locked out of system on upgrade..how do I get back? [SOLVED]

[papapenguin]

ok, so I lost my keyboard and touchpad on last upgrade...

I have X set to log into kdm, and on startup I lose the keyboard as soon as it starts...

I'm pretty sure that I have to rebuild xorg and it's dependencies...

...how do I get back into the system to do this?

thanks
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Compaq Presario V6120US
AMD Turion 64X2
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[tclover]

If you have ssh access, you could log in and... an easy way would be if you have a livecd/dvd or even an initramfs with a minimal shell: with an initramfs with minimal shell you could do something like `exec switch_root /newroot /sbin/init 2' and you'll be at console in no time (in single mode), rebuild your stuff... or just boot with a livecd/dvd and remove xdm from default runlevel. There're numerous manners to do it, just take one that fit your issue at hand.

[krinn]

if you use grub change your kernel command line to add S at its end, and you'll boot in single mode

[papapenguin]

thanks,

Ok, I edited my kernel command line and I'm booted it single mode, but at the (none) root...not 'my' root...I'm in a read only file system...

is there anything I can do from here? or do I have to chroot with a live cd?
_________________
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Compaq Presario V6120US
AMD Turion 64X2
------------------------

[papapenguin]

I can't remember, but isn't there a way to stop X from starting (during startu) and enter at root?
_________________
--------------
Compaq Presario V6120US
AMD Turion 64X2
------------------------

[krinn]

mount -o rw,remount /
and rc-update del xdm

[Aquous]

Or just boot normally and press alt+sysrq+r to take control of the keyboard away from X. Then you can switch to a VT/TTY (I never understood the difference; just press Ctrl+Alt+F1) and rebuild your x11-drivers. (emerge -1 xf86-{input-evdev,video-YOUR_GPU_DRIVER})

[papapenguin]

thanks all,

I added S to the end of my kernel command line in grub

then