seaken64
Well, it took awhile but I finally got this problem solved. As it turns out I did not have to change the kernel or compile an old driver to work. All I had to do was use some “cheat codes” on the boot line from the live DVD and add to a blacklist file in /etc/modprobe.d/.
Here’s what I did to get antiX-17 installed on this old Pentium-III:
After booting with the Live DVD I changed the F7 video selection to “default”. Then I typed in the cheat codes “xorg=nouveau” and “bp=b9” then hit enter to continue the boot.
A bash shell came up and I entered “modprobe nouveau”, enter, then used “Ctrl-d” to continue the boot.
Eventually the Live desktop came on screen. I checked the inxi, lsmod, and xorg. All looked good and setup for nouveau.
Ran the installer and then robooted. After booting the X system did not start. I came to a text login. I logged in and then checked inxi and lsmod. Nouveau was loading but so was the nvidiafb and rivafb modules. I was reminded by a forum member that sometimes the nvidiafb module has to be blacklisted for nouveau to work. So I added “blacklist nvidiafb” and “blacklist rivafb” to the blacklist files in /etc/modprobe.d/. Rebooted.
After reboot the X desktop came up. I logged in and then took another look at inxi, lsmod and xorg.log. It all looked properly setup for nouveau.
I updated SMTube and tried playing a YouTube video. It plays fine, at least for an old computer. Not choppy and it was in sync. Good!
So thank you all very much. I got these tips from here on the antiX forum and on the MX forum and I am happy to find that antiX-17 works great on this old P-III, even in 2019!
Seaken64