Issues installing Ubuntu

[stefanjan]

I am a complete Linux newbie having problems getting Ubuntu to work.

I successfully downloaded Ubuntu 10.10, created the CD and installed in dual boot on my spare laptop with Vista.

Installed Apache, MySql, PHP (it wasn't completely clear which versions I needed but think I got it right). And installed updates

Everything seemed to work OK and I successfully tested the Web Server by using the URL http://127.0.0.1

However when I rebooted I got a screen asking for password. I was not able to proceed further because the keyboard did not type in the password field.

After switching off and restarting, Ubuntu displays for a while but impossible to interact with the screen and then I get a gray screen.

If I start in Ubuntu recovery mode I also get a gray screen.

[howefield]

However when I rebooted I got a screen asking for password. I was not able to proceed further because the keyboard did not type in the password field.

It is meant to be that way. You won't see the password being entered but it is.

A little bit of security.

[stefanjan]

Thanks for that.

So I guess that I've broken Ubuntu by switching it off at the password screen!

Now I don't see the password screen.

Can I recover from this or do I need to start again by installing Ubuntu?