for special precautions, options, or features of the card.
8. If the README files tell you that your hardware is supported, please obtain the rest of the software.