[CentOS] Initial Boot from 6.3 minimal halts with strange video display

Mon Jul 21 18:32:05 UTC 2014
James B. Byrne <byrnejb at harte-lyne.ca>

I am using a Leveno M58 (model CTO7483 from 2008) for C6/7 experimentation
purposes.  The thing has a dual core and ~4Gb RAM with a (newly installed)
500GB HDD.  I successfully installed CentOS-6.5-minimal from a freshly burned,
and verified, DVD from and ISO image whose SHA has been checked and passed. 
everything about the display was normal throughout that process.

When the system boots from disk then I get the normal display up to the point
that the kernel is selected (whether by hand or automatically).  I can edit
the kernel command line and otherwise use the pre-boot selector facility.
After that point the monitor, a BenQ 17" LCD, immediate goes into what I can
only describe as a psychedelic snow field with two narrow black bands
surrounding a broader white band displayed at the top of the screen and a
single narrower black band at the bottom.

I have tried booting into RL3 by appending a 3 to the end of the kernel
command but this has not apparent effect on the outcome.

Any suggestions on how to proceed?


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